Three students sitting behind computeres

Computer science

We aim to share the excitement of current technological trends with our students through our dynamic portfolio of contemporary and employability-focused degrees, educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the sought-after fields of computer science and software engineering.

Why study with us

Excellent career prospects

95% of our students are in highly skilled employment 15 months after graduating. (HESA data)

Outstanding facilities

Our students consistently rank us among the top universities in the UK when it comes to accessing specialist equipment, rooms and facilities when they need to.

Teaching excellence

Innovative and collaborative teaching at our National Software Academy has been consistently recognised with a number of highly-regarded awards.

I fell in love with the practical approach that the course took. As someone who learns through lab work and examples, it seemed the perfect fit for me. Being able to actively program, build and test different systems is always a joy, especially when you have others around you to give assistance if needed.

Caitlin Burns, BSc Computer Science

Courses

Entry year

Applied Software Engineering (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Taught at the National Software Academy, this hands-on course is for those who want to learn how software is built and maintained through industry-facing development projects.

Computer Science (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Our flagship course is informed by industry needs and gives students a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of Computer Science, as well as professional skills in problem-solving and project work.

Computer Science (MSci)

Full time, 4 years

Whether you want to gain a competitive edge in the graduate employment market or prepare for a research career, this four-year Integrated Master's Degree can help you get on the fast track to your professional goals.

Computer Science with a Year in Industry (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

This four-year version of our flagship degree provides the option to complete a employability-enhancing year working in a paid role at a leading organisation.

Computer Science with a Year in Industry (MSci)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 5 years

This five-year version of our advanced flagship degree provides the option to complete a employability-enhancing year working in a paid role at a leading organisation.

Computer Science with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

This four-year version of our flagship degree provides the option to complete an adventure-packed third year studying at a university abroad.

Computer Science with a Year of Study Abroad (MSci)

Full time with year abroad, 5 years

This five-year version of our advanced flagship degree provides the option to complete an adventure-packed third year studying at one of our partner institutions in destinations around the globe.

Computer Science with Security and Forensics (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Learn how to protect organisation's investment with an understanding of the principles, tools and technologies required to keep their systems secure.

Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year in Industry (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

Learn how to protect organisation's investment with an understanding of the principles, tools and technologies required to keep their systems secure. This four-year version of the degree provides the opportunity to complete an

Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Our talks

Our staff and students have put together a number of different videos to guide you through various aspects of what it is like to study here at the School of Computer Science and Informatics. We hope to give you a real flavour of what you can expect as a Computer Science or Applied Software Engineering student at Cardiff University, and to answer many of the questions you may have as you consider which choice of University is right for you.

School overview and welcome

In this first video, Head of School Professor Stuart Allen provides a useful overview of Computer Science and Informatics at Cardiff, including how we support our students and some of the inspiring ways they contribute to the wider community.

Undergraduate degrees

Dr Martin Chorley, Director of Learning and Teaching, talks you through our range of courses, the differences between them, and further options available to you such as Year in Industry or Year of Study Abroad.

Computer Science programmes

This video provides more detail about our Computer Science degrees, including course structure and modules you will be studying.

Applied Software Engineering

Find out more about BSc Applied Software Engineering, our industry-focused degree taught at the National Software Academy.

Taster lecture: Artificial Intelligence: Computers vs People?

Join Professor Alun Preece as he takes you through a fascinating taster lecture exploring how AI can work alongside people.

Engaging with industry at the National Software Academy

Dr Wendy Ivins, Director of Collaborative Learning with Industry, talks about how the National Software Academy engages with industry and creates fantastic employability prospects for our students.

Entry requirements

How to find out what you need in order to apply to one of our courses.

Hear from our students

Now hear from some of our students who provide first-hand insights of what it's like studying either Computer Science or Applied Software Engineering at Cardiff University.

Student life video by Meg Morgan

BSc Computer Science with a Year in Industry student Meg Morgan gives an insight into what life at our School, the University and Cardiff is like.

Cyber Security as part of BSc Applied Software Engineering - a student perspective

BSc Applied Software Engineering student Helen Abraham, talks about the Cyber Security module as part of her course, including security-based issues surrounding web applications, plus hands-on implementation and security counter measure for those issues.

Student Life video by Kiyan Somji

Second Year BSc Applied Software Engineering student Kiyan Somji talks about all aspects of his life as a student at Cardiff University, including 'a typical day', what he enjoys most about his course and advice for those thinking of applying to us.

I chose to study Applied Software Engineering at Cardiff as I wanted something that was more hands on than most courses. We have assignments that are set by real companies so we have a chance to try and solve real-life issues and present these solutions to real clients.

Amina Nessa, BSc Applied Software Engineering

Discover more reasons to choose us

‘Fantastic opportunity’ for teaching and research

ISG named as contractor for new University building

School pupils learning in Computer Science lab

Students in the community

Discover how joining our team of student STEM Ambassadors can open up opportunities to use your technical skills in local schools and the wider community.

National Software Academy

A centre of excellence for software engineering education in Wales, the National Software Academy works in partnership with the Welsh Government and industry leaders to address the national shortage of skilled programming and software engineering graduates.

Find out more about how our industry-focused degrees prepare students by working on real-life client facing projects, providing invaluable experience for a career in software engineering.

Explore Cardiff University

Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

View our Computer Science and Informatics courses

Explore our courses.

Download a School of Computer Science and Informatics brochure

Learn more about our courses, the School and wider University.

Contact us

Ask us a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.

Copyright: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2022. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.