Computing

An introduction from Adam Gibson Norfolk Lead for NCCE

There are currently over 600,000 unfilled posts in the computer science (CS) and technology related industries and this is costing the UK government an estimated £63 billion in loast revenue / outsourcing costs.

In 2019 the DfE launched a three year program to provide a world class computing education for every young person in England and invested £100 million into achieving this. As well as filling the employment gap in the sector, there is a requirement for an additional 8,000 teachers to deliver the subject at GCSE level.

Stories from undergraduate first and second years studying CS at universities include being offered posts by tech giants such as Microsoft and Google as a post-graduate trainee on very significant salaries. Online research reveals that the average salary for programmers is over £60,000 in the UK.

Apprenticeship degrees are ever more popular and whilst competition is fierce, accessibility onto the courses is increasing due to the demand from the industry. These offer fantastic opportunities for undergraduates to secure a pathway which includes study, employment, and a substantial future in the industry.

Whilst the gaming industry attracts massive salaries and expectations at “crunch” time are through the roof in terms of commitment careers go far beyond this, often quoted as the fastest growing industry in the world.

Career breadth is huge and many roles involve other disciplines too. Computational biology, geography, maths, physics, chemistry, software and hardware engineering, entertainment, sport… the list is actually endless. You will find opportunities that interest and inspire you whether you are a purist programmer or have split passions with another subject.

Typical Employers

Common employers are IT consultancies and IT service providers. However, as most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, there are also opportunities within the IT departments of major organisations in sectors such as:

• aerospace and defence

• agricultural

• financial services

• healthcare

• manufacturing

• public and third sectors

• retail

• telecommunications.

You can also find opportunities with a range of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Another option is to set up your own business, providing IT services such as web design and consultancy.

Find information on employers in information technology and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

Computing degrees combine theoretical study and practical projects, teaching you subject-specific skills including:

• programming languages

• hardware architecture and construction

• network design and engineering

• software engineering

• multimedia design

• software tools and packages.

You will learn how to specify, design and construct computer-based systems, evaluate and recognise potential risks and design creative solutions.

More generic skills include:

• teamwork and leadership

• communication

• problem-solving

• negotiation

• time management and organisation

• report writing

• numeracy

• commercial awareness.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is especially important when you're working with computers as technology and software develops at such a rapid pace.

Further study

You may choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level, studying a computer science subject in greater detail through an MSc or PhD. Further study is essential for a career in academia and can be useful for a range of other careers, for example, developing new technologies and products. You can also combine work with further study through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).

You could also complete a teaching qualification in order to teach IT in secondary schools. Find out more about teacher training options.

For information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses.