Computer Science
Learn to design and build computer systems and gain in-demand technical, development and programming skills with our accredited degree.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS 2025
Our accredited BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree blends core computing with specialisms in software development, mobile applications, security, cloud and networking. You’ll learn in cutting-edge labs using industry-standard tools, tackle Live Briefs with employers like Redgate and Citisoft, and prepare for CCNA certification. With hands-on projects and flexible module choices, you’ll gain the technical, development and programming skills to launch a successful global tech career.
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.
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Discover why studying BSc (Hons) Computer Science at ARU Cambridge could be the perfect fit for you—watch now.
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Study in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen, a global tech home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more.
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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’ experiences.
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Accredited by both BCS and IET, plus we're a Cisco Networking Academy.
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Engage with a curated selection of training materials, providing you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills that align with industry standards.
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Discover a science/software approach in your final year with human-computer interaction and distributed programming modules.
Study at an award-winning university
We've received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of teaching standards. We were also proud to be named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023.
Careers
Our BSc Computer Science degree gives you the technical expertise employers need to design, build and secure the systems driving today’s digital world.
These include your skills in programming, software engineering, networking and cybersecurity, plus hands-on experience with emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing. With the UK tech sector booming with over 121,000 UK tech vacancies and employers facing a critical skills shortage, your skills and expertise will be in high demand. In your final year, you can specialise in areas such as human-computer interaction or graphics programming, giving you a wide choice of career options.
Teaching and modules
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 *.
- Introduction to Programming (30 credits)
- Computer Systems (30 credits)
- Software Principles (15 credits)
- Operating Systems (30 credits)
- Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
- Into ARU
- Database Design and Implementation (15 credits)
- Software Engineering (30 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures (15 credits)
- Network Routing (15 credits)
- Digital Security (15 credits)
- Computing Research Methodologies (15 credits)
- Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
- Image Processing (15 credits)
- Final Project (30 credits)
- Cloud Computing (15 credits)
- Artificial Intelligence (15 credits) *
- Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits) *
- Computer Graphics Programming (15 credits) *
- Distributed Programming (15 credits) *
- Human Computer Interaction (15 credits) *
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.
- Work placement
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Stiphen ChowdhuryLecturer
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Dr Mahdi Maktabdar OghazSenior Lecturer
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Dr Arooj FatimaSenior Lecturer
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Dr Razvan-Ioan DinitaSenior Lecturer
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Dr Ian van der LindeReader
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Dr Cristina LucaAssociate Professor
Student experience
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Hear from ARU Senior Lecturer Dr Razvan-Ion Dinita in this Springpod subject spotlight: Decoding social media: an exploration of programming and platforms. Watch the full lecture on Springpod
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Computer Science BEng (Hons) student Simone shares his experience of studying at ARU and why he chose to study here. "Since the first day here I felt heard, I felt valuable, not just a number."
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Gain hands-on networking experience in our Cisco lab with live routing and switching equipment.
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Get to grips with the inner workings of computers with hands on, interactive sessions. Take a virtual tour of our Computer Science degree.
Facilities
Based in our £45m Science Centre in the heart of Cambridge, you’ll work with specialist facilities across computing and networks, including:
- a Cisco Networking Academy lab with routing and switching equipment
- virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software
- Azure Dev Tools for Teaching
- access to AI lab and software packages, Azure Dev Tools for Teaching (formerly Microsoft Imagine) developer tools and VMware IT Academy
- mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Computer Science
Official student data
See student feedback on this course from Discover Uni.