Computer Science

About Computer Science

Computer science is fast becoming one of the most popular degrees as it imparts the knowledge and skills to enter any industry. Every sector and industry requires computer scientists to develop programs and systems to make companies more efficient and modern. This means that computer science graduates will always have a well paid job. This will only increase with the growing advancements in technology and their implementation into everyday life.

The benefit of computer science is that you can start developing your skills when you are young such as learning programming languages, how various computer systems work, how new machine learning or AI are developed.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements will vary from university to university, however, all will require BBB or higher with most asking for at least AAA.

GCSEs that suit this Degree

Regardless of what GCSEs you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain GCSE will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of GCSEs which will help you with computer science:

• English Language and Literature *(required)
• Mathematics *(required)
• Double or Triple Science *(required)
• Electronics
• IT

A-levels that suit this Degree

Regardless of what A-levels you do you can always go down various career paths, but certain A-levels will give you an advantage and some will be required. Below is a list of A-levels which will help you with computer science:

• Mathematics
• IT / Computer Science

Duration of Degree

The duration of the degree is 3 years for a bachelors (BEng) and an additional year for a masters (MEng and MSc). You can also carry on and do a PhD which is usually 4 years.

Who This Degree Suits?

Every degree will be enjoyable and suit different personalities, below is a list of characteristics and personalities which will enjoy the computer science degree:

• Enjoy programming
• Interested in computer systems
• Interested in mathematical concepts

Module /Topics

Computer science has many topics that need to be covered, below is a list of the topics that will be in all university curriculums:

• Virtualisation and cloud computing
• Programming Languages
• Core computing concepts
• Ethical and unethical Hacking
• Application and web development
• Algorithms and modelling
• Networking and operating systems
• Systems environment
• Cyber security

Industry Sectors

Computer science allows you too apply to many different industries, below is a list of them:

• Tech
• Cyber Security
• Aerospace (Military aircrafts, Missiles, Space, Commercial airliners and general aviation)
• Finance (Investment Banking, Retail Banking, HMRC, Insurance)
• Government/Council (IT specialist, data analyst etc...)
• Energy (Combustion, Solar, Wind, Nuclear etc...)
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
• Scientific research

Types of Jobs

Computer science can apply to a wide variety of roles, below is a list of them:

• Forensic computer analyst
• Software developer
• Technical architect
• Web designer
• Web developer
• Computer game developer
• IT project manager
• App developer
• Cloud system engineer
• Cyber security engineer

Work hours and Salary

As a computer science graduate you will usually work 9-5 job, which is roughly 40 hours a week. Companies are more flexible now and would let you work from home for part of the week, which can help make work life balance more easy. The salary you will get will vary on your experience and which sector you go into, below is the average expected salaries:

• Graduate can expect £20,0000 - £37,000;
• With experience (3-5 years) salaries will rise to £30,000 - £50,000;
• Chartered or senior engineers (6-10 years) can expect £45,000 - £80,000