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Computer Science

Are you a world-changer? Whether it’s finance, health, the creative industries or sport, the study of computer science helps build the technology that fuels big leaps forward.

What's on this page?

The impact you could make

  • Help people work, learn and communicate better
  • Play a key role in solving global problems, including climate change
  • Develop technologies that can drive advances and even take us to space

What you could study

  • Algorithms and data structures
  • Database systems
  • Mathematical principles
  • Programming languages and software development
  • Web and mobile applications
  • Cyber security
  • Artificial intelligence

Study options

Options to study in this field include:

Example assignment

Undergraduate degree
Create a prototype design for an app interface, based on user design techniques.

Example project

Degree apprenticeship
Assign tasks and run meetings for a team of developers working on an AI project at IBM.

Subjects it's useful to have studied first


Maths

Science

Physics

Information technology

Famous people who studied computer science

  • Mark Zuckerberg - founder of Facebook
  • Reed Hastings – CEO of Netflix
  • Marissa Mayer – CEO of Yahoo
  • Jimmy Fallon – talkshow host
  • Karlie Kloss – model
  • Liam Neeson - actor

So you want to study computer science?

Year 12 student Katie speaks to Holly Boothroyd, a Software Engineer at Microsoft.

Find out more

Careers: Where can it take you?

Find out more about your career prospects from studying computer science. 

The following information is based on a typical web developer role.

Available jobs

304,689 vacancies
in 2022. 3% growth over next 8 years

Average salary

£44,154
Up to £78,089

Career options

Nanotechnology illustration

What is... a nanotechnologist?

Nope, we were stumped too. It’s someone who works with incredibly small things to develop new materials, equipment, drugs or tools. It involves designing experiments to work out uses for these tiny elements, from new technology to medical procedures. Studying computer science could be a gateway into nanotechnology. Small steps!

Getting in: Entry requirements

Find out more about what you'll need to study computer science at university or as an apprenticeship.

 

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from computer science applicants.

A levels

BBC
Highest: AAA > Lowest: CCD

Scottish Highers

AAABB
Advanced Highers: BBB

Vocational

Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Computing, SVQ IT Professionals - SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative to A Levels/Highers.
The expert view
Institute of Analysts and Programmers

Specific entry requirements vary considerably, depending on the focus of the course. For example, a very theoretical course may require A level Mathematics, whereas Business IT programmes would probably not ask for any science background beyond GCSE. Few courses specify A level Computing or equivalent.

Considering an apprenticeship?

Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. 1

    Deadline

    Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
  2. 2

    Where to apply

    You apply directly through the employer.
  3. 3

    No limits!

    You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
  4. 4

    Apply to university and apprenticeships

    There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
  5. 5

    Find out more

    Read our guide to IT and digital apprenticeships.

Chat to a current computing student

Chat to a current computer science using UniBuddy.

Some conversation starters for you:
  • Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
  • Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
  • Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
  • Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
  • Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?

The student and apprentice view

Get the student view of computer science, be it taking a traditional degree or studying and working on an apprenticeship.

What's it really like?

YouTuber Cheryl Moyo reveals all about being a computer science student in the UK.

Week in the life #photodump

Computer Science photo dumo

Our favourite memes

Meme 1 new
Meme 2 new

In conversation with...

In conversation with...

IT and digital apprenticeships

Watch our guide to IT and digital apprenticeships, hosted by Katie Thistleton. Hear from apprentices and employers.

Courses and apprenticeships

Featured course

Courses
Apprenticeships

Higher Technical Qualifications

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees.

They have been specifically designed with employers to ensure learners get the skills that employers have said they need. They are a quicker and cheaper alternative to a degree and can lead to higher wages early in a career.

See all Computer Science HTQs

Application advice

Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your computer science journey.

Skills, experiences and interests to mention

  • Are you good at problem solving? Do you enjoy playing games like Minecraft?
  • Have you ever coded something? Maybe you’ve used Raspberry Pi or have done CodeClub
  • Can you confidently discuss the debate around happens to our personal information online?
  • Could you talk about the benefits of AI and how it will change the world of work?
  • Teamwork and communication is really important in this field. Have you ever been part of a team? Maybe a hackathon or even a sports team? Have you ever organised an event at school?

Personal statement guidance

Read this example of a successful personal statement for computer science with tips from a university admissions tutor.

Annotated personal statement

CTA

 

Three

Can ChatGPT write your personal statement?

How good is ChatGPT? We put it to the ultimate UCAS test with university admissions tutors.

Explore further

Go deeper into topics around computer science with the following.

Ideas for going deeper

Try CodeAcademy
Learn to code for free.
AppMaster
Watch YouTube videos of how to develop apps without code.
WIRED podcasts
Find out about the latest way tech is changing our lives.
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