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University Degrees - Computer Science
Given the rapid evolution of computer technology over the last few decades, you might be forgiven for thinking that computer science undergraduates at top universities should be the rule rather than the exception.
Computer science faculties and the range of courses on offer have increased exponentially year-on-year and it is clear that educated computer experts with top university degrees that satisfy the range of employer's needs, will be in demand for many years to come. Getting an early start in this competitive and lucrative arena is a decision that will benefit international students in the long term.
There are job titles in the computing industry that simply did not exist 20 years ago: systems analysts, computer scientists, database administrators, web designers and more. What unites those successful in the field is having at least a degree and, increasingly, a Masters degree or MBA as companies rush to put their businesses online.
What is computer science?
Computer Science is a diverse field with its foundations in the key skill of programming, a deeply creative and analytical skill: How can we program robots to help blind people in their homes? How can computers spot suspicious activities in CCTV footage? Build safer aeroplanes? Teach chess? Design fabrics? Computer scientists learn to make computers smaller, faster, easier to use and more intelligent. They seek to develop new and exciting applications that allow us to be more resourceful and sophisticated in all aspects of our daily lives.
Is computer science for me?
With high competition for places, whether at home or in a study abroad program - you're unlikely to be offered a place on a course without some proven interest or ability in the computing field. Computer science is for people with firm problem solving and analytical skills and those that are comfortable with often abstract concepts and symbols.
You will need to be a multi-tasker that enjoys time working alone on a range of problems, able to pay close attention to detail, concentrate hard on small but significant problems and be able to work within a team of non-experts at times. Contrary to the popular image of the awkward loner, good interpersonal skills are usually required by employers, as the trend is towards computer science experts communicating complex problems to those with little or no technical experience.
Computer science, more than most other fields, demands a genuine interest in the subject as it is a world that changes, literally, by the day. You will have to keep abreast of these developments as they occur, as a large group of people will depend on your knowledge base. Using the Internet, reading profusely and joining Internet and real-life forums will be essential to staying up-to-date with the fast pace of change.
What courses are available?
There are standard computer science courses designed to provide a basic grounding in computer science and during which you will be able to specialize. Also, due to the proliferation of subjects in the computing world, there are now courses that are increasingly specific, such as Internet Systems, E-Commerce, Software Engineering and many more. Some courses are closely linked to schools of engineering, mathematics and even faculties of medicine and sciences such as biology or chemistry. The Cambridge University course, for example, has a Natural History bent where students can learn physics, chemistry, geology, evolution and behaviour and physiology.
Some university degrees stress a theoretical experience while others are more hands-on. Others are geared towards either software or hardware development so it is worth checking with your prospective school whether they specialize in the subject you are most interested in, or even provide an overall approach to your interests (i.e. software AND hardware). Try to be aware of what kind of course is most suitable for your interests.
Many courses include an extra fourth year as an MA qualification so it's worth checking out early whether or not your course has this option.
What are the career prospects for a computer science graduate?
According to recent figures there will be over 185,000 new jobs created in the UK alone over the next 5 years so career prospects are very good for computer science experts worldwide. A career in computing can also be fulfilling both personally and financially - figures from the 2007 QS World MBA Tour show that 18% of the world's MBA graduates have an IT background so the options to break into business, start up one's own company or other options are almost limitless. Salaries can be high. There are excellent career prospects within computer systems hardware, computer networking, software development or Internet technology and many computer science graduates branch out into different vocations such as bioscience, medicine or journalism.
The range of companies a computer expert works for is almost limitless software developers, banks, car manufacturers, newspapers, universities. There are also a large number of courses available, not all of which will be suitable for your interests. Think hard about what those interests are and computer science could provide you with a long and rewarding career.
