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2023/24
2024/25

BSc Computer Science

  • UCAS code
    G400
  • Typical offer
    ABB
  • Year of entry
    2024/25 See 2023/24 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Develop valuable, sought-after computing knowledge and skills, and set yourself on the path to a wide range of professions, with our BSc Computer Science 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 three-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.

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.

You also have the option to further your knowledge and skills with hands-on experience in industry with our four-year BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year.  This pathway gives you the opportunity to apply for a year-long paid placement as part of your degree. 

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.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can choose to spend an academic year abroad. Potential destinations include Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States.

We'll help you to decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you while you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website.

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

New international students: £27,650

* 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.

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 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.