Computer Science Degrees

To prepare for a world that is increasingly reliant on computer systems and technology, computer science is an important degree to many coveted employers. Read our guide to studying a degree in computer science, including an overview of common course topics, specialisations, and career options. 

Course content

Computer science is a course which teaches students about building, programming, and maintaining computerised technology. It is a broad subject which covers a variety of topics and allows students to specialise in a number of areas. This may include topics such as: 

• Programming 

• Software 

• Data management 

• Cyber security 

Entry requirements

Computer science can be an academically demanding course. Therefore, it is important that students have a good foundation of knowledge. Qualifications in English or the national equivalent and particularly maths are compulsory to be accepted onto a computer science programme. 

For other subjects, the sciences, physics in particular, are very useful. Information technology is also commonly taught in schools and although the information provided is less comprehensive than a computer science course, it helps students to understand some basic ideas and principles such as computers, some essential programmes and data management. 

Course structure and assessment methods

A computer science course will have both compulsory and optional modules which allow students to learn plenty of background knowledge and then specialise in an area of their choosing. Some of the compulsory modules on a computer science degree course might include: 

• Programming 

• Mathematical formula 

• Software development 

• Graphics programming 

• Data science 

• Data security 

• System development 

• Algorithms 

• Hardware 

• Networks 

There are many ways that computer science students can expect to be examined during their studies. Traditional written exams are still frequently used to ensure that students are able to recall concepts. Practical coursework is also an important assessment method to make sure that students are able to apply the things they have learned and solve problems. 

Specialisations

There are plenty of specialisations for students to choose from when studying a degree in computer science. These include: 

• Artificial intelligence – a major topic of interest in the study of computer science, artificial intelligence is the development of computer systems which are able to perform tasks that previously would have required human input, including complex writing, suggesting medical diagnoses, optimising search engines and explaining mathematical theorems. AI is increasingly used in a variety of areas, including domestically, and so the study of AI allows students to be a part of its development and finding new areas it can be applied to. 

• Software engineering – the design, development and maintenance of software systems used by computer technology. This specialisation is similar to programming although it places more emphasis on the implementation and management. 

• Computer architecture – a study of the component parts that go into making a computer and how a computer is built and put together. This specialisation touches on principles of engineering, and it allows students to have an overview of how all parts of computer systems work. 

• Game design – one of the more creative specialisations within computer science, game design shows students the complete process of designing a game from thinking up a concept and storyline, designing the characters and the setting, programming, and troubleshooting. 

• Computer graphics – another more creative specialisation which is very similar to graphic design as it looks at the generation of images, models, and designs with the aid of a computer. There are a range of programmes which can be used to create these designs which students should expect to learn about. 

• Programming languages – there are several ways that computer programming can be written and students who hope to work in programming should become fluent in the different programming languages to easily build and improve existing software. This specialisation teaches students about these different languages so that they can become more familiar with them. 

• Cybersecurity – the study of technologies and practices used to guard against cyberattacks. Hackers can disrupt a computer’s software through malware and access private data such as banking details and confidential information. Studying cybersecurity will allow students to better protect a computer system against malware. 

• Bioinformatics – a combination of computer science and biological science where certain software is used to analyse biological information systems such as chromosomes, protein patterns and identifying genetic mutations.  

Career options

A degree in computer science will open the doors to a variety of career options. Some careers that students may want to consider are: 

• Software developer – someone who works on developing and maintaining the software for computer systems across a variety of industries. They work on software at every stage from design to programming and maintenance. 

• Computer research scientist – someone who conducts research in the field of computer science. They might specialise in topics such as hardware, software, data science, algorithms, AI and more. They will often work within a higher education institution. 

• Computer systems analyst – a computer systems analyst will also work on computer software however their job will be more focused on the maintenance, repair, and development of existing technology for a company. It is possible that they may also work with computer hardware to a lesser extent. 

• AI engineer – someone who can programme a computer to perform tasks which would otherwise require a human. Their aim is to help organisations become more efficient by using technology where possible instead of employing people excessively. 

• Business analyst – someone who analyses the development of a business or project to make sure it is running as efficiently as possible, reducing expenditure and maximising profit. They may work in one department or across multiple, making sure that systems and processes serve the customer or workforce, as needed. 

• Video game designer – a video game designer follows the entire lifecycle of a video game. They are involved in concept design: planning the storyline, characters, actions, obstacles, and levels system, the computer artwork to create characters and settings, the programming and the maintenance and testing of the game software once it is available for purchase or download.  

• Application developer – similar to a video game designer, an application developer is involved in every stage of the design and development process of applications which can be found on webpages, computers or mobile phones. 

• Database administrator – responsible for the maintenance of a system which is designed to store company data. They will need to make sure that the data is secure, consistent, and able to be accessed by the relevant employees. They would also need to have an emergency plan to recover data in case there is a problem with the system. 

• Web designer – web designers work with a person or company to design a website that is functional and visually appealing. Their role will include being a part of the design process, creating computer-generated imagery and writing the code to make sure that the website operates as it should. 

• Cybersecurity analyst – works with computer networks and systems to make sure that the data stored in them is secure. Their role is to analyse threats to these systems and to have a plan in the case of cyber-attack. 

• UX designer – user experience designers, or UX designers, are tasked with ensuring that a computerised product is working well and is useful for the customer. This role includes testing the existing software as well as understanding the customers' needs and intentions and considering how to improve it.