Computing Science

Developments in computing science affect almost every area of modern life. The wider the workplace applications of computers, the greater the challenge for IT professionals. As the number of people using computers increases, so does the need to build systems which are easy to operate and yet can handle highly complex tasks in a reliable manner.

Subject guide

You will develop expertise in software development and the key applications of computing science in each year of the programme. Particular emphasis is placed on applications in industry and commerce.

Your final-year project and options will enable you to follow specialisms of particular interest or career relevance. Your project could be based on a topic from an extensive list or you can suggest your own, perhaps based on your professional placement.

Aston University's Computing Science degrees are accredited for Chartered IT Professional (CITP), the British Computer Society's Chartered qualification. This gives students the right to join the BCS, the principal organisation for IT professionals in the UK, when they graduate. Accreditation shows that the BCS consider the courses are up to date, are based on benchmarks, and assessed appropriately.

Learning, teaching & assessment

You will benefit from our range of teaching methods and learning styles including: lectures, seminars and small group discussions, lab exercises and practical classes, computer-aided learning, individual and group projects.

Assessment is by a combination of written exams, projects and coursework. The proportion of each varies according to the modules chosen but examinations typically comprise around 75% and continuous assessment around 25%.

Placement year

Choose our 4-year sandwich programme and you will spend your third year in a paid professional placement of direct relevance to your studies. This placement will give you invaluable practical experience in a real work environment and will further enhance your career prospects.

Our staff will help you find a suitable placement and support you during your year.

Students typically find work with major organisations such as IBM, 3M, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Intel, BT, Corus, TNT.

Career prospects

Career prospects continue to be strong for our computing scientists with their sound understanding of the principles and practical applications of computing. The majority of our graduates find stimulating and rewarding positions in computingrelated activities with suppliers and users or within a wide range of careers for which a university degree is a prerequisite e.g. programmer, systems analyst, systems engineer or teacher.

The destination statistics for graduation year 2006 (the most recent study) state that 79% of Aston Computing Science graduates entered graduate-level employment within six months of graduation. The UK average for the subject area last year was around 65%.