Computer Science Degree Course Guide
Table of Contents
STEM degrees are always on top, and as computer science falls into that category we are not surprised that it is one of the most in-demand degrees. It is also one of the most popular subjects for international students to study abroad.
What is Computer Science?
Computer science degrees, in a nutshell, deal with theoretical information and computing, adopting a scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. Choosing to study for a computer degree can expose you to new technologies and approaches.
Computer science is considered foundational science by many of its practitioners. Computer science is the systematic study of methodical processes (such as algorithms) to help in the acquisition, representation, processing, storage, communication, and access to information. This is accomplished through analysing the feasibility, structure, expression, and automation of these processes, as well as their relationship to this information. In computer science, the phrase “information” generally refers to data that has been stored in bits and bytes in computer memory.
Many universities use computer science as an umbrella term to cover various specialist and vocational degrees.
Computer Science Specialisations
We live in a technology-dominated world that is heavily dependent on well-trained computer scientists. Computer science as a profession is growing much faster than average. So, there is a huge demand for students to complete their education in computer science. A wide range of specializations is available in this constantly evolving field. Here are some specializations in the field of computer science.
Cyber Security
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing specialisations in computer science. Companies of all kinds are looking for skilled cybersecurity professionals to help keep their data safe. Cyber security professionals oversee digital security at every level and they are always in demand. And to meet that demand, a number of universities and colleges are offering computer science students a specialisation in cybersecurity.
Artificial Intelligence
The ability of a computing system to solve problems, make predictions, or complete complicated tasks is referred to as Artificial Intelligence (AI).AI is a rapidly expanding field because of its vast applications and promising future. AI impacts society in several ways and will continue to do in the future. So it is no surprise, then, that the field is rife with great career opportunities.
Data Science
Data science specialisation teaches the fundamentals of interpreting a large set of data to gain useful information or insight. Every business or organisation requires Data Scientists to provide insights from data in order to gain more profit and streamline processes. Data science is relevant to all industries, so data scientists that are proficient and knowledgeable will prove to be an asset to employers in any industry.
Software Engineering
Other than application development, the computer science specialisation of software engineering focuses on the systems and protocols for using these applications. Software engineers analyse and solve issues by applying their knowledge of computer applications, computer systems, or system development, and they are in charge of developing, maintaining, and evaluating software products/programs.
Human-Computer Interaction
Human-computer interaction (HCI) is the study of how humans and computers interact. Professionals in this discipline utilise psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, ergonomics, and computer science to improve user experience. This specialisation allows students to study data collecting, troubleshooting, graphic design, and dealing with certain technology.
Top Universities for Computer Science
| QS Ranking 2022 | University | Country | |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | United States | |
| 2 | Stanford University | United States | |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | United States | |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | United States | |
| 5 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom | |
| 6 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | |
| 7 | Harvard University | United States | |
| 8 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | |
| 9 | ETH Zurich- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | Switzerland | |
| 10 | EPFL | Switzerland | |
Top Countries for Computer Science
Here’s which country is the best for computer science:
United States of America
When it comes to computer science, the United States of America still leads the world. Five out of ten universities in the QS World University Ranking 2022 are located in the US. So it is not a surprise at all that the US is at the top of the list. The other very appealing reason to choose the US as a study abroad destination is the access to the job market. The US is literally the land of the world’s best tech companies and with a massive and lucrative job market, the country is the dream come true for any computer science enthusiast. Jobs in the field of computer science are always in high demand. Glassdoor’s list of the 50 best jobs in the United State- which is based on earning potential, job satisfaction, and the number of job openings in the year 2021- 17 jobs are from the computer science and technology field.
