List of UK Departments provided by University of Swansea
Computing at university offers a range of disciplines from Computer Science, which is considered a branch of applied mathematics and is theoretical in nature, to courses in Internet business, multimedia and games technology, which are more practical and vocationally based. All computing courses offer a blend of creative and technical skills that is both demanding and rewarding. Computers are widely used in other academic disciplines and, of course, in commerce, industry and government and many applications are drawn from these areas. There is plenty of scope, therefore, for the creative application of knowledge from other disciplines, for example any science combined with computing, or geography, languages, history, and so on. (See the BInf Multidisciplinary Informatics course at Leeds University and this page at Reading University).
Considering just Computer Science, this is the study of problem solving techniques and methodologies and the development of tools for managing complex information systems. A computer scientist should be interested in finding elegant solutions to practical problems and should have the ability and imagination to apply logical and mathematical reasoning to new problems. One problem for applicants is that they are unlikely to have been exposed to these techniques at school, except perhaps in some aspects of A Level Computing (such as Prolog, data strucutures, object-oriented programming) and in the use of the Logo programming language in years 6, 7 or 8 (yes, seriously!).
Most courses in Computer Science require Maths A Level for entry, though some may relax this - look closely at the specific requirements. Most courses include some modules in Maths, typically differential equations, linear algebra, mathematical logic and proof, combinatorics, recurrence relations, set theory, numerical analysis, etc. The computing elements of the course will probably be presented in a mathematically formal way and some aspects of programming may be explicitly mathematical, for example functional programming and algorithm design and performance. You should not expect to leave such a course as an expert in 'fashionable technologies' (such as the latest Microsoft product) but rather as someone capable of learning new material in a very short space of time.
A degree in Computer Science will not prepare you for work in a particular technology such as Visual Basic, web page design or network management but it should prepare you to take on any of these tasks within a short space of time and to acquire other new skills quickly. It would be unwise for a university to invest time in short-lived technologies, new versions appear every two years or so, and so most degree courses concentrate on 'timeless principles'. Rather than teaching a popular language such as C++, a degree course will seek to establish the principles on which any programming language is based so that a particular example can be quickly picked up and used to solve specific problems. Having said that, most departments now seem to provide some instruction in Java, and C++ is also a popular choice. On the other hand, you will almost certainly be exposed to other more 'academic' languages such as Miranda, Eiffel, Oberon, Prolog and Haskell, which will be useful when programming in the more mainstream languages.
Other topics of study may include: algorithm design, graphics, compilers, computer architecture, information systems, human-computer interface, operating systems, concurrent programming, microprocessors and assembly language, systems analysis, project management, distributed systems, theory of computation, artificial intelligence.
A degree in computer science should make you one of the most employable of graduates in the work place, the ability to solve problems is valued in a range of jobs, not just in the computer industry itself. You might view computing as an entry qualification for working in a corporate environment, starting out as a programmer and then ascending the career ladder into general management, or you might see it as a lifetime career in its own right. You may find it particularly useful to combine it with another subject, such as Maths or Engineering, which could make you very employable with banks and other financial institutions. Computing tends to be associated with small 'start-up' companies based on a new idea or solution that can quickly gain market acceptance, thus blending technical knowledge with entrepreneurship and business acumen.
"Computer Science includes software engineering, computer systems, algorithms, numerical methods, and complexity. You will gain an understanding of the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computer science, with the opportunity to study related aspects of artificial intelligence." (Leeds University)
Extended Reading (Wikipedia + some books)
Computer Science (G400): deals with computers and their underlying theory. Definition (Edinburgh). Includes "software engineering, computer systems, algorithms, numerical methods, and complexity" (Leeds University). Also, a problem-solving subject.
Computing (G401): "building systems, including databases; an appreciation of organisations and system analysis; understanding of application development and the rôle of simulation" (Leeds University)
Internet Computing (G450), Internet Engineering
Information Systems (G500): management and deployment of computers in organisations and the rôle of systems in decision support. Commercially-orientated, including business management and the problems of implementing information systems within organisations
Software Engineering (G600): mathematical techniques for managing large scale software systems
Applied Computer Science: "programming every part of a computer that can be programmed" (University of Reading)
Computer Engineering: hardware-oriented, digital electronics
Maths and Computing (or Computer Science and Maths, what's in a name?) (GG41):
Business Systems Engineering: business oriented, applications of IT in business environment
Artificial Intelligence (G700) Often a final year specialisation giving you a different title for your degree
Multimedia:
Games Technology: An area where Britain is a genuine leader, established at Dundee Abertay in 1997 and spreading to Salford, Teesside, Hull and Sheffield Hallam. Game programming and graphics are specialised areas so you may prefer to combine more conventional computer science with games technology, as at City University. Computer games are a huge industry, bigger than film, and definitely worthy of serious study. Many people, the vast majority male, dream of realising their childhood ambitions and writing games, so if that's your dream, go ahead and apply. Many courses offer industrial placements and many of the visiting professors are games programmers themselves. Just remember it's not the best way to meet girls (try English or Sociology for that!)
