Computer Science (with integrated year in industry)

Computer Science covers a vast range of topics including programming, computer operating systems, software design, and the engineering of large software systems; meaning it is our Department’s most flexible degree, providing core modules that are key for a career in Computer Science.

On our Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) accredited course you will acquire specialist skills such as software engineering, graphics and visualisation, artificial intelligence, robotics, telematics, mobile computing and open source computing, that are highly sought out by employers in this industry. The prestigious MComp in Computer Science is similar to the Bachelor's degree but provides an extra year of instruction in the form of an integrated Masters. Students on this course will be taught by lecturers who have close links with the industry and software engineering conferences.

At Aberystwyth University our Computer Science students have access to:

• Regularly updated laboratories providing access to a full range of computing environments including iMacs, Linux and Windows;

• Core modules in computer science;

• Use of state of the art research equipment, including mobile robots, sailing robots and manipulator arms, vision and motion tracking systems.

In your first year, you will be introduced to the following areas: programming; computer infrastructure; web development and problems solutions.

In your second and fourth year you will undertake the software development cycle module which will allow you to take a role which exists in the industry i.e. project manager, designer, etc., you will be required to produce a working software product, following best current industrial practice at every stage; data structures and algorithms; development processes, techniques and technologies for constructing real operational software; an individual project, where you will develop a piece of software in an area of particular interest to you.

Your year in industry will be undertaken during your third year.

In your final year, you will undertake a team and individual projects as well as modules at Master's level. Open-ended challenges are a chance for you to explore and test your knowledge, and success demands an independent-minded, but nonetheless strictly professional and well-organised approach to study.

Our enthusiastic staff will teach you through the medium of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals and individual/ group based project work. You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practicals, projects, workshops and examinations. You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues.

Our graduates are eagerly sought by employers, particularly with a Masters-level qualification. The year in industry option on the degree means that students can finish their degree having already had a year’s experience of working in computing, making them even more attractive to employers.

This activity will encourage and improve:

• Communication skills;

• Analytical skills;

• Time Management;

• Working Independently and as part of a team;

• Organisation skills;

• Implementation skills;

• Research skills;

• Technical skills.

Our degree prepares you for a variety of careers:

• Software design;

• Communications and networking;

• Computer applications;

• Web development;

• IT consultancy and management;

• Systems analysis and development;

• Computer sales and marketing;

• Education.