Computer Science

What would I study and how do courses differ?

Computer Science at degree level varies in content and may include software engineering, programming languages, artificial intelligence, data processing and graphics. All students follow broadly the same programme for the first year and then in subsequent years tailor their degree according to their own interests.

There are many related degrees which can be studied, for example, Business Systems Engineering, Computing, European Computer Science, Information Systems and Information Technology, to name a few. You must do your own research by looking at the individual university websites for details as well as www.ucas.ac.uk where there is a very useful tool called Course Search which gives a great deal of information on courses.

What are the typical entry requirements?

IGCSE Maths and English are obviously required. GCSE Physics is preferred.

Highly competitive universities will demand A*AA with the A* in Maths. It must be mentioned here that when a university says “Further Maths (FM) is recommended or encouraged” then it really means “if your school offers FM, you must take it”.

Imperial is very highly rated. It is seen as a balanced course with emphasis on both theory and practical applications. The degree leads to a B/MEng. The employment rates are high. They will want A Level Maths (A*) and would ‘encourage’ you to take FM.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels?

At highly competitive universities it is a definite advantage to be able to offer Further Maths. You do not need to have studied Computer Science at sixth form level, but Maths or a Science A Level is essential. Without one of these your choice of Universities will be severely restricted. You must speak to your Maths teacher/ Head of Maths to ask about your suitability to study FM.

Which are the best universities for Computer Studies?

Go to www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk to find the top ranked universities for Computer Science. Currently they are Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford, St Andrews and Durham.

However, the top ranked universities may not necessarily be the most suitable for you. You must do your research; visit them on special open days and so on. Do you like a Campus or a City University? Does their course content appeal to you? There are lots of factors involved – think about all of them.

Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants?

The Cambridge course is very much theory based and fiercely competitive. A Level Maths is essential and FM is highly desirable. Again, this means, ‘if your school offers it you must do it’. STEP or AEA Maths may be required. Computer Science A Level is not necessary.

There is also a ‘Thinking Skills Assessment’ on the day of the interview. The Oxford course is also very theory based, with Maths A Level essential and FM highly desirable. This is also a competitive course. Prospective CS students have to take the Maths Aptitude test, which have extra questions added on Logic.

At interview, you will be expected to know certain topics (such as Algorithmic thinking, binary representation of numbers and state machines) which are not taught at A Level. You will need to have read around Computing if you are to succeed at interview.

What is important for my personal statement or interview?

You have to demonstrate a real passion for Computing/Computers. Questions asked in interviews are on Computing and Mathematics and are designed to test creative thinking in problem solving and aptitude for understanding new ideas. Interview practice is vital and you must speak to the Head of ICT/Maths about this. Interview questions and personal statements should also reflect a personal interest in Computing, often in the form of discussion on a personal project or work you have undertaken.

Do I need to do work experience?

Yes, it is essential. Do some relevant work in a field which interests and enhances your subject knowledge and write about it. This can be in or out of school. Anything related to your passion for the subject is worth mentioning. In any case, being able to say that you worked in a team shows that you do not just sit in front of a computer unable to interact with other people.

Which jobs can I do with Computer Science?

Computing graduates have a unique range of skills to offer, combining in-depth knowledge of computer systems, programming and applications, with a solid grounding in logical reasoning, design, problem solving and communication. They have an understanding of the user requirements and can offer solutions.

Graduates can get jobs in computing and communications companies, software houses, accountancy, banking and finance institutions, management and computing consultancies, government departments, research laboratories, and the media industry.

Within each industrial or commercial sector, the job opportunities are wide. For example, the media industry has offered graduates employment in publishing, games software, virtual reality, multimedia applications for film and video, computer animation, robotics and internet hardware and software support and development.