Computer science

Single Honours 

• Software Engineering 

• Cybersecurity 

• Artificial Intelligence  

• Data Science 

• Information Technology 

Joint Honours 

• Computer Science and Linguistics 

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science 

• Computer Science and Economics 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

Alternative options

• Foundation years If you don't meet the entry requirements of your computer science degree course, then you can complete a foundation year, which typically lasts for one year, and will bring you up to speed with course content and English language skills if necessary.

• Sandwich degrees It’s possible to extend your degree by an extra year, ‘sandwiched’ between Years 2 and 3, or after Year 3 of your undergraduate degree. This can be spent gaining experience studying abroad or completing valuable work experience. 

• Integrated Master’s An integrated Master's degree enables you to pursue a postgraduate qualification by extending your undergraduate studies by one year. This means you’ll complete a Master's degree at a comparatively minimal extra cost as an undergraduate course. 

• Degree apprenticeships These courses are a great option to earn while you learn, offsetting the cost of education while building valuable work experience as your employer covers tuition fees. These courses typically have a duration of between three and six years. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

To gain entry to a computer science undergraduate degree, you’ll need to have studied maths, computer science or another STEM subject at A-level, or equivalent. Most universities will also require strong grades for these subjects, and bear in mind that general studies and critical thinking are normally not accepted and won’t be included in your points total. Additionally, joint honours degrees may require specific A-levels depending on the second subject.

Computer science is a broad and rapidly evolving field, which can readily integrate into many other areas of academia and industry. As such, there is a large range of specialisms which can be studied which can take you on various professional pathways within computer science itself, such as research, analysis, systems development, management, or consultancy. Some of these specialisms include: 

• Software development Software development uses programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ to design, create, and maintain software applications for a wide variety of purposes. Developers collaborate to produce efficient, user-friendly solutions across many industries. 

• Cybersecurity Focuses on safeguarding computer networks, from unauthorised access, cyberattacks, or data breaches. Security professionals use encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to protect against threats, monitor performance and mitigate risks. 

• Cloud computing Cloud computing revolutionises the way businesses and individuals access and manage data and applications over the internet. It offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness by using remote servers hosted on the cloud. 

• Machine learning Involves enabling computers to learn from data and improve performance over time without direct programming. It’s one of the most significant fields within computer science in recent years and contributes to advancements in areas such as natural language processing, image recognition, and predictive analytics. 

• Networks Organisations use both wired and wireless networks to exchange information, and network engineers perform many responsibilities to make sure systems continue to function as desired, such as managing bandwidth, traffic, and the security of networks themselves. 

• Algorithms and data structures 

• Programming languages 

• Operating systems 

• Computer architecture 

• Database systems 

• Artificial intelligence 

• Software engineering 

• Computer networks 

• Human-computer interaction 

• Cybersecurity 

Studying computer science equips students with a detailed understanding of computing concepts and exposes them to an assortment of programming languages and softwares. It’s a highly versatile course, with elements of mathematics, logic, and technology incorporated into the curriculum. You’ll learn to develop software applications and analyse complex problems, gaining expertise in areas like database management, operating systems, and computer networks. 

Additionally, computer science education fosters critical thinking, the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, and a wide range of skills, preparing you for a wide range of careers. These skills include: 

• Data analysis 

• Problem-solving 

• Time management 

• Creativity 

• Communication  

In the UK, although there are no professional accreditations which are required to pursue a career in computer science, there are several regulatory bodies whose membership you can apply to for an added layer of professional credibility. 

These include the Chartered Institute for IT (formerly British Computer Society), and many computer science courses in the UK meet the requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). 

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is another organisation which offers student membership, and status as Member of the IET (MIET) when you graduate from certain engineering-oriented courses. 

Computer science overlaps so many subject areas that, depending on where your interests lie, you might find that there are alternative courses which suit your undergraduate and career aspirations similarly well. 

These may include: 

• UX design 

• Mechanical engineering  

• Games design 

• Statistics 

• Mathematics 

In today’s connected digital world, computer science is a highly versatile choice which can lead to a range of dynamic careers. As a software engineer, you can develop innovative systems for web users and mobile applications.

Your analysis skills are great preparation for working with large datasets, which applies to most modern business organisations. Your creative skills can open up pathways into innovative design work, whether it be for art, architecture, games design or product development.

Simply put, if it involves digital work then there aren’t many roles which you won’t be able to adapt your computer science degree to. 

Career options include: 

• UX designer 

• Multimedia developer 

• Software engineer 

• Data scientist 

• Cybersecurity analyst 

• Game developer 

• Web developer 

• Network administrator 

• Systems analyst 

• Digital artist 

• Database administrator 

• Machine learning engineer 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You’ll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in computer science or a related subject.