Computer Science

With our BSc Computer Science course, you will study the essential skills for computer scientists, including programming, software design, computer systems, networking and operations, web technology and computer security.

Computer science is the study of principles, applications, and technologies of computing and computers. It involves the study of data, data structures and the algorithms to process them. Computer science provides skills and knowledge which are essential in a wide range of computing and computer-related professions. It has a huge impact on modern society as it is the cornerstone of all of the digital technologies that we use in our daily lives.

During this degree, you will study the techniques that underpin such areas as complex computing systems, big data analytics, computer graphics, computer security, web technology, mobile computing and artificial intelligence.

Cover complex computing systems, computer vision, mobile computing, big data analytics and artificial intelligence, and get to grips with several programming languages including C++ and Java.

You will also develop your technical skills of programming, software design and operations. In addition, you will acquire a wide range of transferable skills that are sought after by many employers.

Our lecturers have expertise across a broad range of areas, with extensive experience in both academic and industrial applications, showing you how to develop and apply your skills.

There is a strong career management theme running throughout the degree, with a series of skills development opportunities for you to engage with.

In addition to these technical skills, we also teach transferable skills, such as team working and communication, which you will need for a rewarding career in any sector.

A wide range of software packages are used to support the computing curriculum, including tools for software/apps development, systems modelling, Computer Assisted Design and 3D printing, mathematical manipulation and more. There is free access to commercial software and servers.

Our degree programmes are also accredited by the British Computer Society – the Chartered Institute for IT.

**Placement**

If you would like to complete a one-year work placement in industry, you should consider studying BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year. Our dedicated placement officer supports students to secure a year-long salaried placement during their degree. We have built up relationships major companies over many years, many of which have their UK or European headquarters in the local area.

If you choose a four-year degree with the industrial placement option, we will also support you with placement applications. Previous and current placement providers include BAE Systems, Bayer, CGI, Clearswift, Eli Lilly, Evertz, Gamma Telecom, Goldman Sachs, GSK, HealthWallace, IBM, PepsiCo and Waterstons.

**Careers**

This degree will prepare you for a career in a constantly evolving field through the development of transferable and subject-specific skills.

Our graduates go on to careers in areas including networking, programming, consultancy, computer security, database management, game development and systems engineering, with companies such as Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Microsoft and Sage. Some of our graduates go on to pursue MSc and PhD degrees.

Many of the companies we work with visit the University in order to recruit our best graduates directly. Reading prepares you by organising mock assessment centres, where you will go through the recruitment process and get valuable feedback before you actually apply for jobs.