Computer Science

Computer science with a specialism in software engineering is a degree that addresses one of the core challenges of the digital economy: how to build software that works reliably, scales effectively and can be maintained and improved over time. Software engineering applies systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approaches to the development, operation and maintenance of software, going well beyond programming to encompass requirements analysis, system architecture, testing, version control and the professional practices that allow teams to collaborate on large and complex projects.

At Royal Holloway, University of London, this three-year full-time programme teaches you what it takes to turn a great idea into a working solution, and how to apply systematic engineering principles to every stage of software development, from concept design and architecture through testing, deployment and maintenance. You will develop strong programming skills alongside a thorough understanding of the algorithms and data structures that underpin efficient software, and you will engage with the methods and tools used in professional software development teams. A sandwich year gives you extended professional experience in the industry, a year abroad broadens your perspective and professional network internationally, and a work placement provides further hands-on exposure before you graduate.

A typical entry tariff of 136 points reflects the level of mathematical and analytical preparation the programme expects, and the combination of academic depth with substantial professional experience makes this a thorough preparation for the software industry.

Graduates work as software engineers, developers, systems architects, technical leads and project managers across every sector that depends on software, which now encompasses almost all of them. Specialist roles in cloud computing, mobile development, DevOps, security and embedded systems are all natural progressions. Some graduates pursue postgraduate study in software engineering, computer science or information systems, while others move into consultancy, product management or technology entrepreneurship.