What can I do with a degree in Computer Science?

What can I do with a degree in Computer Science?

Computing underpins a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, entertainment, and defence, with computer scientists playing a central role in this ongoing transformation. By building a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and system design, you will be well-prepared for a variety of roles in the tech sector, whether in generalist positions or in specialist areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. Get ideas and inspiration here before booking a one-to-one session with a careers adviser.

Careers in Computer Science

The following roles highlight potential career opportunities for graduates of the Computer Science program, drawing on skills in programming, systems design, and problem-solving.  

Software Developer Design, develop, and test software applications to meet user needs, ensuring functionality and performance.

Full Stack Developer Build and maintain both the front-end and back-end components of web applications, handling everything from user interfaces to server-side logic.

AI Engineer Develop and implement artificial intelligence models and algorithms to automate tasks and enhance system capabilities.

Cyber Security Analyst Monitor and protect an organisation's computer systems and networks from cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and security.

Front End Developer Create and optimise the visual and interactive aspects of websites and applications, focusing on user experience and interface design.

Machine Learning Engineer Design and build machine learning models that enable systems to learn from data and make decisions without explicit programming.

Alternative career paths

IT consultant Advise businesses on tech strategy and transformation.

UX Designer Enhance user experience through design and research.

Data Analyst Interpret and analyse data to help organisations make informed business decisions.

Business Analyst Evaluate business processes and requirements to recommend and implement effective solutions.

Web Content Manager Manage and update website content to ensure it is accurate, engaging, and aligned with business goals.

Where do University of Kent graduates work?

Organisations that have previously employed University of Kent graduates include: 

  • Tech & IT – Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, AWS, Vodafone
  • Finance & banking – J.P. Morgan, Barclays, HSBC, PwC
  • Public sector & security – GCHQ, HMRC, Civil Service, NHS Digital
  • Entertainment & media – Disney, EA, Sony
  • Retail & E‑commerce – ASOS, Ocado, Amazon
  • Research & start‑ups – Kent Innovation & Enterprise, independent labs

Many more opportunities exist across these and other industries.  

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.

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Computer Science recruitment platforms

CWJobs: One of the top UK tech job boards

Technojobs: Focuses on software, DevOps, cyber security, and more

Stack Overflow Jobs: Global developer job listings

DevITjobs UK: Developer-focused job board with UK filtering

Otta: Modern, user-friendly platform for tech/start-up roles

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General graduate job search platforms

Gradcracker

Prospects

TargetJobs

LinkedIn Jobs

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Useful resources

ITJobsWatch: Market trends, salaries, and UK tech roles 

Tech & Digital Recruitment Agency | Digital Waffle 

WorkInStartups: Ideal for grads exploring tech start-ups in the UK  

edX: Includes MIT, Harvard, and Microsoft content in computer science

Codecademy: Learn Python, JavaScript, Git, SQL, etc

Udemy: Affordable on-demand courses in full stack, DevOps, AI, and more

IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate: Highly regarded for AI/ML foundations

https://leetcode.com/

British Computer Society (BCS): Professional body offering training, accreditation, and membership

Tips to stand out

  • Showcase your work: Include links to your GitHub or other code repositories in your applications to demonstrate your practical skills.
  • Engage in competitions: Participate in coding challenges and competitions like Kaggle or Hackathons to build real-world experience.
  • Utilise university resources: Access Kent's Graduates First platform to practice numerical, analytical, and coding tests.
  • Research employers: Understand the organisations you're applying to, know their tech stack, business goals, and challenges to tailor your applications effectively.
  • Highlight relevant experience: Emphasise projects or coursework from your time at Kent that showcase your teamwork, problem-solving, and programming skills.
  • Participate in university events: Join Kent's TechSoc and compSocKent for coding events, workshops, and networking opportunities. These societies offer regular hackathons and game nights compsockent.uk.
  • Stay informed: Keep up with the latest tech trends and demonstrate your passion for continuous learning in your applications and interviews.

Year in industry

A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain on your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contribute to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.     

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Further study 

Some Computer Science graduates choose to pursue postgraduate qualifications to deepen their expertise, specialise in a technical area, or move into academic or research careers. Popular options include master’s programmes in:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cyber Security
  • Advanced Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Computational Intelligence
  • Cloud Computing & DevOps

There are also a wide range of online certifications and short courses that can boost your employability and technical profile, particularly in areas like machine learning, cloud infrastructure, and ethical hacking.

Useful Resources for online study

  • Coursera: Courses from Stanford, Google, IBM in software dev, AI, and cyber.
  • edX: Includes MIT, Harvard, and Microsoft content in computer science.
  • Codecademy: Learn Python, JavaScript, Git, SQL, etc.
  • Udemy: Affordable on-demand courses in full stack, DevOps, AI, and more.

Postgraduate Courses at Kent 

Prospects – Postgraduate Study 

Find a Masters