Computer Science influences every aspect of modern life and is one of the fastest-moving academic disciplines. It contributes to everything from the efficiency of financial markets to film and TV graphics and has a huge impact on both economic competitiveness and human wellbeing. Our course not only offers a balance between advanced computer science theory and practical experience, but has a very strong focus on contemporary research. Practical work is an important part of every module and the School of Science and Technology has strong links with industry, including companies such as Microsoft and Siemens. The university is very active in the exploration of a number of areas, including computer graphics,mobile development, human-computer interaction, robotics, artificial intelligence, ethics, ubiquitous computing, functional programming, algorithmic biology, image and video analysis, quantum computing, computational biology and visual analytics, and this research influences the course very strongly.

There is a very high demand worldwide for well-qualified IT graduates. The European Commission stated in 2012 that there were 700,000 unfilled IT jobs across the continent – a number predictedto increase by three per cent each year, while the number of suitably qualified graduates shrinks. A report from e-skills UK in 2012 confirmed that there is a skills shortage in the IT industry. Our course will equip you for a variety of roles in the software industry, including software developer, web developer, IT systems architect, technical architect, IT security co-ordinator and information security analyst. You could work for a software firm, a computer manufacturer or a specialist IT security consultancy; there are also opportunities with government departments, local authorities, the health service, public services, utility companies, financial institutions, management consultancies and in the media, industry, engineering, transport, manufacturing, retail and education.You could even start your own business.In addition, the course’s strong research slant creates an excellent foundation for further research. With experience, you could become a senior developer responsible for planning and research, or move into broader IT project management,systems design,business systems analysis, consultancy orstrategy planning. You could specialise in a particular field, for example finance or security, or take on a managerial role. As well as in-depth knowledge of your subject, our course will provide you with many transferable skills. It will improve your research, data collection and interpretation, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, presentation and critical skills, as well as your confidence and your ability to work under your own initiative and manage your own time. The strong focus on principles and concepts will help you develop the capacity for life long independent study.