With the development of Smartphones, WiFi, social media, cloud technology and video calling, the last 20 years has seen great advancements in computing and technology, which has changed the way we communicate and live. If you're interested in how data and digital communication is dispersed, or the hardware and software of computers and how people use them, taking a degree course in computing may be the right choice for you. Computing and information communications technology (ICT) covers technologies that transmit, store and access digital assets, and also focuses on how modern technologies affect the way we communicate. Qualifications in these areas are greatly sought after by employers. Here are some recommended computing courses that should help with your career development.
Computing and Data Science courses, recommended by Bangor University
Staff at Bangor University’s School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science are among world leaders in their field. Degree courses cover a broad range of technologies, from Artificial Intelligence and Pattern Recognition, to Data Visualisation, Medical Microwave Electronics and Medical Simulation. You can also study Optolectronics, Broadband and Optical Communications, Organic Electronics, Nanotechnology, Nuclear Engineering and more.
The school acts in a consultancy capacity to its industry, and computing students undertake their individual and team projects in close collaboration with the department's world-renowned researchers, whose expertise, passion and knowledge also informs study programmes. Bangor’s facilities include well-equipped computer and networking laboratories, a state-of-the art electronic laboratory, extensive research laboratories and a Class 1000 electronics cleanroom.
Bangor University has introduced two undergraduate degree programmes which provide a firm footing in data handling, analysis and communication of findings, and modern research-driven machine learning techniques.
Other undergraduate courses include:
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Computer Science with Game Design
- BSc Creative Technologies
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Information Systems for Business
Bangor's BSc Computer Science degree is validated by the British Computer Society, which is the Chartered Institute for IT. A number of its courses are also accredited by professional bodies like the British Computer Society and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Graduates learn skills that are recognised as being the first step to achieving a Chartered Engineer or Chartered Scientist professional qualification.
All undergraduate computing courses at Bangor University are available with a placement year. Final-year projects are often carried out in collaboration with a local company, providing significant advantages for students when they seek employment. The university also maintains close links with the computer industry, which includes nearby Parc Menai business park, where many tech companies have offices.
IT and intelligent automation and robotics courses, recommended by Edge Hill University
Studying computing and IT at Edge Hill University enables students to explore specialist fields like game programming and network security.
Students can take a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science – a degree that explores the advancing theory, design, development and application of computer science. Aimed at those seeking a challenging and evolving career in computational systems, students can get their teeth into programming languages and modules linked to mathematics theory, software development and programming, and into emergent fields such as big data. This requires modelling and analysis skills coupled with technical knowledge to understand and process large data sets. Graduating students will have wide-reaching technical skills and knowledge that is relevant to many ICT industries.
For those interested in robotics, Edge Hill offers its BSc (Hons) in Robotics & Artificial Intelligence. Robotics and Artificial Intelligence are transforming how we live, work, travel and learn in the 21st century. This degree programme helps students to develop specialist expertise and explore the inter-related commercial disciplines used to create artificial systems. Graduates gain fundamental skills in programming, operating systems, software design, applied mathematics and network architecture. This programme has received initial accreditation from the British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT.
Another option is Edge Hill's BSc (Hons) degree in Data Science. This degree delivers technical skills in data creation, processing, analysing, visualising and interpretation, and gives students a critical understanding of data repositories. Delegates also have the option of taking a year out in the ICT industry before their final year, allowing them to develop skills for working in the emerging roles of data scientist, analyst and engineer. There is a strong demand for employees who can make sense of large amounts of collected data to help address major challenges, and this degree will prepare students for this working environment.
Games and computing courses, recommended by Falmouth University
Interested in a career in computing and gaming? The Games Academy at Falmouth University has been internationally recognised as one of the top universities to study games in the world.
Princeton Review ranked Falmouth number 28 globally, and the top university in England for this subject. The University is also listed in The Rookies as one of the 20 Best Game Design & Development Schools, and the 15 Best Concept Art & Illustration Schools.
Students who study games and computing courses at Falmouth make real games and digital projects with professionals, using industry-standard facilities. The University has all the disciplines for development under one roof, offering courses ranging from Game Development and Game Art, to Esports, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. The University anticipates the future of the games and computing industry, and encourages collaboration with skill sets from across the creative world.
Falmouth University also offers one of the largest games development studios of any UK university. Designed to mirror a real game studio and containing all the tech needed to make these games and immersive projects, the studio was designed to emphasise teamwork,industry methods and pipelines. A place where students can learn from tutors with experience at companies such as EA Games.
As a game, app or immersive content developer, students have the chance to work with actors in motion capture suites, as well as game artists, writers, composers, and business experts who can mentor students to market and profit from their games while they’re studying. This means that students graduate with relevant experience, specialist skills and a great network of industry connections to help them kick-start their career.
The games industry is now worth more than the film and music industries combined. Falmouth’s innovative approach is helping to nurture the next generation of innovative games and computer specialists. Falmouth games and computing graduates are now directors of major studios as well as artists and designers. Many others have gone on to technical roles beyond the games industry, including jobs at Facebook and DevOps. Tranzfuser, one of the most hotly contested student games development competitions in the UK, has been won by students from Falmouth University for the last three years.
The UK is known for its status as a world leader in producing talented computing and ICT graduates, and the sector is a rapidly growing area of employment. You may be thinking of a career in database administration, gaming, web development, programming, app development or computing analytics. Many degrees in computing split the ICT side of the degree with another subject that complements the field of study you want to go into. For instance, it is possible to study for a BSc in computing and software, computing and mathematics, or computing, IT and psychology. Whatever you decide to do in ICT, studying at a UK institution means that you have the best opportunities to kickstart your career.
For more information, you can visit the Bangor University, Edge Hill University and Falmouth University websites
Bangor University: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/
Edge Hill University: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/
Falmouth University: https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/
