Computer Science Degree

The world runs on computers, so completing an IT or Computer Science Degree UK can be a good starting place when entering the workforce. ICT mostly involves the operation of computers (driving the train, if you like), whilst computing or computer science involves the workings and programming of computers (laying the tracks and building the train). So if you’re asking yourself, ‘What can I do with a Computer Science Degree?’, you’re in the right place, as we’re about to show you where the IT train journey can take you.

What to do with a Computer Science Degree

One pathway is to become an IT consultant. This is one of the ICT careers which sees IT professionals working on systems, and in this case, it involves travelling to a variety of clients as opposed to an in-house role. A consultant uses their expertise to design and implement new IT systems to suit the clients’ needs.

Conversely, an in-house role might be a systems analyst, sometimes known as an application analyst. They work within an organisation to manage the ICT needs of the employees. This can be maintaining and improving the current software or systems in use, evaluating the technical facilities of their organisation, implementing new systems, and providing training for colleagues who will be using the systems.

This is another of the more mobile jobs with Computer Science Degree requirements, as they often need to travel to different sites to work directly with the clients and their hardware and software, which can also be good when they’re looking to increase their computer science degree salary with a degree in computer science UK.

You might, for example, work for an NHS trust and visit hospital sites to install and oversee new systems, or be employed by a bank and go out to individual branches to help with their ICT systems.

On a smaller scale, an IT support technician might work within one hospital, school, or bank branch, providing on-demand support, training and maintenance to the colleagues in that building. This can be face-to-face or remotely, via telephone and remote assistance. Similar support roles that benefit from a Computer Science Degree or an online computer science degree include IT trainer and customer support advisor. These are some of the more obvious ICT careers, but that’s not all.

What can you do with a Computer Science Degree?

Your knowledge of computers could make you ideal for a technical sales role, understanding the needs of the customer and the products best suited. Selling to organisations may involve travel and commission, making it an appealing option to ICT graduates with strong communication skills.

If you’ve built up extra experience with programming languages, maybe through module choices or hobby programming at home, you could use this portfolio of evidence to apply for a software engineer role. Software engineers can come from all kinds of backgrounds, including a degree in computer science, as long as they have sound evidence of their abilities.

One of the most fun Computer Science Degree jobs must be that of a QA analyst, testing video games, apps or software to identify bugs and test performance speed and usability. Because of the pervasiveness of technology, an IT graduate can work in the private sector, public sector, or within charitable and voluntary sectors - the world is your oyster, even with a distance learning computer science degree.

This area focuses on how we use computers and programmes, and students will find themselves developing skills and insight on how the machines work, and how they work for us. Computer science and IT has foundations in mathematics (especially with a mathematics and computer science degree), software engineering and user interface, which is usually covered in a computer science foundation degree and a computer science degree online as well.

What A Levels do I need?

Each institution requires varying computer science degree entry requirements, from BBB to AAA, depending on the university. Furthermore, certain places may ask for specific subjects, such as maths, or IT for admission.

Students are advised to research their universities and desired courses to establish what is required for admission – choosing the right university is essential. You can search UK courses here and search Computer Science courses here and even find some computer science online degree courses too.

You can also see our Computer Science personal statement examples; these will help you to gain an insight into what you need for your personal statement.

What are my study options?

There are many areas of computing to study and specialise in, from forensic computing to AI and robotics. The majority of computing degree courses last three years, however, there are some degrees on offer including a sandwich year, where students can spend a year working on a full-time placement.

A sandwich year offers valuable experience and networking opportunities which can aid employment prospects after graduation. If students choose a course with a sandwich year or placement year, then it will increase to four years studying in total; students tend to take their sandwich year during year three.

The degrees usually involve a mixture of theoretical and practical modules (and assessment) offering students academic and hands-on forms of learning. Students can study computing degrees in the following areas, BSc Computer Science, BA Theatre and Performance with Digital Media Arts, BA Computer Science and Philosophy as well as an MSc in Computer Science – which is a Master’s programme with a bachelor degree in computer science combined and usually takes four years. Mixed undergraduate and postgraduate programmers often require higher grades for admission, although a computer science top up degree might be enough too.

What should I expect from studying Computer Science and IT?

Candidates should expect a variety of modules – as Computing, and IT surrounds everyone in every aspect, every day! Therefore the range of areas to study is just as vast. Students will be able to specialise their degree from Programming, to Mathematics, to the History of Computing.

How will I be assessed?

Computer science degrees are assessed through examinations, coursework and project work where they create programmes or work against a brief to show they understand how to complete certain tasks, this will vary from each institution, by visiting university open days, it will help find the right university course, as students will be able to talk to students and lecturers finding out what modules are on offer and how the computer science degree courses are marked.

Mini-tests and tasks will take place through the academic year, which will be compulsory but may not have any weight in the final degree classification.

Why study Computer Science and IT?

Degrees in this area offer exciting and fast-moving studies, allowing candidates to combine their skills of problem-solving, creative thinking and analysis to come up with solutions for technological issues. Technology is constantly changing and advancing, offering never-ending learning and creating for graduates.

Computer Science and even a part time computer science degree offers individuals with rewarding and challenging possibilities as well as employment opportunities in nearly every career sector due to the high demand.

What happens after I graduate?

Nearly every single company or business uses computers, or at least some form of technology, meaning there will be organisations all over that value skills gained through this degree.

If students wish to branch out or to specialise, they can consider completing a postgraduate course allowing them to advance in their studies and look into law, or teaching with their knowledge, or even going and taking a degree apprenticeships computer science as well.

Will it help me get a job?

This degree will prepare candidates for the future, allowing them to explore several areas within the spectrum of computing, IT and computer science, giving them a better insight into the areas that they enjoy most, therefore you can also apply for a computer science degree apprenticeships, even with a part-time computer science degree.

What types of jobs can I get from studying Computer Science and IT?

From web design, game design and database administrator, to media programmer, network engineer and IT trainer, a degree in computing offers several areas of employment prospects for people looking for jobs with computer science degree.

What can I study after Computer Science and IT?

Master’s programmes are available in Data Science, Computing and IT, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering and Informatics, and Computational Life Science.

Famous Computer Science and IT studies alumni

Mark Zuckerberg, who was only 23 when named one of the youngest billionaires by Forbes magazine due to his invention of Facebook. Zuckerberg was attending Harvard University studying Computer Science and Psychology when the idea of the most successful social networking website came to him, but let’s face it, he probably could have had any jobs with a computer science degree that would have met his fancy!