Are you a world-changer? Whether it’s finance, health, the creative industries or sport, the study of computer science helps build the technology that fuels future innovation.
What's on this page?
- Study options
- Subjects it's useful to have studied first
- Careers: Where can it take you?
- Getting in: Entry requirements
- Other subjects you may be interested in
- Explore further
- Chat to a current computing student
- Application advice
In today's technology-driven world, the demand for skilled computer scientists continues to grow across various industries. Studying computer science equips you with technical skills, from programming languages to algorithm design, opening a range of career opportunities. Whether you see yourself developing cutting-edge software applications, optimising complex algorithms, or pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence, computer science offers limitless possibilities.
It opens doors to high-growth sectors such as cybersecurity, data science, and machine learning, and the skills you’ll learn make you well-suited for roles in finance, healthcare, entertainment, and beyond. With the potential to shape the future of technology, studying computer science puts you in the middle of an ever-expanding field, ensuring exciting future career growth.
The impact you could make
- Help people work, learn and communicate better
- Play a key role in solving global problems, including climate change
- Develop technologies that can drive advances and even take us to space
What you might study
- Algorithms and data structures
- Database systems
- Mathematical principles
- Programming languages and software development
- Web and mobile apps
- Cyber security
- Artificial intelligence
Higher Technical Qualifications
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Higher Technical Qualifications
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees.
They have been specifically designed with employers to ensure learners get the skills that employers have said they need. They are a quicker and cheaper alternative to a degree and can lead to higher wages early in a career.
Example module "Artificial Intelligence: This module explores the theory and practical implementation of artificial intelligence techniques, including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and robotics." Second year computer science student, Queen Mary University of London Example project "Creating an internet-of-things application using an arduino microcontroller and sensors seeing it used in the real world has been wonderful, and integrating mobile support was very cool. I just like making cool things and tinkering around." Second year computer science student, Cardiff university
Maths
Science
Physics
Information technology
Hard skills you'll develop
- Understand all the common programming languages
- Work with data structures
- Knowledge of algorithms
- Understand cybersecurity principles
Soft skills you'll develop
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving attitude
- Adaptability
- Attention to detail
Studying computing at the University of South Wales
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Open Mic: Computer Science
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Available jobs 304,689 vacancies in past year 3% growth over next eight years Average salary £44,154 Up to £78,089
What is... a nanotechnologist?
Nope, we were stumped too. It’s someone who works with incredibly small things to develop new materials, equipment, drugs or tools. Nanotechnologists do their work with remarkable precision and control as they design experiments to work out uses for these tiny elements, from new technology to medical procedures. Studying computer science puts you at the forefront of innovation that is not only shaping the future of technology but also paving the way for solutions to some of society's most pressing issues.
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study computer science at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from computer science applicants
A levels BBC Scottish Highers AAABB Vocational Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Computing, SVQ IT Professionals - SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Digital and IT apprenticeships
Check out our industry guide to help you decide if an apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.
Specific entry requirements vary considerably, depending on the focus of the course. For example, a very theoretical course may require A level Mathematics, whereas Business IT programmes would probably not ask for any science background beyond GCSE. Few courses specify A level Computing or equivalent.
Other subjects you may be interested in
- Computer games and animation
- Engineering and technology
- Software engineering
- Digital media, production and technology
- Graphic design
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Find out more
Read our guide to IT and digital apprenticeships.
Let's talk about... IT and digital apprenticeships
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Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in information and communication technology.
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Chat to a current computing student
Chat to a current computer science student using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
Want to find out what studying computing is like?
Chat now to current students who can tell you all about it.
Skills, experiences and interests to mention
- Are you good at problem solving? Do you enjoy playing games like Minecraft?
- Have you ever coded something? Maybe you’ve used Raspberry Pi or have done CodeClub
- Can you confidently discuss the debate around happens to our personal information online?
- Could you talk about the benefits of AI and how it will change the world of work?
- Teamwork and communication is really important in this field. Have you ever been part of a team? Maybe a hackathon or even a sports team? Have you ever organised an event at school?
We asked admissions tutors to share their dos and don’ts for writing a strong and engaging computer science personal statement. Here's what they told us.
Explore courses
Computer Science
University of Bolton
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Bolton · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 96/96
Computer Science
University of Huddersfield
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Huddersfield · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 112/120
Computer Science
University of Leeds
MEng (Hon) · 4 Years · Full-time · Leeds · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 144/160
Computer Science
University of Salford
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Salford · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 112/120
Computer Science
De Montfort University
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Leicester · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 112/112
Computer Science
University of Warwick
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Coventry · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 160/160
Computer Science
Aston University, Birmingham
BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Sandwich · Birmingham · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 104/128
Computer Science
Bangor University
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Bangor, Gwynedd · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 120/128
Computer Science
Birmingham Newman University
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Birmingham · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 112/112
Computer Science
Canterbury Christ Church University
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Canterbury · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 112/112
Computer Science
Cardiff Metropolitan University
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Cardiff · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 104/112
Computer Science
Edinburgh Napier University
BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time · Edinburgh · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 104/112
Computer Science
University of Hertfordshire
BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Full-time with time abroad · Hatfield · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 120/128
Computer Science
King's College London, University of London
Msci (Hon) · 4 Years · Full-time · London · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 93/160
Computer Science
Nottingham Trent University
MS · 1 Year · Full-time · Nottingham · 2024-2025
Tariff points: N/A
Computer Science
University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Sandwich · Plymouth · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 120/128
Computer Science
Ravensbourne University London
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · London · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 104/104
Computer Science
University of Surrey
BSc (Hons) · 4 Years · Sandwich · Guildford · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 128/152
Computer Science
Wrexham University
BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · Wrexham · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 80/112
Computer Science
University of York
MEng (Hon) · 4 Years · Full-time · York · 2024-2025
Tariff points: 152/152
