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Computer Science degree titles

I'm a UK-based web dev finally going to university in order to round out my knowledge with a degree in CompSci, currently trying to decide between moving to London or Birmingham. During my extensive research I've noticed that many universities seem to repackage what's essentially the same course - identical or mostly identical lists of modules - under different degree titles. For example, a few of the University of Birmingham's Computer Science courses are named as follows:

- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc
- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc - Computer Science with Digital Technology Partnership BSc
- Computer Science/Software Engineering MEng

But comparing each degree on the UoB website shows the list of modules is identical apart from one extra module that is removed or added depending on the "specialism".

In the case of these courses by the University of Greenwich in London:

- Computer Science BSc Hons
- Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc Hons
- Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc Hons
- Computer Science (Data Science) BSc Hons

...the available modules are completely identical, with one or two becoming compulsory or optional based on the "specialism".

In these cases, where I essentially have the choice to study all or 95% of the same modules - does the generic or specialist degree title (Computer Science vs Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)) look more impressive to employers/clients? Does the extra specialism help, by making the degree look broader, or are future employers/clients likely to understand the breadth of a standalone Computer Science degree?

For that matter and on the same topic, Imperial College London generally seems to rank as the best computer science degree in the UK after Cambridge and Oxford, but for some reason I can't fathom they've called this degree "Computing", which tbh sounds closer to something in IT support. If I were to apply for this degree, is there anything to stop me from calling it Computer Science on my CV?
(edited 1 year ago)
You should talk to employers to find out what they look for in a degree title.

You cannot list a degree with a difference title to that on your certificate on your CV (and if you do state that you have a CS degree from Imperial on your CV then employers will know that you are lying on your CV and likely be concerned about what else you are lying about).
Original post by The_Architect
I'm a UK-based web dev finally going to university in order to round out my knowledge with a degree in CompSci, currently trying to decide between moving to London or Birmingham. During my extensive research I've noticed that many universities seem to repackage what's essentially the same course - identical or mostly identical lists of modules - under different degree titles. For example, a few of the University of Birmingham's Computer Science courses are named as follows:

- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc
- Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc - Computer Science with Digital Technology Partnership BSc
- Computer Science/Software Engineering MEng

But comparing each degree on the UoB website shows the list of modules is identical apart from one extra module that is removed or added depending on the "specialism".

In the case of these courses by the University of Greenwich in London:

- Computer Science BSc Hons
- Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc Hons
- Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc Hons
- Computer Science (Data Science) BSc Hons

...the available modules are completely identical, with one or two becoming compulsory or optional based on the "specialism".

In these cases, where I essentially have the choice to study all or 95% of the same modules - does the generic or specialist degree title (Computer Science vs Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)) look more impressive to employers/clients? Does the extra specialism help, by making the degree look broader, or are future employers/clients likely to understand the breadth of a standalone Computer Science degree?

For that matter and on the same topic, Imperial College London generally seems to rank as the best computer science degree in the UK after Cambridge and Oxford, but for some reason I can't fathom they've called this degree "Computing", which tbh sounds closer to something in IT support. If I were to apply for this degree, is there anything to stop me from calling it Computer Science on my CV?

Hello! I think it really depends on what jobs you are planning to apply for after you graduate from university. If you plan to transition from web development to the AI field afterward, then a degree name "Artificial Intelligence" might seem more specific.
If you already have some companies that you want to work for in mind, maybe you can search for their requirements or see if you can find out what degrees the current employees studied. Other than that, I would suggest you choose the degree with courses that interest you most or the university campus or city that you prefer to stay.
I think it would help to list some specific content or course titles on your CV under the degree name to show the employers that you have studied certain knowledge on a topic.

Best wishes to you!!

- Miyuki (Student Ambassador)

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