BSc in Computer Science

The BSc Computer Science at the University of Reading delivers immersive, hands-on learning equipped with advanced tools, real-world projects, and strong industry connections to prepare you for a tech-driven career:

From day one, you’ll use real programming languages (C, C++, Java, Python, JavaScript) in modern, dual-boot Windows/Linux labs and on the Reading Academic Computing Cluster (RACC), a powerful 2,048-core Linux system, giving you the infrastructure to develop everything from apps to AI models. You’ll also have access to VR headsets, Raspberry Pis, mobile devices, and professional software for software engineering, data science, system modeling, parallel/cloud computing, and mathematical analysis.

Experiential Learning Highlights:

• Short-term/summer internships & Reading Internship Scheme: Paid opportunities (minimum 140 hours) with businesses, charities, and University departments—perfect for gaining work experience and employability skills.

• Year‑in‑industry placement: On the 4‑year route, undertake a paid work placement between Years 2 and 3 at major employers like Microsoft, Oracle, Vodafone, Eli Lilly, Disney, and more.

• Work shadowing: Try a one-day placement in Year 1 to observe a placement student or graduate at work, a preview of the professional environment.

• Individual & group projects: From modules like Virtual Reality, Games and Graphics, you’ll design and build applications in teams. In your final year, complete a capstone project either self‑proposed or research-linked.

• Research-led project work: Engage with current research in AI, data science, big data, vision, cloud, and AI via direct supervisor input and some projects are even drawn from the Thames Valley AI Hub linkups.

• Industry-informed curriculum: Benefit from input by Microsoft, IBM, Sony, Nationwide, and more through the Industrial Advisory Board and strong career support, including employer talks, fairs, and mock interviews.

• Robust IT services & remote access: Enjoy 24/7 access to on-campus labs, Eduroam Wi‑Fi, OneDrive, cPanel web hosting, and 100+ loanable Surface Pro 7 devices for flexible development plus drop-in computing clinics.

• Modern Library & campus facilities: Study in the upgraded Library with over one million resources and 4,000 periodicals. The Whiteknights Campus supports your tech environment with the Science & Technology Centre, Enterprise Hub, botanical gardens, archives, and VR workspaces.

Reading Computer Science BSc graduates enjoy impressive early-career outcomes: 80 % are in employment or further study within 15 months, with around 92 % in graduate-level roles and average starting salaries near £32k, rising to £35k by 3 years and £42.5k by 5 years. Typical career destinations include:

• Software Engineer / Developer

• Systems Analyst / DevOps Engineer

• Data Scientist / Cyber‑Security Specialist

• IT Consultant / Technical Architect

Highlights:

• Dedicated career support – benefit from one-to-one CV help, interview and assessment centre practice, plus regular employer-led workshops and Tech meetups—boosted by the university’s Careers & Employability Service and industrial placement team.

• Industrial-year placements – optional paid placement between Year 2–3 with companies such as CGI, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Eli Lilly, Virgin Media O₂, offering roles in software, cloud development, cyber response, and data analysis.

• University–industry hub – located in the Thames Valley 'Silicon Valley' surrounded by Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Intel, and linked to the TV AI Hub and local developer scene, ensuring strong networking and live briefs.

• BCS accreditation – degree is approved by the British Computer Society, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional status.

• Graduation outcomes – Nearly 100 % of UK-based graduates in England are employed within 15 months.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can advance their education through:

• An MSc in specialisations like AI and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or Software Engineering, either at Reading or other renowned universities.

• PhD research, tapping into Reading’s REF-outstanding Computer Science department and strong collaborations with industry and the TV AI Hub.

• Professional accreditation via BCS chartered routes, or conversion into sectors such as teaching, consultancy, fintech, or specialist technical roles.