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Our courses

How many students are enrolled on Computer Science programmes?

  

  • Undergraduate:
  • Part 1 - 218
  • Part 2 - 202
  • Part 3/4 - 137
  • Master's courses - 43
  • PhD - 23

 

What courses do you offer?

 

Our three year BSc Computer Science degree programme is also available as a four year programme with an industrial year. The industrial year takes place after your second year of study offering you valuable professional experience which may lead to a job offer after graduation. You may switch from the three year BSc Computer Science programme to the four year BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year programme, or add a study year abroad, after your second year of study.

You can also opt for a study year abroad once you have enrolled on the BSc Computer Science programme. Our BSc Computer Science courses are accredited by the British Computer Society – the Chartered Institute for IT.

We also offer joint programmes with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, which are accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Read more about our courses

Learn more about study abroad

 

How are your programmes structured in terms of teaching weeks?

 

The following overview applies to BSc Computer Science and BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year. There are two semesters in an academic year with 15 weeks per semester.

  • Weeks 1-12: instruction (including Week 6/4 for self-study)
  • Weeks 13-15: summative assessment (coursework/examination)

Each student enrols in modules totalling 120 credits per academic year, with a combination of compulsory and optional modules. Each module is worth 20 credits or a multiple of 20 credits. For example, a degree project in the final year of studies is 40 credits.

Lectures

  • In-person delivery
  • Supported by learning systems
  • Some lectures are screencast
  • Timetabled
  • Typical contact hours: 2-3 per week

Lab practicals / tutorials

  • In-person practicals in computer labs
  • Tutorials in flat rooms
  • Interactive learning with continuous feedback
  • Timetabled
  • Typical contact hours: 2-3 per week

Assessments

  • Written assessments
  • Examinations (online, flexible limited time)
  • Timetabled
  • Number of pieces: 2-3

 

Throughout the year you will be in contact with an Academic Tutor. Academic Tutors work in partnership with students and the University’s support services to enhance your academic, personal and professional development. You can speak to your Academic Tutor about any academic or personal matter which may be impacting your ability to study.

Learn about Academic Tutors

Read about how you will study

 

Are there opportunities to connect with industry professionals?

 

Our curriculum is informed by the demands of industry, with companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Sony and Eli Lilly contributing to our Industrial Advisory Board.

We connect you with industry through work experience such as placements, work shadowing and industrial projects. Careers fairs will also give you the opportunity to make contact with the many companies who attend.

Learn more about work experience opportunities

 

How can I benefit from online short courses?

 

Our short online courses are free to access, flexible and open to everyone. The Department of Computer Science at Reading offers a beginner course via FutureLearn – Begin Robotics. This course provides a great introduction to the world of computer science – whether you're learning for fun, to develop a new skill, or to prepare for an undergraduate degree in our Department. 

Find out more

Studying at Reading

How will I be supported with my studies?

 

Student welfare is extremely important to us. We have various student voices and communication channels within our School and Department, including:

 

  • Module convenors and subject tutors
  • Programme Directors and personal tutors
  • Head of Department and Departmental Director of Teaching and Learning
  • Head of School and School Directors of Teaching and Learning: Academic Tutoring
  • Board of Studies and Student Experience
  • Student-Staff Partner Groups

 

We also have a Student Support Centre, based in the JJ Thomson building, open 10am-12 noon and 1pm-5pm each day, Monday to Friday.

Find out more about student support

 

Is the campus close to the town centre?

 

A huge benefit of our convenient location is that you will have excellent transport connections. Reading town centre is just 23 minutes from London by fast train, with easy transport connections to airports, and road and rail hubs. 

Studying Computer Science at Reading means that you’ll be located at the centre of a major high-technology hub, giving you exciting placement and employment opportunities in your chosen field. 

The Thames Valley, also known as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the UK, is headquarters of Microsoft, Oracle and other leading digital companies. The Emerging Tech Report 2020 found that Reading has the fourth highest number of digital tech organisations in the UK ("The Emerging Tech Report 2020", The Data City).

Find out more about our Whiteknights campus

 

What facilities do you have?

 

The Department of Computer Science hosts dedicated facilities and software for all levels of study, including dedicated high-end computing laboratories equipped with the latest hardware.

Learn about our computer labs, workstations, and software

 

What research does your Department do?

 

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

Our research specialises data science and artificial intelligence, advanced computational science and computational vision.

Find out more about our area of expertise

 

What is the Reading Internship Scheme (RIS)?

 

The Reading Internship Scheme gives you the opportunity to undertake paid internships with businesses. Internships are a minimum of 140 hours (or 4-weeks) and run throughout the year - you can apply for part-time internships during the semester or full-time internships during vacation periods.

Learn more about RIS

 

What kind of extra-curricular activities can I get involved in?

 

You will join a friendly, supportive community who are as passionate about computer science as you are. Various society and sports fairs will be taking place during Welcome Week.

With over 100 societies in Reading Students' Union, we are confident that there is something for everyone. We play host to many different types of societies, fitting into the following activity groups: Academic & Career, Arts, Campaigns & Causes, Culture & Faith, Hobbies & Interests, and Politics. We also have a Computer Science Society!

Read about the different societies

 

Where can I find more information about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarships?

 

Launched in 2025, this undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future.

Find out more