University course Β· real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni Β· part of Careermash
University degree

Computer Science with a Year of Study Abroad

Cardiff University Β· Cardiff
Qualification
Degree
Length
4 yrs
UK fees / yr
Β£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin Β· your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Computer science is the discipline that underpins the digital world, concerned with the theory of computation, the design of algorithms and programming languages, the architecture of systems, and the full range of applications from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to networks and human-computer interaction. A computer science degree trains you to think like a computing professional, combining theoretical rigour with practical problem-solving and an awareness of the ethical, security, and sustainability dimensions of technology development. Including a year of study abroad enriches this formation by immersing you in a different research and academic environment.

At Cardiff University, this four-year, full-time programme provides both the practical skills and the theoretical knowledge needed to pursue a career in computing. You will learn the principles of programming, software engineering, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and systems design, alongside the professional and ethical awareness that responsible computing requires. The year of study abroad is built into the structure of the programme, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution in another country and to experience computer science from a different academic tradition and cultural perspective.

A typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the strong computational and mathematical background expected of students on this programme.

Computer science graduates are in sustained demand across virtually every sector. Career destinations include software engineering, systems architecture, AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, product management, research, and technology entrepreneurship. The year abroad strengthens both the academic profile and the international awareness of graduates, which is increasingly valued by technology companies operating globally.

Postgraduate study in computer science, AI, cybersecurity, or a specialist technical field is a well-supported further step.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
96-111 pts10%
144-159 pts60%
160-175 pts20%
192-207 pts10%
How they qualified
100% got in with A-levels.
A-levels100%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
93%
In work or further study after
96%
Continue past first year
74%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
Β£33,500
3 years on
Β£46,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Elementary occupations11%
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled59%
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled3%
Finance ProfessionalsHighly skilled3%
Artistic, literary and media occupationsHighly skilled3%
Managers, directors and senior officialsHighly skilled3%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled3%
Natural and social science professionalsHighly skilled2%
What students say National Student Survey
74%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching70%
Assessment & feedback74%
Academic support61%
Well organised71%
Learning resources82%
Student community85%
In students' own words
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Exceeded expectations
The course has exceeded my expectations. The best part: the teaching staff are genuinely world-class and accessible. If I'm honest, accommodation allocation was stressful in the first year. On the city β€” local cost of living is manageable i…
Class of 2022 Β· Part-time
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Would do it again
The programme genuinely lives up to its reputation. The best part: the course strikes a good balance between theory and practical application. If I'm honest, would like to see more industry guest speakers in later years. On the city β€” local…
Class of 2022 Β· Full-time
More courses like this
Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on Cardiff University's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash Β· real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

Β© 2026 Careermash. A concept for secondary schools.