Beng / BSc Hons Computer Science

This Computer Science degree at York delivers an immersive, hands-on education with strong technical depth, optional industry placement, and access to advanced labs. It’s ideal for students seeking a practical, research-led route into careers in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, or robotics, backed by BCS accreditation and global employer connections.

Facilities & Learning Environment

• Dedicated Software & Hardware Labs:
  Four software labs and two hardware labs used for both teaching and research. Specialist resources include:

  • Real-Time Systems Lab (FPGAs, robots)

  • Vision Lab (3D scanning, imaging)

  • Robotics Arena (80 m² with drone tracking)

  • Interaction Labs (open-access for HCI development)

• Collaborative Study Spaces:
  24/7 bookable study pods for teamwork and code review sessions support a peer-driven, project-based culture.

Experiential Learning Highlights

• Weekly Lab Sessions:
  Across all years, modules feature demonstrator-led practicals in:

  Java, Python, C/C++, Linux, Git, electronics, robotics, HCI, and systems tools

• Real-World Project Work:

  • Years 1–2: Engage in live industry-style team projects. Some student solutions are even adopted in practice.

  • Final Year: A substantial Individual Capstone Project either software or hardware based which is executed in specialist facilities with academic supervision.

Industrial Placements & Internships

• Optional Year in Industry:

  • Full-time paid role between Years 2–3 

  • Earns academic credit (does not count toward honours classification)

  • Supported by York’s Industrial Placements Team

  • ~50% of students receive post-graduation job offers from their placement employer

  • Often leads to improved academic performance upon return

• Summer Internships:

  • 8–12 week paid roles through the York Internship Programme

  • Recent placements include tech firms like Mitrefinch and regional startups

Industry Connections & Career Preparation

• Live Employer Engagement:

  • Projects, hackathons, and recruitment fairs with employers like IBM, BAE Systems, Morgan Stanley, and Rolls-Royce

  • Guest lectures and fast-track career events ensure alignment with industry needs

• Careers Support:

  • Personalised CV and interview coaching

  • Job search support via MyCareerHub and Careers & Placements office

  • Global placement options available for international experience

• York Science Park Ecosystem:

  • Located adjacent to campus, it connects students with 400+ tech companies and startups

  • Frequent networking and innovation events with the Catalyst Incubator

University of York's BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates launch into high-impact tech careers: around 85% are employed or pursuing further study 15 months post-graduation, with 90% in highly skilled roles. Popular roles include:

• Software Engineer or Developer

• IT Systems Manager or Systems Analyst

• Data Scientist / Machine Learning Engineer

• Business Analyst or Research Scientist

University services that support employment

Year in Industry: Optional Year 3 industrial placements with top employers (Morgan Stanley, Thales, Bosch, Bosch ETAS, Wellcome Sanger, Amadeus, Anaplan). Full University support for applications, CVs, interviews, and ongoing mentoring.

Dedicated Placements Team: Organises on-campus employer engagement, tailored interview prep, and post-placement debriefing.

Careers and Skills: Access to workshops, fairs, alumni networks, and York Science Park connections all supporting graduate employment.

Employment stats & salary figures

• 85% of graduates employed or studying 15 months out

• 90% in highly skilled positions

• Median salary: £32k at 15 months, £41k at 3 years, £49k at 5 years

• 35–50% of York CS grads enter finance-sector and IT-specific roles, reflecting career breadth and confidence

University–industry partnerships

Strong placement and research links with Morgan Stanley, Amadeus, Thales, Wellcome Sanger Institute, BAE Systems, IBM, BT, Amazon, Ubisoft, Raspberry Pi, G Research, and more.

Direct engagement through York Science Park (400+ tech companies) and an Industrial Advisory Board shaping the curriculum.

Long-term accreditation & reputation

The BSc is fully BCS-accredited, meeting academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

As a Russell Group institution, York is a top‑20 UK and top‑30 globally ranked university, with world-leading research impact and strong career outcomes.

Graduation outcomes

• 100% of students on the placement route are working or studying at 15 months

• 90% report meaningful work aligned with their studies

• 68% state their degree skills are used

• 87% describe their roles as meaningful

Alumni place well across tech, finance, research, academia, and public service, with roles at Amazon, BAE, Morgan Stanley, Thales, BT, and others.

Further Academic Progression

Upon finishing your BSc, you’re well-positioned to:

• Take up the Year-in-Industry route for deeper professional experience and enhanced employability

• Pursue MSc programmes in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering at York or globally

• Continue with PhD research, leveraging York’s strong labs, Science Park, and Industrial Advisory Board

• Seek professional accreditation, progressing toward CITP or CEng via BCS alignment.