Program Overview

Overview

Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree is designed to offer you a wide choice of career options when you graduate. Computing can be amazingly diverse, encompassing computer design, graphics, artificial intelligence, gaming, software engineering, programming, and applications development.

What is a BSc Computer Science degree?

A BSc Computer Science degree is a course that focuses on equipping you with software engineering skills with a slight edge given to programming languages. You'll learn to design and build computer systems and gain in-demand technical, development, and programming skills.

Why study BSc Computer Science?

As a Computer Science student at ARU, you'll spend lots of time in our computing labs, which include a Cisco lab with routing and switching equipment, and our virtual Netlab, which offers 24/7 remote access to Cisco equipment. You'll also have access to Microsoft Imagine Premium's professional developer and designer tools, VMware IT Academy's virtualisation software and tools, plus mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications.

Course Options

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with placement

Key Facts

• Study options: 3 years
• Start dates: September
• Location: Cambridge
• Entry: UCAS code: I106
• Fees:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• Introduction to Programming (30 credits)
• Computer Systems (30 credits)
• Software Principles (15 credits)
• Operating Systems (30 credits)
• Core Mathematics for Computing (15 credits)
• Into ARU

Year 2

• Database Design and Implementation (15 credits)
• Software Engineering (30 credits)
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)
• Algorithm Analysis and Data Structures (15 credits)
• Network Routing (15 credits)
• Digital Security (15 credits)
• Computing Research Methodologies (15 credits)

Year 3

• Professional Issues: Computing and Society (15 credits)
• Image Processing (15 credits)
• Final Project (30 credits)
• Cloud Computing (15 credits)
• Artificial Intelligence (15 credits) *
• Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (15 credits) *
• Computer Graphics Programming (15 credits) *
• Distributed Programming (15 credits) *
• Human Computer Interaction (15 credits) *

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.

Facilities

• 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 Imagine Premium's professional developer and designer tools
• Access to AI lab/software packages, Microsoft Azure, and VMware IT Academy
• Mobile devices for testing and developing mobile applications

Careers

• Computing forms the backbone of almost every organisation, and computer science graduates can expect an average salary of £25,000.
• You could work in telecommunications, aerospace, security, financial services, marketing, public service, the creative industries, and teaching.
• By choosing particular modules, you'll be able to apply for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status after you graduate.

Entry Requirements

• 104 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, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University

Fees and Paying for University

• Tuition fees and student loans for UK students (2025/26): £9,535
• Tuition fees for international students (2025/26): £17,500
• You will need your own laptop for this course (focusing on as much processing power, RAM, and storage capacity as possible)
• Living costs at university can range from around £7,000-£9,000 per year

Apply for Computer Science

• UK students: Visit UCAS to apply
• International students: Apply direct