Course details

Summary

When people think of Computer Science they often just think of programming, but there are many more aspects to the field including interaction design, communications and networks, software design, computer security, information systems, graphics operating systems, educational systems, artificial intelligence and embedded systems (processors that are embedded in everything from mobile phones to cars). All of these areas are experiencing rapid growth both in New Zealand and internationally and there is a strong demand for Computer Science graduates.

Computer Science is about helping people do their work efficiently and effectively by analysing needs and constructing appropriate solutions. It provides a step beyond programming, and is about knowing how to design systems that are fast, usable, reliable, secure, scalable and make a positive impact on society and our environment.

Computer Science students learn techniques to tackle these challenges for applications as diverse as monitoring the condition of patients in hospitals to designing educational games for smart phones.

Courses

100-level courses

Students majoring in Computer Science in a BSc are required to take:

COSC121 Introduction to Computer Programming

COSC122 Introduction to Computer Science

at least 30 points of Mathematics and Statistics (preferably MATH120 Discrete Mathematics and STAT101 Statistics 1 - not MATH101).

COSC101 Working in a Digital World is also strongly recommended for those who haven't studied computer science previously.

It is possible to design a first year of study that enables you to either continue in your second year in Computer Science or to go into Software Engineering, Information Systems, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or Computer Engineering. To keep your options open for this talk with a College of Engineering Student Advisor.

200-level and beyond

A variety of courses in Computer Science are available after the first year. These cover topics essential for building innovative systems, such as algorithms, software engineering, data communications and networking, database systems, computer forensics, artificial intelligence, data and network security, microprocessor systems, computer graphics, wireless security, computer vision and augmented reality.

As part of the Bachelor of Science students can also choose courses from other Science subjects and non-Science subjects.

Career opportunities

There is a strong demand for graduates who are qualified in Computer Science, particularly those who combine technical skills with good communication skills and teamwork ability. Canterbury's leading-edge IT sector is facing a shortage of qualified graduates, meaning that UC-qualified Computer Science graduates are in high demand.

Many employment opportunities exist with organisations that run large computer-based systems, such as finance companies, airline industries, government departments, state-owned enterprises, consulting companies, and computer organisations themselves. Work with these organisations often involves international travel opportunities. Many of our students start up their own software companies, and end up being employers rather than employees.

Apart from a professional career in computing, a degree in Computer Science can be used as a good basis for a career in the many areas in which computer systems are applied. Graduates are employed in fields including education, computer forensics, embedded systems and computer graphics, and in a variety of positions including software engineer, programmer, analyst, computer consultant, webmaster, internet developer, GIS analyst, games developer and computing tutor.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Certificate in Arts. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.