Computer Science (with integrated year in industry)

Why study Computer Science (MComp) at Aberystwyth University? 

• Students on this course will be taught by lecturers who have close links with the industry and software engineering conferences

At Aberystwyth 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

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.

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.

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 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

Industrial Year students have the opportunity to join a second year residential weekend concentrating on skills to help you find a great placement. This includes:

• CV skills
• Interview practice
• Networking with employers
• Online presence

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four year degree scheme.

In your first year you will be introduced to:

• Programming
• Computer infrastructure
• Web development
• Problems and solutions

In your second and fourth year, you will undertake:

• Our software development life cycle module. This module 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
• Individual project, where you will develop a piece of software in an area of particular interest to you
• A range of further electives to specialise in areas of your choice

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

In your final year you will undertake both team and individual projects as well as modules at Masters 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. 

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.