Studying computer science
Computer Science Degree: The Complete Guide
A computer science degree teaches you how computers solve problems, and how to build the software and systems that run on them. It is one of the most popular subjects in higher education, and for good reason: the skills it teaches are in demand across almost every industry, not just technology.
What you study
A good degree is broader than programming. You will cover the core of the field: how to design algorithms and structure data, the mathematics and theory behind computation, how operating systems and networks work, and how to build reliable software. Most degrees then let you specialise later, in areas such as artificial intelligence, security, graphics, or data science. Coding runs through all of it as a practical tool, but the degree is about the ideas as much as the syntax.
Degree levels
The main route is a bachelor’s degree, a BSc or BS, which takes three years in the UK and four in the US. A master’s degree adds one to two years and lets you specialise or move into research. A PhD, several years more, is for those who want to do original research. Shorter associate degrees exist too, as do fully online computer science degrees, which now come from some well-regarded universities.
Entry requirements and how to choose
Most degrees expect strong mathematics and, increasingly, some coding experience. Beyond that, where you study matters: our guide to the best computer science universities ranks the leading departments and explains the trade-offs. Online degrees have grown quickly and can be good value, though the strongest research universities are still mostly campus-based. Cost need not be the barrier it first looks: our guide to computer science scholarships and financial aid covers the grants, awards and fee waivers that bring the price down.
Is it worth it?
The numbers are encouraging. In the United States, the median wage for computer and IT occupations was $105,990 in May 2024, more than double the $49,500 median for all jobs, and the field is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034. See our pages on computer science careers and salaries for the detail. The degree is demanding, and the job market rewards real skill as well as the qualification, but for most graduates it pays off.
Frequently asked
How long is a computer science degree?
A bachelor's degree usually takes three years in the UK and four years in the US. A master's adds one to two years, and a PhD several more. Part-time and online routes can take longer.
Do you need to be good at maths for computer science?
A reasonable level of mathematics helps a lot. Computer science uses logic, discrete mathematics and, in some areas, statistics and calculus. Most degrees expect strong maths at entry.
Is a computer science degree worth it?
For most graduates, yes. Computer and IT roles pay well above the national average and the field is growing much faster than average, though the degree is demanding and employers value practical skill alongside the qualification.