Computer Science or Software Engineering?

I'd say Software Engineering is more vocational - degrees are kind of designed to set you up for a career as a Software Engineer (code monkey), whereas CS is more academic, and you learn much more about computers, not just how to structure a program and write efficient code, although it will definitely cover that anyway.

Hi

I have just finished my AS exams and am in that stage where I'm researching and applying for uni. I've been interested in technology for a while (admittedly stemmed from gaming ) and I'm quite certain I want to do something computer related. I thought previously to do Computer Science, but recently also considered Software Engineering as an option since I seem to be more interested in the software side of computing, but my question is, what is the actual difference? And would it be better to do CS since it covers all aspects?

Thank you for taking your time

Thank you! I thought it might be a bit more advantageous to do SE in terms of getting a job. But with the increased focus on coding, do you think I need some experience beforehand...?

Thank you! I thought it might be a bit more advantageous to do SE in terms of getting a job. But with the increased focus on coding, do you think I need some experience beforehand...?

Computer Science is more mathematical and theoretical in nature. It's the more academic sibling to Software Engineering.
The choice is yours, do you prefer thinking about problems in a mathematical way or are you someone who would just delve straight into code?
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I was in the same position as you a few months ago, but settled for Software Engineering solely because I find that having the opportunity to actually apply the theoretical knowledge you learn in CS is more appealing.

Prior coding experience will help you with either, and I'd say to pretty much the same extent.
However, I would strongly advise doing some if you want to do SE because you want to know if you enjoy it or not! Also, the amount you need to do to look good on your application depends on what calibre uni you're applying to, but then most courses should assume no prior knowledge anyway.

Also, software engineering as a separate degree seems to be much rarer than computer science, should I apply for computer science anyway for those unis without SE?

I did some simple programming, and I love it. But I'm just intimidated, I guess. When I went to open days, a lot of the others seemed to have done a lot more than me and I felt maybe I should do more?

You should go for a Computer Science degree. This is because you will be much more employable due to the wide range of knowledge and skills it provides, as well as providing you with much more opportunity for work in a variety of industries and roles. For example, the roles after SE - you would be limited to (as mentioned earlier) being essentially a code monkey who works on business applications and such or as an analyst and those sort of boring, remedial roles. Whereas CS can do all of the roles SE can plus a whole lot more.

For example, you mentioned that games were what got you interested in technology, you may want to work in the games industry as a game engineer or programmer. Game programming is essentially the most difficult programming there is, for which SE will not prepare you enough for. CS though will teach you all about the different algorithms and will provide you with a thorough grounding in logic and discrete mathematics, which is essential in that line of work. This is why some companies ask exclusively for a CS degree instead of the usual CS (or equivalent).

Since games interest you, I'd recommend the following course - Computer Science (Game Engineering) with industrial year.

I looked at that course and it's very interesting, I wonder though if it would limit my job options? Would it give me all the opportunities a general CS degree would?