Computer Sciences and IT

Computer sciences courses are often rather misunderstood, even by those who apply for them. Many are attracted to them because of their own interest in computers, but the courses are more likely to be about software engineering than the use of information technology and the attractions of gaming and soft-ware packages. While some courses can veer towards electronic engineering and some towards pure maths, all students will be expected to have the ability to work through tasks set in a logical manner and should have an overall flair for problem-solving.

The conventional computing science degree (of software engineering) typically embraces computer systems, both hardware and software, algorithm development, networked systems, numerical methods and database design. You'll start by learning the basics - machine architecture, programming languages, algorithms, computer systems and general theory. Depending on the particular establishment, the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computer science are studied to varying degrees of complexity, hence the need for good mathematical grades for entry to some institutions.

Beyond that, there is a whole range of options under the computing sciences umbrella, including information systems, artificial intelligence, cybernetics, multimedia and the internet.

Most modules are taught through a series of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. Assessment in the majority of cases is through continuous course-work and a formal examination.

Many universities offer computing science programmes in combination with other subjects. Typically maths, electronic engineering and business are linked with computing science. Teaching methods generally centre around a lot of practical work, often on a mainframe system and, hopefully, some hi-tech workstations, making good use of a wide variety of software. You'll also work on a number of projects, which, especially in the final year, will be part of the assessment. You could be involved on either hardware or software, and often as part of a group (as you would in an employment situation). That can some-times make assessing the input of an individual rather difficult, but it does give you a real flavour of what it's like in the outside world.

Computer sciences and IT may not be the most outwardly glamorous of subjects (although web design and gaming and such are pretty funky), but graduates will work in a wide field of industrial, governmental, educational or research establishments, using a variety of skills. Graduates are usually highly sought after, and the decent starting salaries reflect that. Graduates find employment as programmers, systems analysts, software engineers or IT consultants - not that that need tell you much. The world of computers is a fluid one when it comes to job titles, but wherever you head, you'll have highly sellable skills.

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