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2023/24
2024/25

BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year

  • UCAS code
    G401
  • A level offer
    Course closed for September 2023 entry
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2024/25 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Develop valuable, sought-after computing knowledge and skills, and put them into practice with a year in industry, with our BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year degree.

Computer science – with the application of data science – has a colossal impact on modern society and is the cornerstone of every digital technology used in our daily lives. You'll join the University of Reading’s Department of Computer Science, where 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Computer Science and Informatics).

This four-year course focuses on the essential skills and knowledge needed to give you a head start to pursue a wide range of computing and computer-related professions.

Our BSc Computer Science degree is accredited by the British Computer Society – the Chartered Institute for IT.

Industrial Year placement

This degree includes the opportunity to apply for a one-year, paid work placement in industry, taken between your second and third years. It offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills, explore career options and build your network.

Over the years, we have built up relationships with major companies across the industry, many of which have their UK or European headquarters in the local area. Previous and current placement providers include:

  • BAE Systems
  • Bayer
  • CGI
  • IB
  • Invesco
  • Oracle
  • PepsiCo
  • Siemens
  • Vodafone.

You’ll be supported to find a placement with the help of our dedicated placement team. You’ll get the chance to attend regular placement training sessions, as well as the option of one-to-one appointments for help with writing your CV and cover letters, and access to placement providers on campus through fairs and events.

What you’ll learn

During this degree, you will explore a wide range of topics that include:

  • complex computing systems
  • big data analytics
  • computer vision
  • blockchain computing
  • artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • software systems development
  • networking
  • data security
  • ethics.

Get to grips with several programming/scripting languages including:

  • C
  • C++
  • Java
  • Python
  • JavaScript.

Our teaching approach

You’ll be taught by lecturers with expertise across a broad range of areas, with extensive experience in both academic and industrial applications, who will help you to develop and apply your technical skills.

This degree has a strong focus on career management. A series of skills development opportunities allow you to develop valuable, transferable skills – such as teamwork and communication – aiming to enhance your employability and set you apart from other graduates.

Specialist computer science tools and expertise

We use a wide range of software packages to support your learning. These include:

  • tools for software/apps development
  • data analytics algorithms
  • system modelling languages
  • cloud and parallel computing platforms
  • mathematical manipulation (eg MatLab).

Additionally, we offer free access to commercial software and servers, and many facilities are available to students in the evenings and at weekends.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*

New international students: £24,500

* UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

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.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK 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.

Our BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the constantly evolving field of computing, whether you wish to join big multinational companies, small start-ups, or develop your own business.

As well as embedding skills development into your learning, we regularly organise for employers to come in and talk with our students about CVs, interviews and the recruitment process. As a student at Reading, you will also benefit from our annual careers and placement fair, one-to-one sessions which help you create your CV, practice interviews and mock assessment centres.

Our graduates are well placed to progress to careers in areas including:

  • software engineer
  • software development
  • systems analyst
  • data scientist
  • development operations engineer
  • cyber security.

Many of the companies we work with visit the University of Reading in order to recruit our best graduates directly. Previous graduates have gone to work for:

  • CGI
  • Eli Lilly
  • JP Morgan
  • Sage
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe.

Alternatively, our graduates also go on to pursue MSc and PhD degrees.

  • Read BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year student Rishil Haren's story about his placement experience.