Computing can be amazingly diverse, encompassing computer design, graphics, artificial intelligence, gaming, software engineering, programming and applications development. Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree is designed to offer you a wide choice of career options when you graduate.

Based in our Science Centre in Cambridge, you'll have the latest digital technology at your fingertips, and collaborate with other students on innovative computing projects.

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.

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.

As you study, you’ll learn to work effectively as part of a team and become a creative problem-solver who's aware of social, moral and ethical issues relating to the impact of computers on our lives.

We’ve developed our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree in partnership with employers and professional bodies. By choosing particular modules, you can apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate.

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.

Industry-standard facilities

As part of your Computer Science degree at ARU, you’ll have access to top-of-the-range equipment including:

• a Cisco lab with hands-on routing and switching equipment
• a virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment
• Microsoft Imagine Premium’s professional developer and designer tools
• VMWare IT Academy’s virtualisation software and tools
• mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

BCS and IET accreditation

Our degree course is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. This accreditation means you will be taught the appropriate skills and knowledge for an engineering career and professional registration with the IET.

Cisco Network Academy

Study with us and gain the skills necessary to gain the Cisco CCNA certification. As a Cisco Network Academy for more than ten years, our industry links ensure that you’ll be equipped to meet the needs of the fast and ever-changing world of computing.

Computing forms the backbone of almost every organisation, and computer science graduates can expect an average salary of £25,000 (Save the Student, 2020).

When you graduate from our BSc (Hons) Computer Science course, you’ll have skills that are in demand in a huge range of industries. You could work in telecommunications, aerospace, security, financial services, marketing, public service, the creative industries and teaching.

By choosing particular modules, you’ll be able to apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate – a valuable addition to your CV.

Whichever path you choose, you can be sure you're graduating with the skills that industry needs. We work with employers and they help us review what we teach and how we teach it – offering hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. You might choose to stay at ARU and study for a Masters degree, such as our MSc Computer Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.