Computer
Science, here at Aberystwyth University, covers a wide range of fundamentals - infrastructure, programming, web development, communication, technology and more.
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)
on behalf of the Engineering Council, which allows you to develop the skills
needed to solve complex problems that include analysis, design, solution choice
and implementation.
Skills acquired from this course are taught from cutting-edge research, in a supportive learning environment, and are highly sought after by future employers.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
93% overall satisfaction for the subject of Computer Science, 78% for the sector. (NSS 2019)
90% of our Computing subject students agreed that staff are good at explaining things, 83% for the sector (NSS 2020).
98% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, 8% more than Computer Science graduates nationally. (HESA 2018*)
Overview
Why study Computer Science at Aberystwyth University?
Employability is embedded in the structure of this degree.
The degree is accredited by the BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT) on behalf of the Engineering Council, which gives you a head start when you enter the competitive job market.
You will have access to dedicated Linux, Mac OS X laboratories and central servers.
It is taught by lecturers who have close links with the industry and software engineering conferences.
You will have access to robotic equipment including Arduinos, mobile robots and sailing robots.
Our Staff
Almost all of the Department of Computer Science lecturers are qualified to PhD level, and those who are not have considerable research or industrial experience. All new lecturers are required to obtain the PGCTHE, and hence are Senior Fellows or Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The department also employs a number of part time demonstrators and tutors and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Research fellows and research assistants (mostly PhD qualified) may also be involved in delivering occasional teaching when it is appropriate.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
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
What skills do I acquire from this degree?
Employability skills are the core values of our degree.
As part of your degree you will be required to take part in a residential where you and other students will have to work in teams to solve problems.
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
Interested in a work placement?
If you are keen to obtain a Year in Industry, then you can switch to our degree scheme G401. This scheme is the same as Computer Science, but we give you an additional year to spend in Industry.
Learning & Teaching
What will I learn?
The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.
In your first year you will be introduced to:
programming
computer infrastructure
web development
problems and solutions
In your second and third year, you will undertake:
our software development life cycle module which will allow you to take a role which exists in the industry i.e. project manager, designer etc. and 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
individual project, where you will develop a piece of software in an area of particular interest to you
further exciting elective modules to specialise in areas of your choice.
How will I be taught?
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. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.
Student Views
Computer Science is a very engaging and diverse subject with emphasis on a wide range of subjects for example: software engineering, web development, networking and career planning. The course is very enjoyable and can be tailored to anyone's preferences and abilities. Oliver Roe
I have found my course truly interesting and very rewarding. The lecturers are professional and helpful and the course provides a wide variety of subject knowledge. The first year of the course is a very nice, manageable introduction to the field of computer science. As a student who had no previous experience in the field I was rather tentative when first coming to University, but within a few weeks I had hit the ground running with the implementation of a challenging, yet rewarding project. Daniel William James Drave
