Computer Science [with Placement year]

Create innovative computer systems and shape the future of technology at ARU Cambridge, in the heart of Silicon Fen.

Why study Computer Science at ARU?

• Study in Cambridge’s Silicon Fen, a global tech home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI and many more.

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers, such as Redgate and Citisoft to give you exposure to ‘real world’ experiences.

• Accredited by both BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and the IET (The Institution of Engineering and Technology), plus we're a Cisco Networking Academy.

• Engage with a curated selection of training materials, providing you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills that align with industry standards.

• Discover a science/software approach in your final year with human-computer interaction and distributed programming modules.

Our accredited BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree blends core computing with specialisms in software development, mobile applications, security, cloud and networking. You’ll learn in cutting-edge labs using industry-standard tools, tackle Live Briefs with employers like Redgate and Citisoft, and prepare for CCNA certification. With hands-on projects and flexible module choices, you’ll gain the technical, development and programming skills to launch a successful global tech career.

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.

Employability is embedded in the curriculum, providing access to a curated selection of industry-approved training materials. These resources offer enhanced opportunities to experience real-world professional training as part of your degree. There’s also the option to take a placement year as part of your course, and gain valuable work experience.

As a Computer Science student at ARU, you'll spend lots of time in our computing labs. These include a Cisco lab with routing and switching equipment, and our virtual Netlab which offers 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment.

You’ll also 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. You’ll benefit from being based in Cambridge – home to the largest cluster of technology firms in Europe – with lots of opportunities to gain work experience. You'll also benefit from guest lectures and seminars from industry experts such as Citrix, ARM, Atom, Jagex and Sony.

Our BSc (Hons) course focuses on equipping you with software engineering skills with a slight edge given to programming languages, so if it’s the ability to bend software to your will that excites you, this is course for you. If you're interested, however, in software engineering skills with a slight edge given to networking principles, the BEng (Hons) will give you the tools to enable you to configure complex network systems.

Year 1:
Introduction to Programming (30 credits)
Computer Systems (30 credits)
Software Principles (15 credits)
Operating Systems (30 credits)
Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)

Year 2:
Database Design and Implementation (15 credits)
Software Engineering (30 credits)
Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures (15 credits)
Network Routing (15 credits)
Digital Security (15 credits)
Computing Research Methodologies (15 credits)

Year 3:
Work Placement (120 credits)

Year 4 core modules:
Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
Image Processing (15 credits)
Final Project (30 credits)
Cloud Computing (15 credits)

Year 4 optional modules:
Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits)
Computer Graphics Programming (15 credits)
Distributed Programming (15 credits)
Human Computer Interaction (15 credits)

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.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
• Engineering and Technology, Institution of