Computer Science with Industrial Year BSc (Hons)

With our BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year course you will study the essential skills for computer scientists, and put them into practice with a year in industry.Computer science is the study of principles, applications, and technologies of computing and computers. It involves the study of data structures and the algorithms to process them, programming languages, operating systems and software engineering. Computer science provides skills and knowledge which are essential in a wide range of computing and computer-related professions. It has a huge impact on modern society as it is the cornerstone of all of the digital technologies that we use in our daily lives.During this degree, you will study the theory and techniques that underpin such areas as complex computing systems, big data analytics, computer graphics, computer security, web technology, mobile computing and artificial intelligence, as well as completing a year working in industry. You will also have the opportunity to develop your technical skills in programming and software design. In addition to learning C, C++ and Java, many students graduate with a range of other programming languages, such as Python, Javascript, PHP and others, software testing and with experience of the software lifecycle.You will be taught by lecturers with expertise across a broad range of areas, with extensive experience in both academic and industrial applications, showing you how to develop and apply your skills.You will also have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of transferable skills that are sought after by employers, and we keep up-to-date on their requirements through our Industrial Advisory Board and regular contact with the companies who offer placements to our students. There is a strong career management theme running throughout the degree, with a series of skills development opportunities for you to engage with. In addition to technical skills, we also teach transferable skills, such as team working and communication, which you will need for a rewarding career in computing.A wide range of software packages are used to support the computing curriculum, including tools for software/apps development, systems modelling, Computer Assisted Design and 3D printing, mathematical manipulation and more. There is free access to commercial software and servers.Our degree programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society — the Chartered Institute for IT.**Placement**Our dedicated placement team will help you to apply for a paid, year-long placement during your degree. We have relationships with companies, built up over many years, of which many have their UK or European headquarters in the local area.Previous and current placement providers include BAE Systems, Bayer, CGI, Clearswift, Eli Lilly, Evertz, Gamma Telecom, Goldman Sachs, GlaxoSmithKline, HealthWallace, IBM, PepsiCo and Waterstones.We hold a placement fair every year, and every student is supported with sessions in which you go through the selection methods that companies use. You also have the option to receive help with your CV and writing cover letters in one-to-one sessions.**Careers**This degree will prepare you for your chosen career in this constantly evolving field through the development of transferable and subject-specific skills.Our graduates go on to careers in areas including networking, programming, consultancy, computer security, database management, game development and systems engineering, with companies such as Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Microsoft and Sage. Some of our graduates go on to pursue MSc and PhD degrees.Many of the companies we work with visit the University in order to recruit our best graduates directly. Reading prepares you by organising mock assessment centres, whe