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Full Time: 3 Years
With our BSc Computer Science course, you will study the essential skills for computer scientists, including programming, software design, computer systems, networking and operations, web technology and computer security.
Computer science is the study of principles, applications, and technologies of computing and computers. It involves the study of data, data structures and the algorithms to process them. Computer science provides skills and knowledge which are essential in a wide range of computing and computer-related professions. It has a huge impact on modern society as it is the cornerstone of all of the digital technologies that we use in our daily lives.
During this degree, you will study the techniques that underpin such areas as complex computing systems, big data analytics, computer graphics, computer security, web technology, mobile computing and artificial intelligence.
Cover complex computing systems, computer vision, mobile computing, big data analytics and artificial intelligence, and get to grips with several programming languages including C++ and Java.
You will also develop your technical skills of programming, software design and operations. In addition, you will acquire a wide range of transferable skills that are sought after by many employers.
Our lecturers have expertise across a broad range of areas, with extensive experience in both academic and industrial applications, showing you how to develop and apply your skills.
There is a strong career management theme running throughout the degree, with a series of skills development opportunities for you to engage with.
In addition to these technical skills, we also teach transferable skills, such as team working and communication, which you will need for a rewarding career in any sector.
A wide range of software packages are used to support the computing curriculum, including tools for software/apps development, systems modelling, Computer Assisted Design and 3D printing, mathematical manipulation and more. There is free access to commercial software and servers.
Our degree programmes are also accredited by the British Computer Society – the Chartered Institute for IT.
Placement
If you would like to complete a one-year work placement in industry, you should consider studying BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year. Our dedicated placement officer supports students to secure a year-long salaried placement during their degree. We have built up relationships major companies over many years, many of which have their UK or European headquarters in the local area.
If you choose a four-year degree with the industrial placement option, we will also support you with placement applications. Previous and current placement providers include BAE Systems, Bayer, CGI, Clearswift, Eli Lilly, Evertz, Gamma Telecom, Goldman Sachs, GSK, HealthWallace, IBM, PepsiCo and Waterstons.
For more information on securing a placement, ask us a question.
We hold a careers and placements fair every year. Every student also completes an assessment week in which you will go through the selection methods that companies use. You will also receive CV help in one-to-one sessions.
Visit the Computer Science website.
Typical offer A Level ABB | IB 32 pts overall
What will you study?
How much will it cost?
New UK/EU students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £20,830 per year
* UK and EU fee changes
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK and EU** students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
From 2020, the UK government may link tuition fees to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
**EU students
For more information on fees, loans and grants for EU students, see fees and funding for home/EU students.
Additional costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK and EU** students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
Information on this page is based on 2019/20 figures and is likely to change slightly for 2020/21 entry. We will publish up-to-date information about 2020/21 entry as soon as it becomes available.
From 2020, the UK government may link tuition fees to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
**EU students in 2019/20
EU home students starting in the academic year 2019/20 will pay the same fees and have the same eligibility for loans and grants as UK home students for the duration of their course. The situation for students starting in 2020/21 is not yet known and may be affected by UK Government policy following the outcome of any negotiations regarding the UK’s exit from the European Union. The UK Government will confirm future arrangements for EU students in due course.
Additional costs
These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
What career can you have?
This degree will prepare you for your chosen career in this constantly evolving field through the development of transferable and subject-specific skills.
Our graduates go on to careers in areas including networking, programming, consultancy, computer security, database management, game development and systems engineering, with companies such as Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Microsoft and Sage. Some of our graduates go on to pursue MSc and PhD degrees.
Many of the companies we work with visit the University in order to recruit our best graduates directly. Reading prepares you by organising mock assessment centres, where you will go through the recruitment process and get valuable feedback before you actually apply for jobs.
If you choose a four-year degree with the industrial placement option, we have a dedicated placement coordinator, working with the Careers Team, who can support you with placement applications, giving you real-world experience in your chosen career. Previous and current placement providers include BAE Systems, Bayer, CGI, Clearswift, Eli Lilly, Evertz, Gamma Telecom, Goldman Sachs, GSK, HealthWallace, IBM, PepsiCo and Waterstons.