With the fast changing connected world, computer science is a key area for future careers across the world.
The term computing covers every kind of digital technology that we use to create, store, communicate, exchange and use information. This makes it the foundation for small and large businesses to build their strategies and grow. It is also the key to making our personal lives easier and more fun: mobile phones, online shopping, social media – we owe them all and a lot more to computer science.
What can I do with a degree in Computer Science?
Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations. The following is a short list of research and vocational areas:
- Software Engineering: developing methods for producing software systems on time, within budget and with few or no defects
- Software Applications: applying computing and technology to solving problems outside the computer field, eg, in education or medicine
- Computer/Cyber Security: covers all the processes and mechanisms by which computer-based equipment, information and services are protected from unintended and unauthorised access, change or destruction
- Artificial Intelligence: developing computers that simulate human learning and reasoning ability
- Information Technology: developing and managing information systems that support a business or organisation
- Theoretical Computer Science: investigating the fundamental theories of how computers solve problems and applying the results to other areas of computer science
- Operating Systems and Networks: developing the basic software computers use to organise themselves or to communicate with other computers
Where can I work?
You could join a technology consultancy firm like Accenture, PwC, CHP Consulting, LogicaCMG, BAE Systems, PA Consulting or Capgemini, or one of the global IT giants, such as Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Cisco Systems and Apple, amongst many others.
There are a huge number of IT-focused UK companies, not to mention opportunities in investment, retail banking and financial computing and analytics (such as Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of England, Bank of America, HSBC, Barclays, RBS); telecommunications companies (such as DU, Virgin, Etisalat); IT for retail businesses (such as eBay, Amazon, Tesco, Argos, Expedia) and public sector organisations.
Some students choose careers in teaching, research or technology development at universities both in the UAE, the UK and overseas. There is a great deal of potential for postgraduates looking to put their computing skills to good use.
What skills will I develop?
We will broaden your knowledge of selected areas of computing by a combination of taught modules and individual project work, supervised by research active staff who will help you to develop appropriate investigation and study skills. Your course will give you a disciplined approach to analysing problems and the ability to design creative solutions, whilst critically evaluating the results. You will also develop management skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and report writing.
Through further study at an advanced level, you will get into the habit of questioning and conceptualising, and these practices transfer well into the workplace. Your prospective employers will be interested in both the technical skills (eg, programming) you develop and your transferable skills (eg, report writing, preparing and giving presentations).
What does the future hold?
Your career prospects are great and computing graduates with a good degree are in demand. Birmingham is one of the top universities often targeted by prestigious and established companies when looking for new employees. We will give you the specialist knowledge and transferable skills that will make you attractive to potential employers in what is an increasingly competitive job market.