Computing Degree v Computer Science degree?

Gall1987

Gall1987

Gall1987

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441
Afternoon all :)

I'm due to start a 'Computing' degree in Sepember and I've just been having a look at my old companies graduate scheme and they are asking for a 2:1 or better in a Computer Science, Physics or Maths degree, to apply.

Most others organisations also state they want Computer Science degrees although some do state "or other relevant IT degree".

I'm just wondering if I'll be at a major disadvantage doing Computing instead of Computer Science. As it comes under the school of Computer Science at some Universities, some only offer 'Computing OR Computer Science' and some offer both Computer Science courses and Computing courses. The Universities that only offer one or the other seem as though they are the same course but named slighty differently.

I'm doing pretty well at College and the Uni that I've applied to have said they would consider me changing if I wanted. I like the sound of the Computing course more, but will obviously have to rethink my plans if it puts me at a disadvantage in a few years.

Cheers for any advice :)
 
Computer Science will look far better on a CV imo.

I'd say that Computing is thought of as having less scientific, mathematical content.
 
UCAS course codes?

From the perspective of a potential employer, the specific discipline pursued in academia isn't so important (given it's in the general field of employment), but it is the level of attainment they care about. You have a degree in a computing discipline, if that's what the job needs, then you'll be in with as much chance as someone else with a degree in a slightly different computing discipline.

I've enquired with some companies in the past for requirements and they just want a degree. Doesn't matter what it is in, they just wanted a degree lol. It just shows mental capacity and ability to work by yourself on significant, large projects and assignments.
 
Agree with DannyDan, but it's not necessarily the case - most companies will look at any IT related degree.

e.g. Mine is in Software Engineering as it was the most technical/mathsy choice.
 
Computer Science is one of the more standard and therefore recognised qualifications. A lot of unis will make a course with their own take on the "computing" industry, meaning the contents of the course can differ course to course, whereas a Computer Science degree is a lot more recognised as the content usually remains similar across the UK. However, if you do Computer Science then be prepared to be doing a lot of programming.

I went from doing a BTEC in IT to doing a Computer Science degree, and whilst its been a bit of an up and down course I do feel its been worth doing. The course im doing (Northumbria University) has recently been backed by the BCS, which kind of adds to its recognition a bit.
 
The_Sophisticate said:
UCAS course codes?

From the perspective of a potential employer, the specific discipline pursued in academia isn't so important (given it's in the general field of employment), but it is the level of attainment they care about. You have a degree in a computing discipline, if that's what the job needs, then you'll be in with as much chance as someone else with a degree in a slightly different computing discipline.

I've enquired with some companies in the past for requirements and they just want a degree. Doesn't matter what it is in, they just wanted a degree lol. It just shows mental capacity and ability to work by yourself on significant, large projects and assignments.
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The one I'm doing is G504 at Sheffield Hallam. They don't offer Computing Science and only Computing. I applied for G403 at Salford, who offer both Computing and Computer Science. I didn't apply for this but as an example Manchester only offer Computer Science (G400).

I've been out of education for a while until I started an Access course at College. Therefore I didn't realise how well I was going to do an only applied for mid/low-ranked Universities, when I would have stood a chance of getting in a higher ranked Uni.
 
They are wildy different in my experience. I do CompEng, and we did one of the Computings courses coursework pieces in one practical. So their second semester coursework piece for that module, we did in about 3 hours.

Personally CompSci and ElecEng are where its at, or a mixture of both..
 
Chris1712 said:
They are wildy different in my experience. I do CompEng, and we did one of the Computings courses coursework pieces in one practical. So their second semester coursework piece for that module, we did in about 3 hours.

Personally CompSci and ElecEng are where its at, or a mixture of both..
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The impression I get is that they generally seem to be 'less techincal' and involve more communication/business in them.

How do you find UWE? I had an offer for there and was impressed with the course but it worked out too expensive for me to go there.
 
I done 2 years of computer science then in the final year used the modules to switch to a computing degree. It's very theory and fundimentals - if you want more practical experience stick with computing more freedom in module choices.
 
If you think, even at this stage, that you would like to move further than an undergrad degree (I know it can be very hard to know at this point), onto postgrad study, then the more traditional the degree subject, the better.