Top Universities for Computer Science in USA
Here you can find the list of the top ten universities according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 and their tuition fees:
(Note: Tuition fees are subject to change every year so before applying please check the tuition fees of your respective program in order to avoid any type of misunderstanding.)
| QS Ranking 2022 | University | Standard Tuition Fees (Per year) |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $57,590 |
| 2 | Stanford University | $57,693 |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | $59,864 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | $18,014 |
| 7 | Harvard University | $51,143 |
| 13 | Princeton University | $53,890 |
| 14 | Cornell University | $23,618 (9 months) |
| 16 | University of Washington | $39,906 (9 months) |
| 18 | University of California, Los Angeles | $31,949 |
| 19 | New York University (NYU) | $56,500 |
Language Requirements
To ensure that you are able to learn and participate in your class actively, you will need to show that you have a good grasp of the English language in order to apply to any US university. Most universities will accept any of these tests:
- IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing Service)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
- C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English Advanced)
Check out IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. PTE: Which test to take? It will help you make a decision.
University Application Documents Requirements
Different programs and universities may require different documents. However, these are requirements that you are most likely to fulfil to apply to a university in the US.
- Academic Transcripts (Some universities will want to see you had top marks in specific subjects)
- GRE Test Results (Masters)
- Resume/CV
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendations, if required
- Application Fees: Usually between $75-$100
(Note: Double-check the university and your chosen program requirements to see the minimum score and requirements they expect from applicants.)
United Kingdom
On the European side, the United Kingdom is also a top contender for studying computer science. It is a country known for its modernity and advanced information systems and comes to mind immediately when thinking of pursuing their dream of studying computer science abroad. The United Kingdom has an exceptional line of universities that offers world-class education and research opportunities. The country’s industries are dominated by computers and automation, hence it proves to be an excellent practice field for international students.
Top Universities for Computer Science in the UK
Here are some of the top British universities according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022and their tuition fees.
| QS Ranking 2022 | University | Tuition Fees |
| 5 | University of Oxford | £39,010 |
| 8 | University of Cambridge | £35,517 |
| 17 | Imperial College London | £35,100 |
| 22 | UCL | £31,200 |
| 23 | University of Edinburgh | £30,400 |
| 58 | King’s College London | £29,460 |
| 66 | University of Manchester | £26,000 |
| 78 | University of Warwick | £2,280 to £28,410 |
| 118 | University of Bristol | £25,900 |
| 121 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | £25,272 |
(Note: Fees will usually increase annually, so please check before applying.)
Language Requirements
At UK universities, you will find a variety of English-taught programs and prove that you qualify to study those programs. You have to deliver proof of advanced English language proficiency unless you are from an English-speaking country. Accepted language tests are:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- C1 Advanced
- PTE Academic
University Application Documents Requirements
All applications for undergraduate programs in the UK are submitted using the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service). You can find a guide on UCAS here.
- Copy of valid passport
- All academic transcripts ( Some universities will want to see you had top marks in specific subjects)
- GRE Test Results (Masters)
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume/CV
- Letter of Recommendation
- UCAS Application Fees: £20 or £26 (depending on how many courses you are applying to)
- (Note: Double-check the university and your chosen program requirements to see the minimum score and requirements they expect from applicants.)
(Note: Double-check the university and your chosen program requirements to see the minimum score and requirements they expect from applicants.)
Germany
Germany has long been regarded as one of the leading countries in computer science. It has always been a centre for STEM courses. And one of the most attractive things about Germany, aside from exceptional courses and immense research opportunities, is that education in any of Germany’s public universities is free of cost. Hence, this makes Germany easily the most affordable place to pursue your higher education.
