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
As a student at ARU, you can focus on the core elements of computer science, or specialise in areas such as software development, mobile applications, computer security, cloud computing, and network administration.
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 Redgate and Citisoft.
By selecting relevant modules, you can prepare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification after you graduate.
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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About Computing and Information Science at ARU
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Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.
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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’ problem-solving.
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Accredited by BCS and IET. We're also 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 with final-year options on human-computer interaction, and distributed programming.
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
Computing forms the backbone of almost every organisation. According to Discover Uni data for Computer Science at ARU, median earnings after 15 months are £25,500.
Our BSc (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 human computer interaction or graphics programming.
So if it’s the ability to bend software to your will that excites you, this is the course for you.
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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Hear from one of our students: BSc Computer Science 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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Get to grips with the inner workings of computers with hands on, interactive sessions. Take a virtual tour of our Computer Science degree.
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Work closely with students who share your interest in computer science and get expert guidance from academics who will support you through your studies.
Facilities
You'll have the latest digital technology at your fingertips in our Computing and Information Science labs.
This includes:
- 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
- Azure Dev Tools for Teaching
- access to AI lab/software packages, Microsoft Azure and VMware IT Academy
- mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.
