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Computer Science UK

The United Kingdom has been at the leading edge of the computing and information technology industry since the first computing machine was conceived by English mathematician Charles Babbage in the 1830’s. Many developments in integrated circuits, telecommunications and the internet have been achieved by UK Scientists. SET caught up with the British Computer Society to discover why each year thousands of International students flock to the UK to study a degree in Computer Science.

Computing courses in Britain reflect the diversity of the industry, covering a range of disciplines: artificial intelligence, computer systems, digital systems design, computer modelling, electronic systems design, information systems management, software engineering and concurrent engineering.

There are a vast range of courses available and you need to think about which will best suit your needs. Some courses have a strong mathematical focus; others are more vocational in approach or are more applications orientated. Previous knowledge of computers and systems is often desired but not always required for entry into a UK based course. Many institutions do, however, specify that incoming students bring A-Level or its equivalent in mathematics or a science subject. Additional qualities, such as creative flair, combined with methodical thinking, can also provide prospective students with an edge when applying for a course.

Qualifications range from Bachelor's and Master's or Science or Engineering degrees. The UK is also a prime country for fulfilling your interest in pursuing a degree in computing science by research, ultimately achieving MPhil or PhD awards.

Whatever your choice of degree or specialist subject, try to ensure that the course you embark on will suit your career aspirations and needs. You will need to decide whether your interest lies in one of the many sectors of computer science: Software engineering Internet computing, information systems, multi-media computing, computer networks or computer applications. Many computer degrees are also combined with electronics.

Before You Apply

Before you apply for a course do some thorough research on the best qualifications for the career you plan. Bear in mind the requirements of the country in which you want to work.

Ask for a prospectus or visit the websites and make sure the course offers you the skills you want Check you have the English Language Ability asked for by the institution you attend to apply to. For undergraduate courses this will usually be an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of up to 5.5 to 6.5 while for a postgraduate course an IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 may be required.

Apply for undergraduate courses through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Log onto www.ucas.com for more information. For other courses apply to the institute direct.

Whilst the field of degree offered by computing science contains technologically competent engineers, the industry now demands prospective employees who are knowledgeable on a business level as well. This interaction between professional skills and technical knowledge is an overriding theme in many British computer courses, giving their graduates an edge over other countries. By linking theory closely to practice, students have an opportunity to develop the practical skills and personal qualities which employers value - problem solving, decision making, enterprise, communication, teamwork, computer literacy and business awareness.

Students are encouraged to develop themselves as individuals and improve their abilities to contribute within the management of an enterprise. The challenge is to look beyond the immediate course content and explore a range of opportunities which could contribute to personal development.

Computing students in Britain are also given unique opportunities to encounter practitioners in their field of study, through visits, work placements and often by working in their universities alongside visiting experts. The universities often tap into the industry to encourage high-calibre professionals to join their teaching staffs as they encourage a combination of quality in consultancy and teaching with substantial 'real world' experience.

A number of institutions directly benefit form excellent links with industry. Many of these partners, particularly those in computing, have a high international profile and yet maintain strong bases of sales, marketing and manufacturing activity within the UK.

Companies such as Intel, IBM, Philips, Siemens, Smith Industries, GEC and Hewlett Packard all have close ties to British Universities.

It is not just computing-based industries who benefit form these partnerships. Multi-national companies in financial services, manufacturing and management consultancy also seek to fulfil their information technology and computing needs by turning to UK Universities as a source of technical advice and potential recruits.

The diversity of the people you will meet in the UK, including fellow visitors from overseas, bring further opportunities for cultural enlightenment and exchange.

The qualifications you obtain now will have a direct bearing on the course your future career will take. In this respect, British Universities are well ahead of institutions in other countries as students are presented with opportunities to develop themselves professionally and personally.

For more information on any aspect of computer science in the UK contact the British Computer society at: www.bcs.org.uk

Why Study Computer Science in the UK
International Employers recruit large numbers of UK-trained graduates Courses are intellectually rigorous and you will develop skills including commercial awareness, project management and teamwork.

All courses are quality-controlled and many accredited by professional bodies such as the British Computer Society (BCS), the Institution of Analysts and Programmers and the Institution of Engineering Technology (The IET)

UK Qualifications are recognised all over the world. They can lead to a wide range of career options when you return home.

The opportunity to improve your fluency in English will improve your job prospects in English-speaking countries

Science / Engineering courses / colleges