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BEng (Hons) Computer Science

  • Placement year available
How to apply Come to an Open Day

Introduction to our Computer Science degree

Find out more about our Computer and Information Science courses

Studying Computer Science at ARU

Learn to design and build computer systems: gain in-demand technical, development and engineering skills by joining our BCS and IET accredited BEng Computer Science degree in Cambridge.

Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023 logo

Study at an award-winning university

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

Why Computer Science at ARU?

  • Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.
  • Engage with real-world projects through our Live Brief assessments, set and driven by local companies such as Regate and Citisoft.
  • Accredited by BCS and IET and a Cisco Network Academy for over ten years.
  • Gain access to Pluralsight.
  • As a BEng, this course has an engineering focus through its final year options (on embedded computing, networks, security). You’ll have access to appropriate hardware, specialised software, our fully-kitted Cisco lab and our virtual Netlab (accessible 24/7).

What is a BEng Computer Science degree?

As a computing student at ARU, you'll learn how to work in a team, think independently, and solve problems creatively in our state-of-the-art computing labs. Our courses are very much hands-on and the assessment is based less on traditional exams and in-class tests (about 30%) and more on coursework assignments, reports and presentations.

Our specialist facilities include a fully-kitted Cisco lab and a virtual Netlab accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world, being the perfect places to develop practical skills and get experience of working with industry-standard tools, such as Microsoft Imagine Premium and VMware IT Academy. We encourage collaboration, so you'll also learn through activities with your peers, as well as lectures and seminars from industry experts.

Whether you want to work in software engineering, programming, application development, computer design, graphics, gaming or artificial intelligence, studying our BEng (Hons) Computer Science degree in Cambridge will give you the knowledge and skills to succeed.

Double accredited by two professional bodies, the BCS and the IET, our degree course will help you stand out to employers in a range of industries, both in the UK and overseas. With further study, you can become a Chartered Engineer, or you might choose to continue your academic career with a PhD in Computer Science.

Located within the Silicon Fen, the name given to the region around Cambridge, and home to a large cluster of high-tech businesses focusing on software, electronics and biotechnology, such as Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI, Qualcomm, Astra-Zeneca, etc., our BEng Computer Science degree course will give you the opportunity to meet and engage with a wide range of employers. There is also an option to study the course with a placement year giving you the opportunity to put your skills into practice at one of the many regional top technology firms.

Employability is embedded in the curriculum throughout the course, starting with access to Pluralsight, a professional grade online platform, which gives you enhanced opportunities to experience real-world professional training as part of your academic course. You’ll also be engaging with real-world projects through a range of Live Brief assessments, set and driven by local companies, across all years of your course.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities

Industry-standard facilities

As part of your Computer Science degree at ARU, you’ll have access to top-of-the-range equipment including:

  • a Cisco lab with hands-on routing and switching equipment
  • a virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment
  • Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools
  • VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools
  • mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

BCS 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.

IET accreditation

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.

Cisco Network Academy

Study with us and gain the skills necessary to gain the Cisco CCNA certification. As a Cisco Network Academy for more than ten years, our industry links ensure that you’ll be equipped to meet the needs of the fast and ever-changing world of computing.

Careers

Computing forms the backbone of almost every organisation, and computer science graduates can expect an average salary of between £25,000 (Save The Student, 2022) and £35,000 per year (Glassdoor, 2022).

When you graduate from our BEng (Hons) Computer Science course, you’ll have software and development skills that are in demand in a wide range of industries. You could be interested in positions in large tech firms or industries that require robust network systems, such as telecommunications or security. Plus, additional industries like aerospace, financial services, marketing, public service, the creative industries and teaching.

By choosing particular modules, you’ll be able to apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate – a valuable addition to your CV.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might choose to stay at ARU and study for a Masters degree, such as our MSc Computer Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

ARU ranked in the top 15% in the country for graduates in employment and/or further study (Graduate Outcome Survey 2023), and ranked third in the country for graduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We are also in the top 15% in the country for graduates that agreed they are using what they learnt during their studies.

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Simone Campo

”Our course is designed in such a way that I gained a wide range of skills from programming to networking. This has allowed me to figure out my interests, and what I want to do after my degree. Our academics are not only great at delivering modules, but they also give valuable advice about personal development and careers decisions. At ARU, students have a voice. Whenever I have been faced with difficulties, my academics have always managed to provide me with guidance and support. Our assignments are compelling. They allow us to improve our skills and to create projects that can be used as proof of our hard work when it comes to look for a job.”

Simone Campo

BEng (Hons) Computer Science

Apply now for BEng (Hons) Computer Science

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Explore Cambridge

Placement year available

You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.

Your guide to placements

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