Course summary

You will be part of a long established academic department which is at the forefront of research into computer-related technologies and which co-operates with major international companies. This degree scheme combines practical training in building websites to professional standards with study of the commercial, legal and technical context in which the Internet operates. In addition, you will look at how networks are developed and maintained to meet ever-increasing business needs. With the Internet at the heart of business strategy in most organisations, there is a huge demand for people with the skills to construct effective internet and networked applications. By studying this degree, students will have access to dedicated Linux, Mac OS X laboratories and central servers. You will be taught by lecturers who have close links with the industry and software engineering conferences. This practical based degree provides students with the chance to engage with an economically important and rapidly-expanding industry and to help create solutions to the ever-changing needs of the business world. Our computer science degrees are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) on behalf of the Engineering Council, which means that they meet industry standards and requirements, giving you a head start when you enter the competitive job market. The staff who teach on this course teach from an engineering perspective, meaning that they focus on science in application. The department has strong links with other departments in and beyond Aberystwyth, as well as a strong track record of collaboration with industry. As you would expect from a major research department, you have access to excellent facilities. In addition to Windows PCs across campus for everyone, students in our department have access to dedicated Linux and Mac OS X laboratories and central servers. You will learn core computer science and business skills such as web programming, website design, database management systems, database driven websites, software engineering, e-commerce, commercial processes, internet services administration, and internet security. You will develop a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include communication, research and data analysis, mathematical and computational skills, independent and team-working, organisation, implementation and self-motivation. As a Computer Science graduate from Aberystwyth, you will have acquired the skills and experience necessary for most computing-based work, and especially for work in the software industry. Your degree will also give you an advantage in fields involving website construction, for example: building modern database driven websites using appropriate tools and components; using engineering techniques to achieve quality results; and using the web and databases to provide interactive real-time solutions for industry, commerce and the public sector. Our students are in demand with employers such as IBM, HP, Gloversure and Plymouth Marine Laboratories.