In the case of Computing, Computer Science was usually the first Computing related degree offered, with Computing being introduced as a degree subject of its own later on as, as has been said, an alternative looking less at the science of computation (which lets face it is basically maths in various forms) and more at real world applications of computation. Over the years there has been some cross-over between the two, but Computer Science is still held in better regard by academics.

Alternatively if you are pretty sure you'll be taking your degree and moving straight into the work-place with it, I would tend to agree with most of what people have said here, the majority of employers will look more closely at where the degree came from and at what level you achieved it. Although in some highly technical companies, the same principles applied by academics may also be applied as often the people running those organisations have experienced the world of academia themselves.

Ultimately, if you feel you're up to it, I think Computer Science is the safer bet, it's very unlikely to be considered in lower standing than Computing, and is more likely to be seen in a better light in more scenarios.
 
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Gall1987 said:
The impression I get is that they generally seem to be 'less techincal' and involve more communication/business in them.

How do you find UWE? I had an offer for there and was impressed with the course but it worked out too expensive for me to go there.
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Facilities are a bit meh, lecturers are brilliant and its industry ties are top notch. Considering the Universities general 'rank', the course seems VERY well received and I've had lots of encouraging conversations with the like of GE, BAE, HP, Intel, Broadcom (currently an intern there), Accenture, GCHQ, RIM, Infineon and so on and so on.

Certainly worth considering, the course content is great even the institution isn't highly regarded.

Also, Bristol chuffing rocks.
 
manic_man said:
If you think, even at this stage, that you would like to move further than an undergrad degree (I know it can be very hard to know at this point), onto postgrad study, then the more traditional the degree subject, the better.

In the case of Computing, Computer Science was usually the first Computing related degree offered, with Computing being introduced later on as, as has been said, an alternative looking less at the science of computation (which lets face it is basically maths in various forms) and more at real world applications of computation. Over the years there has been some cross-over between the two, but Computer Science is still held in better regard by academics.

Alternatively if you are pretty sure you'll be taking your degree and moving straight into the work-place with it, I would tend to agree with most of what people have said here, the majority of employers will look more closely at where the degree came from and at what level you achieved it. Although in some highly technical companies, the same principles applied by academics may also be applied as often the people running those organisations have experienced the world of academia themselves.

Ultimately, if you feel you're up to it, I think Computer Science is the safer bet, it's very unlikely to be considered in lower standing than Computing, and is more likely to be seen in a better light in more scenarios.
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That's excellent, thanks :)

I'll hopefully to well enough to apply for the graduate scheme at my old company. I worked there for 5 years and performed very well, I just didn't have the academic record to go any further so had to take a step back if you like.

I agree that the Computer Science degree looks more impressive on a CV and I may consider a postgrad course, depending on how I find it at undergraduate level first. I think I'll be more suited to the practical side of things though, more than loads of theory, so I'm going to stick with Computing and after the first year, depending on the modules I choice, I can always transfer to a more technical computing course.
 
Chris1712 said:
Facilities are a bit meh, lecturers are brilliant and its industry ties are top notch. Considering the Universities general 'rank', the course seems VERY well received and I've had lots of encouraging conversations with the like of GE, BAE, HP, Intel, Broadcom (currently an intern there), Accenture, GCHQ, RIM, Infineon and so on and so on.

Certainly worth considering, the course content is great even the institution isn't highly regarded.

Also, Bristol chuffing rocks.
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I liked the course and the invitation day was excellent. The only thing that put me off was it being so expensive to live there and that fact that it wouldn't be as easy to get home.

I've heard nothing but good things about Bristol though!
 
Gall1987 said:
I liked the course and the invitation day was excellent. The only thing that put me off was it being so expensive to live there and that fact that it wouldn't be as easy to get home.

I've heard nothing but good things about Bristol though!
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Well my 'home' is only Swindon so not far to travel, though I like to avoid it as much as possible! It is expensive, but I'm not sure how much moreso than most areas on the south west? Saying that the student halls have become heinously expensive in the last 3 years, almost doubling since I lived there as a fresher. I currently pay 300pcm for a pretty big room in a decent area, but you could spend a LOT more.
 
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