European Studies (G501): a year at a university abroad, e.g. Italy
Cognitive Science (Computing with Psychology): using computational models to shed light on human mental processes, and philosophical reflection to consider the relationship between natural and artificial intelligence (Leeds University)
Computing combines theoretical studies with practical knowledge and skills that you can use in a real job. Computer skills are a great asset when looking for work and you will be ahead of the game if you have a degree in a computing subject. Most university departments will say something to this effect and will list employment success in areas such as:
(From the University of Durham web page.)
Specimen statement on Computing A Level for your UCAS personal statement.
(Position in The Times Subject Tables in brackets. 'Maths' means A Level/A2, unless stated otherwise. The required grades are mainly for Computer Science, for further information see the departmental web sites.)
BCC-BBB
G400, G460 (Computing for Business), Optional Industrial Placement for 48 weeks
ABB-AAB
G400: needs Maths. G500, G521 (Information Systems) does not require Maths. General Studies does not count.
ABB
Wide range of related courses e.g. Psychology and Artificial Intelligence.
240 points (CCC or equivalent)
Wide range of courses, Business Information Systems, Business Software Development, Internet Business Computing, etc.
340 points, AAB. Must have Maths for G400 and grade A for GG14 and GG1K
300 points (BBB)
Wide range of courses in the Department of Information Systems and Computing (DISC), especially Computer Science, Information Systems, e-Commerce, Financial Computing, Multimedia Technology, etc.
Expect AAA and above, probably AAAA with Further Maths. Maths essential, plus at least one other science. "Further Maths trumps Computing A Level".
First year: 50% option (students take Natural Science Maths Course + one Natural Science from Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Cell Biology or Materials. 25% option: same as 50% but less computing, two sciences plus 'Evolution & Behaviour'. Maths with Computer Science involves the 25% Computing option. Second year onwards: pure computing.
280 points. Maths to at least AS required.
320 points (ABB/AAC) or BBC + C at AS, science, technology and maths subjects preferred.
ABB, Maths not required (may be an advantage if you have it).
CCC, Maths required.
Traditionally strong on artificial intelligence.
BBC, Maths preferred, one from Maths, Computing or Physics A Level essential.
240-280 points, all Key Skills included
260 points (BCC). Maths required to AS, A2 preferred. Courses include Computer Science with Games Development, Software Engineering and Computer Science with Information Engineering.
No requirements specified, expect around 240 points (CCC). Maths preferred but not required.
300 points (BBB). Maths not required for Computer Science.
240 points
280 points.
ABB. Maths Grade B required for Computer Science, not for Computing or Information Systems, though these courses do include the same Maths modules as Computer Science.
160-240 points for Computer Science, Maths not listed as a requirement. Business Information Systems (160-200 points), Internet Computing, Software Engineering (160-240 points) and various combinations are also available. Keen to recruit students.
260 points (BCC). Maths required.
AAA including Maths and a 'hard' science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). First Year Maths includes: convergence of sequences and series, comparison test/absolute convergence, power series/radii of convergence, Taylor's theorem in one variable, linear algebra (matrices and vector notation, linear equations) finite precision arithmetic and effect on computations, eigenvectors and eigenvalues, partial derivatives, mathematical methods, contraction mapping, polynomial approximation of functions, vector algebra, interpolation algorithms (cubic spline curves and surfaces, Bezier curves and surfaces, the floating horizon algorithm), three dimensional geometry, algorithms for representing and drawing planar polyhedra; texture mapping.
ABB/AAC. Maths required for Maths & Computing (no surprise there!) but not for Computer Science or Computer Science with Management.
No grades specified on web page so should not be too demanding. Mathematical background expected for Computer Science, probably AS or A2
Typical offer is BBB, including a mathematical subject (presumably Maths or Physics). Higher grades may be required for newer courses that combine other subjects: Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science with Communications, Computer Science with Computer Architecture and Design, and Computer Science with Safety Critical Systems
AAB plus one AS. Grade A Maths required.
BBB, plus 50 points from Maths (AS Grade B).
ABB. Maths required.
No specific grades on web page.
ABB-BBC. Maths required.
Official offer AAB, A in Maths, but you may be asked for more than this. Other subjects: sciences preferred, including Computing. Rigorous mathematical approach typical of the best universities. Aim is to equip graduates with theoretical knowledge and technical ability to learn new skills and techniques quickly and thus place them in high demand in the jobs market (as does any other course in computer science!).
300 points (BBB)
ABB. Maths required.
ABB. B in Maths A Level.
BBC. A Level passes in two of the following subjects (at least one being a subject marked *): Biology*, Chemistry*, Computing, Economics, Geography*, Mathematics*, Physics* or another approved science.
ABB, including Maths .
No specific grades on web site. Expect offers of CCC and above. Maths required. Part of the Department of Computing and Cognitive Science with a special interest in Artificial Intelligence and associated disciplines of Linguistics, Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Philosophy. Also, Internet Computing and courses like 'Artificial Intelligence with American Studies'.
BBC. Maths not required for Computer Science but definitely required for Computer Science with Electronics and Computing Mathematics. Use Delphi!
BBB, one of which should be Maths, a science, Geography, History or Business Studies (or Computing?). Software Engineering requires Maths or Physics.
AAB. Maths Grade B required.
AAA-AAB. Grade A required in Maths and Physics (or Electronics).