Computer Science

Your future career starts here. Learn to design and build computer systems on this Cambridge-based course, gain in-demand skills in our virtual NetLab and take up placement opportunities with world-leading local high-tech companies. Accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, this three year degree course leads to Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status. Choose specific modules and apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate status after you graduate.

Your course has a new home in Compass House, which extends our campus along East Road. With the latest technology at your fingertips, you'll be able to collaborate with other students on innovative projects to hone your skills.

Computer scientists don’t use computers like most of us do. Instead, they use them as tools to address important scientific questions, and to solve real world-problems. Computing can be amazingly diverse, including computer design, graphics, artificial intelligence, gaming, software engineering, programming and applications development.

Our course has been designed to offer you a wide choice of career options when you graduate. 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.

You’ll benefit from being based in Cambridge, home to the largest cluster of technology firms in Europe. Recently named the 'Best UK city to work in' you'll have lots of opportunities to gain relevant work experience locally and after graduation can expect an average salary of £35,000. (Glassdoor 2016). You'll also benefit from talks with industry experts who are regularly invited to give guest lectures and seminars.

You’ll spend lots of time in our computing labs, including a Cisco lab with hands-on routing and switching equipment and our virtual Netlab, offering 24/7 remote access to our Cisco equipment. You’ll have access to Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools, VMware IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools, plus mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

It’s not just about technical skills, though. You’ll learn to work effectively as a team member and become an independent thinker and a creative problem-solver who's aware of the social, moral and ethical issues relating to the impact of computers on our lives. You’ll also be given the opportunity to participate in computing related social and educational activities with your peers. Students have previously taken a day trip to Bletchley Park as part of their course.

Our course has been developed in partnership with professional bodies, the Cambridge Network, and national and international employers. By choosing particular modules, you can apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate.

This programme is CEng accredited and fulfils the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer when presented with an accredited MSc. In addition, the programme meets the educational requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.

This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, as well as the IET, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, both under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.