DEGREE GUIDE

Computer Science

What do Computer Science degrees involve?

Computer Science degrees teach you how to design software, develop algorithms, and solve complex computing problems. You will explore key areas such as programming, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and software engineering. These courses help you build strong analytical, problem-solving, and coding skills while working with industry-standard technologies and programming languages. You will also learn about the ethical and societal impact of computing and how to apply technology to real-world challenges. Degrees often include hands-on projects, industry placements, and research opportunities, ensuring you graduate with the skills and experience to thrive in the tech industry.

Example
Modules

Introduction to Programming: Learn to write code using languages like Python or Java, building skills in algorithmic thinking and structured problem-solving.

Systems Architecture: Explore how computers work from the inside out, studying components like processors, memory and data pathways that make modern systems run.

Data Structures and Algorithms: Discover how to organise, store and process data efficiently, using structures like arrays, stacks and trees to solve real problems.

Common Degree Names

💼 A placement year is widely available and encouraged for industry experience.
🌍 Study abroad is available at many institutions, often as part of an integrated programme or optional year.

BSc (Hons) Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Cyber Security
BSc (Hons) Data Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Business
BA (Hons) Philosophy and Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Psychology
MComp Computer Science
MSci Artificial Intelligence

MComp and MSci are four-year integrated options that combine undergraduate and master's level study.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Computer Science is about problem-solving and logical thinking as much as coding. While you can learn programming on the course, mathematical reasoning underpins algorithms and data structures – which is why Maths is the most consistently required subject.

Universities usually expect:

Maths – essential for most Computer Science degrees
Computer Science – often recommended, but not always required
Further Maths – welcomed but not usually required
Physics – helpful for technical or theoretical courses

✨ Maths is the key subject and keeps the widest range of options open. Some top courses also have a preference for Computer Science and/or Further Maths.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in IT or Computing—usually with Distinctions in maths-related units and sometimes alongside A-level Maths
T-levels in Digital Production, Design and Development are accepted at some universities

✨ Requirements vary across institutions, especially around whether Computer Science at A-level (or equivalent) is essential—so always check course pages carefully.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most universities ask for:

GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 Some courses may ask for a higher grade in Maths (e.g. 6 or B).

If you’ve taken GCSE Computer Science (or equivalent), that’s a bonus—but it’s not required.

💬 Interviews
Most Computer Science courses do not require interviews. Some highly competitive universities (like Cambridge) may interview applicants to explore logical thinking and problem-solving.

📝 Admissions Tests

Cambridge and Imperial College London may require the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
Oxford uses the MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) for joint courses like Computer Science and Philosophy
Most other universities do not require an admissions test

🔍 Work Experience
Not required—but independent coding projects, online courses, competitions (like the UK Bebras Challenge or coding Olympiads), or personal software development all help demonstrate interest and initiative.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Computing or Engineering
If you don’t have the right subjects or grades (especially if you didn’t take Maths), many universities offer a foundation year that leads into a Computer Science degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Computing or Science)
An Access to HE course in Computing, Science, or Engineering may be accepted—but many universities still require GCSE Maths at grade 5/B or higher, and some won’t accept Access routes for this subject. Check carefully.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships like Software Development Technician, IT Support Technician, or Cyber Security Technician provide real-world experience and may support entry to university—especially when combined with further study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Computer Science degree

Is this a good fit for you?

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Interests that would make a Computer Science degree a good match for you

Careers a Computer Science degree could lead you to