Computer Studies and an Arts Subject Joint Honours

Factfile

Key data

Joint Honours combinations

You can take the following Arts and History subjects in a Joint Honours degree with Computer Studies:

  • Duration of programme: 3 years; 4 years if combined with a modern language

Contact Details

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offers: AAB-BBB (Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects.)
  • Required subjects and grades: Mathematics GCSE at grade B
  • General Studies: No
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 34-36 points including Mathematics at SL

See also general entry requirements

Additional information

  1. Students find it helpful to have studied Maths A level, however we do not actually require Maths at A level
  2. It is desirable, but not essential, to have some experience of writing computer programs.
  3. A subject booklet is available from the School on request.

Description

Few areas of human activity are untouched by the computer. This makes knowledge of the science and engineering behind computer systems invaluable in the modern world; not just for developers and users, but also for people such as policy-makers, managers and journalists.

Besides this obvious fact, it is not so well known that our ways of thinking about natural phenomena such as minds, biological systems and social processes have also been revolutionised by the ideas behind computer science. Because of this, people with a foot in both camps have a distinct advantage.

These degrees allow you to combine an arts subject, such as a modern language, with the core of a degree in Computer Science.

First year

In this year you are introduced to computer science and software engineering. You work in our software laboratories developing your analytical, design and programming skills. You also study the fundamentals underpinning efficient software.

Second year

Work in the second year develops your skills in building software in teams. You also explore databases, graphics, logic programming and software engineering. If you are taking a degree with a language, you will also be able to spend an additional year - between Years 2 and 3 - in the relevant country, either studying or working.

Third year

In your final year you will work on an individual project, often related to your other area of study. You also study modules from a range of options such as Databases, Graphics, Human-Computer Interaction, Networks and Distributed Systems, and Parallel Programming.

The strong practical elements of these degrees benefit from excellent facilities including a variety of sophisticated networked computers and extensive online information services.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is by lectures, tutorials and laboratory demonstrations. There are also some online teaching and discussion groups. We assess your work through your laboratory assignments, case studies and essays, as well as examinations.

Career opportunities

You graduate with an understanding of the essential science and engineering of computers and software. You have job prospects, therefore, with computer manufacturers and software companies, in the manufacturing industry, communications, business and commerce, banking, local government, the Civil Service, education and training.

Course Modules

Please note that actual course modules may vary from year to year, however, the following are typical course modules:

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules