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Undergraduate courses

A student working on multiple devices
Study computer science as a standalone subject or take a maths joint degree that allows you to explore topics from computer science. You also have the option to undertake a placement year, preparing you for your career.

How you'll study

Our academics have expertise across a broad range of areas. Learn theoretical and practical skills through lectures, lab sessions and projects, and get real-world experience if you undertake a placement.

Life in the Department

Three students working on computers in a computer lab

We offer extracurricular activities, including a Data Science Club and R. U. Hacking?, a student-led society that’s open to students across the University with an interest in technology.

Industry placements

Choosing to undertake a placement enables you to gain experience working in industry as part of your computer science degree.

We offer a range of industrial placement opportunities, as well as advice and support on applying for placements.

Our facilities

The Department of Computer Science hosts dedicated computer laboratories, an immersive virtual reality system and access to the Reading Academic Computing Cluster.

Life in Reading

Two students in Reading town centre
Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train. 

Our research

100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Computer Science and Informatics).

Undergraduate stories

"Reading and the Thames Valley area is synonymous with some of the world's most innovative technology companies, such as Microsoft and Oracle. Being in the Thames Valley breathes opportunity."


Ross Beale, BSc Computer Science graduate


Enviable location

Reading has the fourth highest number of digital tech organisations in the UK ("UK’s Top Digital Tech Cities", March 2020, The Data City) and in 2023 ranked 2nd in The Data City’s list of UK AI hotspots.

From start-ups and SMEs to multinational companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard (HP) and Intel, future employers are right on your doorstep.


Athena SWAN Silver Award
British Computer Society logo
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications logo