This exciting programme offers a solid base of computing skills, enabling graduates to pursue a wide range of careers spanning programmer to systems analyst, software developer to computer scientist. You have the opportunity to put your skills into practice on a paid year in industry placement.

Our Computing degrees give you the skills you need for the practical application of computing to areas typically found in industry. These include e-commerce, information systems, and computer consultancy. This degree looks at computer science and its application to real world computer and information systems. 

Our programmes are taught by leading researchers who are experts in their fields. Kent was awarded gold, the highest rating, in the UK Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework*.

Our degree programme

All of our programmes have a similar structure, and are divided into three stages.

In your first year, you are introduced to programming, web and databases. You begin with the fundamentals of programming (object-oriented and web) and a grounding in software engineering, then master the principles of database systems, networking, parallel programming and artificial intelligence. 

In your second year, you develop your computing skills and extend to advanced technologies. You then have the opportunity to apply your learning in a paid role during your year in industry.

During the final year, you apply these concepts to specialised fields such as cryptography, e-commerce, signal analysis, e-health, semantic web, consultancy and data mining.

Our module topics suit many career paths, and our general principle is to equip you to effectively apply computing concepts to solve real-world problems.

We also offer modules that allow you to gain practical experience. On our Kent IT Consultancy option, you learn how to become an IT consultant, providing computing support to local businesses while earning credits towards your degree.

Kent student Anamika talks about her course

Year in industry

Your year in industry takes place between your second and final year, giving you invaluable work experience. You earn a salary and there may be the possibility of a job with the same company after graduation.

We have a dedicated Placement Team to guide you through the whole process and support you on your placement. The School has strong links with industry in Kent, nationally and internationally.

In previous years, students have worked in a range of large and small organisations including well-known names such as: 

• IBM
• Intel
• Thomson Reuters.

It is possible to take this degree as a three-year programme, without a year in industry. For details, see Computing.

Extra activities

Apart from core learning towards your degree, we provide access to a wealth of other activities such as entrepreneurship (including business start-up opportunities), community engagement, public lectures, participation in short research projects and assistance in obtaining summer placements.

The School of Computing also hosts events that you are welcome to attend. These include our successful seminar programme where guest speakers from academia and industry discuss current developments in the field. 

Professional networks

Our programmes are informed by a stakeholder panel of industry experts who give feedback on the skills that employers require from a modern workforce.

Our two dedicated placement co-ordinators help students obtain and benefit from high-quality work placements. Previous year in industry participants have worked with leading companies such as BAE Systems, Citigroup and The Walt Disney Company. Many return to their final year with the security of an employment offer – testament to the high esteem in which our graduates are held by industry.

We also have a dedicated Employability Coordinator who is the first point of contact for students and employers.

*The University of Kent's Statement of Findings can be found here