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BSc (Hons) Placement year available

Computer Science

Learn to design and build computer systems and gain in-demand technical, development and programming skills with our accredited degree.

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, providing access to a curated selection of industry-approved training materials. These resources offer enhanced opportunities to experience real-world professional training as part of your degree. There’s also the option to take a placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.

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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.

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.

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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.

  • Discover a science/software approach with final-year options on human-computer interaction, and distributed programming.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

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
  • 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
Year 2
  • 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)
Year 3
  • 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) *
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

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 Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools
  • access to AI lab/software packages, Microsoft Azure and VMware IT Academy
  • mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

Careers

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.

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Entry Requirements

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UK students

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International students

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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.

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