Top Universities for Computer Science in Germany
Here are some of the top German universities according to QS World University Ranking by Subject 2022 that you should consider for your study abroad adventure:
| QS Ranking 2022 | University |
| 29 | Technical University of Munich |
| 68 | Technical University of Berlin |
| 86 | RWTH Aachen University |
| 89 | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich |
| 98 | KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
| 123 | Technical University of Darmstadt |
Language Requirement
Germany does offer undergraduate courses entirely taught in English, however, they are very limited in numbers. You can find courses that are taught in both German and English. Hence, they have two options:
If they are going for courses taught in both German and English, they will need to provide proof of both, the German language tests that are accepted by all the universities in Germany:
- TestDaF – available in 90 countries worldwide
The most popular English language tests that are accepted by German universities are:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
University Application Documents Requirements
Every university has its own admission criteria, but generally, most of the following will be included:
- Academic transcripts (Some universities will want to see you had top marks in specific subjects)
- GRE Test Results (Masters)
- Letter of Motivation
- Block Account
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Proof of German Proficiency
- Letter of Recommendation
- CV/Resume
(Note: Double-check the university and your chosen program requirements to see the minimum score and requirements they expect from applicants.)
Canada
Canada is a popular destination for many fields of study. And computer science falls into that category as well. The top schools in the country are known around the world to deliver high calibre education in high-quality facilities and excellent faculty members. One of the other attractive traits that education in Canada has is that studying there will open up a massive job market for you. Recruitment in Canada, the United States and across the British Commonwealth will be possible.
Top Universities for Computer Science in Canada
| QS Ranking 2022 | University | Tuition Fees |
| 12 | University of Toronto | $60,510 (Canadian dollar) |
| 21 | University of British Columbia | $44,091 |
| 25 | University of Waterloo | $66,000 |
| 44 | McGill University | $58,506 |
| 48 | Université de Montréal | 29, 539 |
| 104 | University of Alberta | $40,290 |
| 114 | Simon Fraser University | $23,827 |
| 148 | Queen’s University at Kingston | $45,257–$50,358 |
Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, so double-check before applying.
Language Requirements
Students can choose from a range of courses taught in English, to ensure they can learn and study in English they are required to prove their proficiency level. The English language tests that are accepted by top Canadian universities:
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- C1 Advanced
- TOEFL iBT
University Application Documents Requirements
The general admission criteria to get admission to a university in Canada are as follow:
- Academic transcript ( Some universities will want to see you had top marks in specific subjects)
- GRE Test Results (Masters)
- English proficiency scores
- Evidence of funds
- CV/Resume/Essays
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter Recommendation
(Note: Double-check the university and your chosen program requirements to see the minimum score and requirements they expect from applicants.)
Australia
Australia is a country, an island and a continent that has a student-friendly environment, plethora of opportunities to offer and one of the best educational systems globally. Computer Science study programs in Australia have proven academic standing in the country and globally. After graduation, having a computer degree from a university in Australia will make your resume outstanding and more opportunities will be opened to you.
Top Universities for Computer Science in Australia
Australia is one the student’s favourite study abroad destination, the country is a melting pot of opportunities, beautiful landscape, diverse cultures and globally known universities:
| QS Ranking 2022 | University | Tuition Fees |
| 43 | University of Melbourne | $31,870 |
| 51 | Australian National University | $47,940 |
| 58 | University of New South Wales | $35,800-$48,720 |
| 60 | University of Sydney | $48,000 – $52,000 |
| 68 | Monash University | $44,900 |
| 68 | University of Technology Sydney | $46,656 |
| 96 | University of Adelaide | $47,000 |
| 109 | University of Queensland | $46,112 |
Language Requirement
Australia has four options for the type of English proficiency test they accept. These are:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS Academic
- C1 Advanced
- PTE Academic
University Application Documents Requirements
These are the most common documents required by universities in Australia:
- Academic Transcripts (Some universities will want to see you had top marks in specific subjects)
- GRE Scores (Masters)
- English Proficiency Score
- Evidence of Funds
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- CV/Resume
And these were the country popular for their computer science degree, there are obviously more countries that you can opt for who have outstanding universities, such as:
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- China
If you require any type of help regarding the application process or visa process or you just need help in choosing the course, university and study abroad destination that suits you. Then without any hesitation, book a session with Edvise Hub expert consultant who will assist you in any way they can.
