A student working on computer code
BEng (Hons) Available in Clearing

Computer Science

Understand, design and build computer systems and gain the in-demand technical, development, and engineering skills with our accredited degree in Cambridge.

Start date
September 2025
January 2026
Location
Cambridge
Duration
3 years
UCAS course code
G400

Start date
September 2025
January 2026
Location
Cambridge
Duration
4 years with foundation
UCAS course code
G400

Start date
September 2025
January 2026
Location
Cambridge
Duration
4 years with placement
UCAS course code
G401
Top 10%

in the country for the number of graduates going into paid employment or further study.

Source: GOS

Get the knowledge and skills to succeed in areas from software engineering and AI, to computer security, cloud computing or network administration.

As a student at ARU, you’ll spend lots of time in our state-of-the-art computing labs using industry-standard tools, and take part in a range of Live Briefs developed with regional employers like Regate and Citisoft.

By completing particular modules, you can apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate – a valuable addition to your CV.

Accreditation

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

BCS Logo IET (The Institution of Engineering and Technology) logo
Why ARU?
  • Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.

  • Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers, such as Redgate and Citisoft to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

  • Accredited by BCS and IET and a Cisco Network Academy for over ten years.

  • Engage with a curated selection of training materials, providing you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills that align with industry standards.

  • Take an engineering focus through final-year options on embedded computing, networks and security.

  • Access relevant hardware, specialised software, our fully-kitted Cisco lab and virtual 24/7 Netlab.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Our assignments were compelling. They allowed us to improve our skills and create projects that could be used when it came to looking for a job.

Simone Campo, BEng (Hons) Computer Science graduate

Computing forms the backbone of almost every organisation, and computer science graduates can expect an average annual salary between £25,000 (Save the Student, 2020) and £37,000 (Glassdoor, 2024).

Our BEng (Hons) Computer Science degree is designed to offer you a wide choice of career options when you graduate as the final year enables you to specialise in subjects of your choice, such as AI, ethical hacking or computer networks.

Teaching and modules

Explore the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of tech—building software, experimenting with AI, and strengthening cyber defences in every project.

Razvan-Ioan Dinita, Senior Lecturer

As a student at ARU, you'll learn how to work in a team, think independently, and solve problems creatively in our computing labs.

Our course is hands-on, and assessment is based less on traditional exams and tests (about 30%) and more on coursework assignments, reports and presentations.

In your final year, optional modules let you focus on areas you're interested in such as artificial intelligence, network security, and cloud computing.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Computer Systems (30 credits)
  • Software Principles (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Programming (30 credits)
  • Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
  • Operating Systems (30 credits)
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Computing Research Methodologies (15 credits)
  • Database Design and Implementation (15 credits)
  • Digital Security (15 credits)
  • Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures (15 credits)
  • Network Routing (15 credits)
  • Software Engineering (30 credits)
  • Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Year 3
  • Final Project (30 credits)
  • Image Processing (15 credits)
  • Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
  • Cloud Computing (15 credits)
  • Artificial Intelligence (15 credits) *
  • Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits) *
  • Digital and Network Security Forensics (15 credits) *
  • Advanced Network Solutions (15 credits) *
  • Embedded Computing (15 credits) *
  • Computer Graphics Programming (15 credits) *
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Foundation in Engineering, Computing and Technology
Module details

You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.

Placement year
  • Work placement
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

Based in our Science Centre in Cambridge, you'll have the latest digital technology at your fingertips in our Computing and Information Science labs, including:

  • a Cisco and AI lab with high spec computers and hands-on routing and switching equipment
  • virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software
  • Microsoft professional developer and designer tools
  • access to AI lab/software packages, Microsoft Azure and VMware IT Academy

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply for Computer Science

Clearing places available

UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start

UK students

Call our Clearing line

01245 686868

UK students

Apply through UCAS for 2026

International students

Apply direct

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