Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-01-01 | - |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Computer Science
Overview
The BEng (Hons) Computer Science degree at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a three-year full-time course that focuses on software engineering skills with a slight edge given to networking principles. The course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Course Structure
The course is divided into three years, with each year consisting of two semesters.
Year 1
- Computer Systems (30 credits)
- Software Principles (15 credits)
- Introduction to Programming (30 credits)
- Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
- Operating Systems (30 credits)
- Into ARU
Year 2
- Computing Research Methodologies (15 credits)
- Database Design and Implementation (15 credits)
- Digital Security (15 credits)
- Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures (15 credits)
- Network Routing (15 credits)
- Software Engineering (30 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Year 3
- Final Project (30 credits)
- Image Processing (15 credits)
- Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
- Cloud Computing (15 credits)
- Artificial Intelligence (15 credits) *
- Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits) *
- Digital and Network Security Forensics (15 credits) *
- Advanced Network Solutions (15 credits) *
- Embedded Computing (15 credits) *
- Computer Graphics Programming (15 credits) *
Entry Requirements
- 112 UCAS Tariff points
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification
Tuition Fees
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Facilities
- Cisco and AI lab with high spec computers and hands-on routing and switching equipment
- Virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software
- Microsoft professional developer and designer tools
- Access to AI lab/software packages, Microsoft Azure and VMware IT Academy
Careers
- Computing forms the backbone of almost every organisation, and computer science graduates can expect an average salary of between £25,000 and £35,000 per year
- Graduates can work in a wide range of industries, including large tech firms, industries that require robust network systems, aerospace, financial services, marketing, public service, the creative industries, and teaching
Research Areas
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Networking
- Software Engineering
Accreditation
- Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional
- Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer
- Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer
Why ARU?
- Study in the Silicon Fen, home to Apple, Microsoft, Samsung AI, and many more
- Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers
- Accredited by BCS and IET and a Cisco Network Academy for over ten years
- Engage with a curated selection of training materials, providing you with cutting-edge knowledge and skills that align with industry standards
- Take an engineering focus through final-year options on embedded computing, networks, and security
- Access relevant hardware, specialised software, our fully-kitted Cisco lab, and virtual 24/7 Netlab
Student Experience
- Hear from ARU Senior Lecturer Dr Razvan-Ion Dinita in this Springpod subject spotlight: Decoding social media: an exploration of programming and platforms
- Hear from one of our students: BSc Computer Science student Simone shares his experience of studying at ARU and why he chose to study here
- Get to grips with the inner workings of computers with hands-on, interactive sessions
- Work closely with students who share your interest in computer science and get expert guidance from academics who will support you through your studies
Facilities
- Based in our Science Centre in Cambridge
- Latest digital technology at your fingertips in our Computing and Information Science labs
- Cisco and AI lab with high spec computers and hands-on routing and switching equipment
- Virtual Netlab offering 24/7 remote access to cyber security and networking software
- Microsoft professional developer and designer tools
- Access to AI lab/software packages, Microsoft Azure and VMware IT Academy
Careers
- Computing forms the backbone of almost every organisation, and computer science graduates can expect an average salary of between £25,000 and £35,000 per year
- Graduates can work in a wide range of industries, including large tech firms, industries that require robust network systems, aerospace, financial services, marketing, public service, the creative industries, and teaching
Employability and Personal Career Development
- ARU ranked in the top 10% in the country for graduates in employment or further study
- 5th in the country for the proportion of UK undergraduates who are employed as managers, directors, or senior officials 15 months after graduating
- Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability
- You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules
Additional Course and Living Costs
- You will need your own laptop for this course (focusing on as much processing power, RAM, and storage capacity as possible)
- Living at university can range from around £7,000–£9,000 per year
- Most full-time UK students can apply for a Maintenance Loan to help cover living costs
Scholarships and Bursaries
- We offer a range of ARU scholarships and bursaries, which provide extra financial support while you’re at university
- If you're eligible for a scholarship, you'll generally receive it automatically – there's no need to apply
Cisco Network Academy
- Study with us and gain the skills necessary to gain the Cisco CCNA certification
- As a Cisco Network Academy for more than ten years, our industry links ensure that you’ll be equipped to meet the needs of the fast and ever-changing world of computing
Life in Cambridge
- Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city
@ARU_FSE on X
- Want to keep up to date on our latest research and announcements?
- Follow @ARU_FSE on X
Program Outline
Outline:
- Year 1: Introduction to computer science, programming, computer systems, and analytical techniques. Students learn about hardware components, operating systems, software development, and data structures.
- Year 2: Continues to build on the skills and knowledge gained in year 1. Students learn about computer and software design, security, database design, network routing, and software engineering.
- Year 3: Students specialize in subjects of their choice, such as artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, digital and network security forensics, advanced network solutions, cloud computing, embedded computing, and image processing. They also complete a final project.
Assessment:
- Group work
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Laboratory or in-class tests
- Projects
- Examinations
Teaching:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practicals
- Tutorials
- Live Briefs assessments set and driven by local companies
Careers:
- Software engineering
- Programming
- Application development
- Computer design
- Graphics
- Gaming
- Artificial intelligence
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2023/24 (full-time, per year)
£15,000
UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
£16,700 You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter.
Entry Requirements:
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent)
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths
Alternatives
- UCAS Tariff points acquired from BTEC Level 3 Diplomas are accepted.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 24 points is accepted.
- UCAS Tariff Points from Access to HE Diplomas in a related subject are accepted.
- UCAS Tariff points from the Irish Leaving Certificate are accepted.
- UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Highers are accepted.
- UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Advanced Highers are accepted.
- The European Baccalaureate at a minimum overall grade of 60% is accepted.
- HND qualifications are accepted.
- HNC qualifications are accepted. Additional important notes:
- Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.
- Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email answers@aru.ac.uk for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.
- You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.
- We don't accept AS level qualifications on their own for entry to our undergraduate degree courses. However for some degree courses a small number of tariff points from AS levels are accepted as long as they're combined with tariff points from A levels or other equivalent level 3 qualifications in other subjects.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for undergraduate courses.
- IELTS 6.0 (Academic Level)
Improving your English language skills
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry onto a degree course. We also provide our own English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in the UK and overseas. To find out if we are planning to hold an ELPT in your country, contact our country managers.