The passion for technology can lead you to choose the specialisation of Computer Science. This field has become increasingly popular in recent years, the development being so rapid that people are trying to keep up with it.
A Computer Science degree deals with the theoretical and practical foundations of information technology and computers. The scientific part merges with the practical one in various algorithms, information processing or in computational models. This specialisation often aims to study methodological processes, making representations on a computer, storage, or accessing information.
At the same time, the study of Computer Science focuses on the learning of programming languages, which are extremely important for any student. Python, C ++, Java are just a few of the programming languages that are explored in depth by students in order to solve the applications received from the faculty. Furthermore, on the labour market, programming languages are highly appreciated and integrated, being a useful tool for optimal performance of industries.
The most important skill that young people learn following this degree is the use of programming languages. Once they grasp the logic of programming, they will easily be able to master the languages and build or develop WEB applications. Additional skills that are acquired can be: network design and engineering, software engineering, multimedia design. In addition, classical skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving or time management are also gained by students.
According to recent studies, 6 of the 10 best jobs chosen by graduates are linked to Computer Science. These include Web Design, Computer Support Specialist, IT Operations Technician or Database Administrator. Moreover, the employment rate is favourable to the students, being over 70%. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, it is expected that the supply will grow in the future, requiring computer science specialists in any field.
To study Computer Science, students can either pursue university courses or follow courses online, depending on their availability and income. Online or outside-university courses include disciplines such as: Information Systems Management, Game Programming, Web Development, Network Fundamentals. They usually have a duration of 2 years. Although these courses provide important skills in this specialisation, students may be disadvantaged when competing with a student who has a Bachelor’s Degree. Some of the most important campuses in the world include Penn State World Campus, University of Massachusetts, Lowell (The Division of Online Learning and Continuing Education), Saint Leo University.
The Bachelor in Computer Science lasts around 3 to 4 years, depending on the university. Throughout the programme, students acquire mathematical knowledge, theoretical and practical foundation in programming. Some of the subjects discussed are: Computer Programming, Data Structures, Databases, Algorithms, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory or Statistics. These vary according to the curriculum of the university.
A Master’s program complete the students’ necessary career skills. In this way, they have a greater understanding of computing softwares, tools, packages, and computer architecture.
There are Master programs that can be followed even by those who have not undertaken undergraduate studies in Computer Science, such as those offered at the University of Birmingham for example. These programs can take either 2 to 5 years.
A PhD program is especially dedicated to those who want to research or become university professors and can last between 4 to 5 years.
The university campus is quite big, having 4 main buildings for the different faculties. Over the past years I think that a lot of things have been improved:
– having online system for meetings, chat with the teachers/professors
– dormitory campus which both of them currently have offices where you can pay bills, do your laundry, etc
– online system in which you can check your scores, assignments, etc
The only thing which I have as a remark is the university administration which according to me is a bit falling behind. Thanks!
It’s good! Teachers are helpful most of the time, and there is always a way to reach them. There is a huge variety of programs to choose from, so there is a very low chance to be left with nothing of interest. One quite big negative is some of the equipment in the rooms is old enough to have been used by a few of the teachers. But I will leave it on a positive, the parking is large enough to fit half the neighbourhood.
View moreOverall, the programme is well designed and, personally, it gave me a stable foundation in the programming language C. However, when it comes to online studying the professors and the university as a whole did not manage to adapt to this way of studying.
Some of the younger professors came up with some interesting ways to effectively relay important information (connected to our studies) via Discord or Teams (for example giving us engaging and interesting exercises to work on in our online sessions). In the end, it was really difficult to adequately prepare for any assignments/exams. At some point, there was a huge work overflow and so it was really stressful for me.
In general, the course and the projects around are somewhat interesting and I believe that this experience will be useful to my professional development in the future.
View moreIt’s got the goods and the bads as with everything. My program was well organized in my opinion, most of the professors were competent, positive and willing to help you in the free time or after classes. It was considerably easy if you take your time to study and work on projects.
The online program was super poor and not well thought out. The professors got really lazy, the students even lazier haha. It was already studying mostly through the internet, but with the online mode, it got severely worse.
There were a lot of tests and projects to give with not much time to do the tasks and it got overwhelming at times. It doesn’t go well with a job on the side.