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At St Andrews, Computer Science is about understanding the deep principles of computation while gaining hands-on skills to shape tomorrow’s technologies.
This is a flexible and research-informed degree that balances software development with theoretical foundations, offering a strong base for careers in tech, AI, data, cybersecurity, and more.
The program is a four-year BSc (Honours) degree designed to develop your ability to solve real-world computing problems with practical and analytical insight.
Whichever area you explore, you will build expertise in:
Programming in languages such as Java, Python, and C
Software engineering and system design
Logic, algorithms, and the mathematical foundations of computation
Teaching and Facilities
St Andrews is home to Scotland’s oldest university and one of the UK’s leading computer science departments, known for cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science.
You’ll learn in a close-knit academic environment, working alongside internationally recognised researchers and instructors.
Facilities
You’ll benefit from:
Dedicated computer science labs and project rooms
Collaborative coding and maker spaces
Research-led teaching that connects directly to industry trends
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year introduces you to the core of computer science through modules like Object-Oriented Programming and Programming with Data. You’ll develop essential skills in writing, testing, and debugging code, and explore the use of data in real-world systems.
Year 2
The second year deepens your understanding of how computers work. You'll study Foundations of Computation, covering logic and formal methods, and Computer Systems, which explores architecture and operating systems. These modules prepare you for more specialised work in your honours years.
Year 3 (Honours - compulsory)
You’ll move into advanced topics and software engineering practice. Modules like Software Engineering Team Project, Databases, and Computational Complexity give you hands-on experience in collaborative development and system design. You’ll begin tailoring your degree with optional subjects in areas like HCI, AI, or cybersecurity.
Year 4 (Honours - optional)
In your final year, you’ll take advanced modules like Logic and Software Verification, Computer Architecture, and Artificial Intelligence. A key feature is your Major Software Project—a large-scale, independent piece of work where you design, implement, and present a software solution, applying everything you’ve learned across the degree.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by at least 40% coursework, with the rest of assessment in the form of written examinations. Project modules are assessed entirely by coursework.
The university uses a range of forms of assessment for the coursework component. For example, these could include programming assignments and projects, design exercises, essays, and problem sheets.
Examinations are held at the end of each semester during a dedicated exam diet with revision time provided beforehand.
The university aims to provide feedback on every assessment within three weeks to help you improve on future assessments.
Undergraduates at the University of St Andrews must achieve at least 7.0 on the St Andrews 20-point grade scale to pass a module.
From day one, you’ll have 24/7 access to the well-equipped Jack Cole and John Honey computer labs, offering dual-monitor workstations with full software stacks (Java, Python, C/C++, etc.) and remote SSH access to school servers, all without needing to bring your own device. In addition, you’ll use ELearning tools and library resources like Lean Library, digital databases, and citation software through the JF Allen Library, ensuring strong academic and research support
And here’s what you can specifically expect in terms of experiential learning:
Structured practical labs: Regular demonstrator-led sessions for programming and coursework across your modules. These sessions are hands-on and supportive.
Group projects & society-led hackathons: STACS, WICS, and CPSTA societies run workshops, guest talks, and events like the 24‑hour STACSHACK hackathon which is perfect for team-based problem solving.
Summer internships & research: You can secure paid summer internships via the School or University scheme (e.g., Laidlaw, StARIS), often working with CS faculty or external organizations after Year 2 or 3.
Undergraduate research opportunities: The URAS scheme lets you assist with supervised research during term time, an excellent path to hands-on experience.
International placements through Turing Scheme: If you want overseas experience, funding is available for work or study placements abroad (4 weeks–12 months).
Personal development & mentoring: You'll benefit from a CS-specific mentoring scheme, peer support, and careers guidance via Dr Kirsty Ross plus the Careers Centre.
Industry engagement & networking: CS societies host events with companies such as Google, JP Morgan, Adobe, Microsoft, and Amazon enabling networking with alumni and recruiters.
Flexible curriculum with optional modules: Courses balance theory and practice and let you choose modules from maths, HCI, AI, or software engineering plus joint honours options.
St Andrews Computer Science graduates enjoy rapid career launch with top roles such as software engineer, data analyst, technology consultant, or quantitative developer. Employment rates have also been excellent, a staggering (95–98%) of St Andrews CS graduates land favourable opportunities.
Now, let’s dive deeper:
University services that boost employability
St Andrews Careers Centre: provides one-on-one career coaching, CV/cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and lifelong alumni support
Professional Pathways & Internship Schemes: summer internships available, both funded and commercial, and virtual placements .
Computer Science Society (STACS/WICS): hosts insight events, networking panels, and company presentations featuring employers like Google, Amazon, JP Morgan
University–industry partnerships
Employers on campus: students report internships and full-time offers from Google, Amazon, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, IBM.
Active club-managed connections: STACS and WICS bring in speakers and recruiters from top tech and finance firms.
Research ties via SICSA connect students to cutting-edge academic-industry collaborations across Scotland.
Long‑term accreditation value
St Andrews consistently ranks top 5 in the UK, and top for graduate employability; its small size fosters strong teaching and interactive learning.
The degree’s weight in the job market reflects its reputation—students are viewed as “extremely fast coders,” valued internationally.
Graduation outcomes
Career paths include: software developers, systems architects, technical analysts, IT trainers, project managers, business analysts.
Alumni land roles in top organisations: Google, AWS, Sky, Expedia, fintech, consulting, and public sector .
Graduate feedback: ~85% in highly skilled roles, ~80% find work meaningful and aligned with future plans.
Further Academic Progression:
After finishing the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science at St Andrews, students can pursue:
Integrated Masters (MSc) in Computer Science at St Andrews (an optional fifth year).
Postgraduate study (MSc, MRes, PhD) in advanced areas like AI, machine learning, data science, security, HCI either at St Andrews or other elite universities.
Interdisciplinary Master's/PhD: opportunities involving computational biology, financial computing, robotics, or cognitive science.
Professional qualifications: such as chartered status, or conversion courses in finance/consulting fields for hybrid careers.
Minimum average of 93% (with 93% or higher in any prerequisite subjects) in Standard XII examinations, or A1-A2 if you are taking examinations used by Central Boards for the following subjects: Computer Science, Economics, Finance, ManagementThe minimum A-Levels requirement of ABB requires an A in Mathematics and a pass in one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Further Mathematics, Geology, Geography, Physics, Psychology.The minimum IB requirements include HL6 in Mathematics and SL5 in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Physics and PsychologyWell-qualified school leavers may be able to apply for admission directly into the second year of this courseApplicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades but meet the University's contextual criteria may be interested in the Gateway to Science programme.UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherBusiness analystsSystems architects and analystsSoftware developersTesters and verifiersTechnical writersIT trainers and user advisers
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University of St Andrews
