Computer Science

Modern society has been transformed by computers and mobile devices, and computer science is at the forefront of this transformation. Come to Reading, in the heart of the UK’s 'Silicon Valley', to join the computer scientists helping to drive these changes.

Computer science is about every aspect of computing in our daily lives. As technology advances, the importance of storing, processing and communicating digital information increases. The combination of technical and soft skills we provide means that you will be ready for employment immediately after graduation.

Computer science is constantly evolving, so new ideas and international discoveries are built into our courses. You will gain a grounding in core areas, and will have the option to specialise in the areas that interest you the most.

Our courses are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) – the Chartered Institute for IT. You will learn from expert lecturers who use state-of-the-art methods of teaching, whether it be team-based learning or online learning, building on our highly successful short online courses. In the final-year project you will have opportunities to join live research projects, or work on your ideas to produce workable products that can be used in various applications.

Facilities

Our excellent facilities and software support your core studies, but also ensure that you are able to pursue your own projects and interests. We have purpose-built computer labs with workstations that run both Windows and Linux operating systems, virtual reality headsets, mobile phone and Raspberry pi devices, external web hosting via cPanel and a specialist wireless network to support mobile robots. A wide range of software packages are used to support the Computer Science curriculum, including tools for software/apps development, systems modelling, data science, mathematical manipulation and more.

Links with industry

Major international companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Sony and Nationwide are actively involved in our courses through both student placements and our Industrial Advisory Board, ensuring that our courses match industry requirements.

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.

Companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco Systems, and Intel have their UK headquarters nearby, and often employ our students after graduation. 

Reading is also home to the Thames Valley AI Hub (TVAI Hub), which pulls together the incredible artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data community of academics, researchers, technologists, clinicians and business strategists in the Thames Valley. This provides an opportunity for everyone to learn, collaborate, share knowledge, and explore and develop business opportunities and partnerships.

Reading is just 23 minutes from London by fast train and has excellent transport connections to airports, and road and rail hubs.

Careers

Our degrees will prepare you for your chosen career in this constantly evolving field through the development of transferable and subject-specific skills. Our graduates use their skills to innovate in areas such as data science and machine learning, artificial intelligence, programming and software engineering, data management and integration, distributed systems such as blockchain technologies, and cloud computing.

Aside from the digital tech industry, studying Computer Science can lead to a career in a range of alternative sectors, such as aerospace and defence, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and finance. Potential job roles include software engineering, programming, cybersecurity, network implementation, database design, data analytics, systems testing and integration, website development, and IT consulting.

A sustainable university

• Leading university for environmental and ethical performance (ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).
• First ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership in 2023.
• Named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Visit the Computer Science website.