Develop skills in designing and building computer systems to the latest specifications. Study in Cambridge, in the heart of ‘Silicon Fen' - home to firms like ARM, Sony and Microsoft. Based in our new Science Centre, you'll have the latest digital technology at your fingertips, and be able to collaborate with other students on innovative computing projects. Choose to take an optional placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.
Computer scientists don’t use computers like most of us do. Instead, they use them as tools to address important scientific questions, and to solve real world-problems.
Computing can be amazingly diverse, including computer design, graphics, artificial intelligence, gaming, software engineering, programming and applications development. Our course has been designed to offer you a wide choice of career options when you graduate.
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.
You’ll benefit from being based in Cambridge, home to the largest cluster of technology firms in Europe. Recently named the 'Best UK city to work in' you'll have lots of opportunities to gain relevant work experience locally and after graduation can expect an average salary of £35,000 (Glassdoor, 2016). You'll also benefit from talks with industry experts (such as Citrix, ARM, Atom, Jagex, Sony, Compare the Market, Microsoft Research) who are regularly invited to give guest lectures and seminars.
As a Computer Science student at ARU, you'll spend lots of time in our computing labs, including a Cisco lab with hands-on routing and switching equipment and our virtual Netlab, offering 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment. You’ll have access to Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools, VMware IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools, plus mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.
It’s not just about technical skills, though. As you study your Computer Science degree, you’ll learn to work effectively as a team member and become an independent thinker and a creative problem-solver who's aware of the social, moral and ethical issues relating to the impact of computers on our lives. You’ll also have the chance to take part in social and educational activities; our students have previously visited Bletchley Park as part of their course.
Our course has been developed in partnership with professional bodies, the Cambridge Network, and national and international employers. By choosing particular modules, you can apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate.
This course is 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. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Course Details - Modules
Year one, core modules
Introduction to Programming
Computer Systems
Software Principles
Year one, optional modules
Operating Systems
Core Mathematics for Computing
Year two, core modules
Database Design and Implementation
Software Engineering
Ruskin Module
Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures
Network Routing
Digital Security
Computing Research Methodologies
Work placement (optional placement year)
Year three, core modules
Professional Issues: Computing and Society
Image Processing
Final Project
Year three, optional modules
Artificial Intelligence
Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures
Computer Graphics Programming
Distributed Programming
Cloud Computing
Human Computer Interaction
Course Details – Assessment Method
Throughout your BSc (Hons) Computer Science course we’ll use a range of assessment methods to help measure your progress. Besides exams, these will include group work, presentations, case studies, laboratory tests and projects.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
I106
Institution code:
A60
Campus Name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
