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Computer Science, at Aberystwyth University, covers a vast range of topics including programming, computer operating systems, software design and the engineering of large software systems - with cutting-edge research. It is also our department’s most flexible degree, providing core modules that are key for a career in Computer Science.
The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) accredited course will equip you with 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 Bachelors degree but provides two additional years of instruction in the form of an integrated year in industry and an integrated Masters.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
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 (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 and Teaching Fellows are qualified to PhD level, and those who are not have considerable research or industrial experience. All new Lecturers and Teaching Fellows 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 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
Learning & Teaching
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.
