BSc (Hons) Computer Science

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.
• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers, such as Regate 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.
• Gain access to Pluralsight – an opportunity to build business-critical skills through additional professional training.
• Discover a science/software approach throughout this course’s final year options (Human Computer Interaction, Distributed Programming).

What is a BSc Computer Science degree?

Computing can be amazingly diverse, encompassing computer design, graphics, artificial intelligence, gaming, software engineering, programming and applications development. Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree is designed to offer you a wide choice of career options when you graduate.

Based in our Science Centre in Cambridge, you'll have the latest digital technology at your fingertips, and collaborate with other students on innovative computing projects.

As you study, you can choose to focus on the core elements of computer science, or to specialise in areas such as software development, mobile applications, computer security, cloud computing, network administration and technical support.

Employability is embedded in the curriculum throughout the course, starting with 12 months access to Pluralsight professional online training courses for programmers, within the Introduction to Programming module. This gives you enhanced opportunities to experience real-world professional training as part of your academic course. There’s also the option to take a placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.

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

When you graduate from our BSc (Hons) Computer Science course, you’ll have skills that are in demand in a huge range of industries. You could work in telecommunications, aerospace, security, 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 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024), and 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We're also in the top 10% in the country for the number of graduates in employment and further study who 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.