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BSc (Hons) Computer Science

  • Placement year available
How to apply Come to an Open Day

Introduction

Find out more about our Computer and Information Science courses

Studying Computer Science at ARU

Learn to design and build computer systems and gain in-demand technical, development, and engineering skills by studying for our BCS and IET accredited Computer Science degree in Cambridge.

Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023 logo

Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Why Computer Science at ARU?

  • Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more – the perfect opportunity to connect with top employers.
  • Engage with real-world projects through our Live Brief assessments, set and driven by local companies such as Regate and Citisoft.
  • Accredited by BCS and IET and a Cisco Network Academy for over ten years.
  • Gain access to Pluralsight – an opportunity to build business-critical skills through additional professional training.
  • Discover a science/software approach throughout this course’s final year options (Human Computer Interaction, Distributed Programming).

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 throughout the course, starting with 12 months access to Pluralsight professional online training courses for programmers, within the Introduction to Programming module. This gives you enhanced opportunities to experience real-world professional training as part of your academic course. There’s also the option to take a placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Facilities and accreditation

Industry-standard facilities

As part of your Computer Science degree at ARU, you’ll have access to top-of-the-range equipment including:

  • a Cisco lab with hands-on routing and switching equipment
  • a virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment
  • Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools
  • VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools
  • mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Accreditation

BCS 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.

IET accreditation

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.

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.

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 15% in the country for graduates in employment and/or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023), and 3rd in the country for graduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating. We are also in the top 15% in the country for graduates that 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.

Matt Hayes

“Throw yourself into new experiences as soon as you get here. You won’t regret it!”

Matt Hayes

ARU Students’ Union

Find out all about student life

Apply now for BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Life in Cambridge

Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Explore Cambridge

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Placement year available

You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.

Your guide to placements

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