The Student Room Group

Computer science/computer systems engineering....job wise

Hey, im applying to courses either in Computer science or Computer systems engineering.
At the moment I'm thinking that i might go for Computer science because it seems a broader computing subject.

im probably getting ahead of myself, but i was curious for the future...
Would jobs/careers using either of these degrees be generally the same?
i think i read somewhere that employers would ask for either of these degrees and one or the other would be applicable for any technical or computing career (which is good!..i guess)
also is it easy to switch from one course to the other if i change my mind in uni?

Thanks in advanced!
Reply 1
I don't think there is much difference, other than CS is a lot more maths based. My SE I'm doing now has a bit of Maths to it, but I'm guessing CS is more of that and less of the coding.
Reply 2
Sounds like you're talking about Software Engineering not, Computer Systems Engineering.

CSE seems to be a a 50-50 split between CS and Electronic engineering. Or at least that's what the CSE course at Bristol is. Apparently it involves more maths than CS.
84 shelly
jobs are running out for cs graduates

what is your source for this? I hear nothing but the opposite.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6155998.stm

Most of the Jobs I have been looking at in the computing field just seem to ask for a "computer science based degree" meaning anytype of computer/software engineering computer science computer systems etc obviously if you want to be a programmer they prefer more programming experience etc. Look on the uni websites for module breakdowns and have a read through to see the individual content of the modules. It doesn't really matter what the title is, more the skills you will learn.
Reply 4
marisad_uk
what is your source for this? I hear nothing but the opposite.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6155998.stm



The only place I keep reading it, is on these forums. Just about everyone tells me that the industry is thriving, and that because there is a shortage Software Developers in particular can charge quite a bit for their services.
Reply 5
I found this extract from a article that made me feel a bit better...

"Individuals with an advanced degree in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBA with a concentration in information systems should enjoy favorable employment prospects. University graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should enjoy favorable prospects, particularly if they have supplemented their formal education with practical experience. Because employers continue to seek computer specialists who can combine strong technical skills with good interpersonal and business skills, graduates with degrees in fields other than computer science who have had courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and other information technology areas also should continue to find jobs in these computer fields. In fact, individuals with the right experience and training can work in these computer occupations regardless of their college major or level of formal education."
Reply 6
i think that article refers to the top 20 unis for comp sci. Most grads that graduate from a uni outside the top 40 struggle to find a job.
Reply 7
i'm planning to do Information Systems at Newcastle...does anyone do that course? It looks a fairly decent course altho isn't in the Times Top 20 for CS...
richamark
i'm planning to do Information Systems at Newcastle...does anyone do that course? It looks a fairly decent course altho isn't in the Times Top 20 for CS...


It is an ok course at an ok university.
However finding a job afterwards will be a problem.
Even people with Comp Sci degrees from Cambridge and Oxford are struggling these days.

I would suggest looking at a course with better employment prospects or a place at better university.
Computer science on it's own is okay, but if you really want the high paying jobs, then you'll want an industry accredited award (CCNA, CompTIA) along with your degree. You can get high paying jobs with computer science on it's own, but unfortunately the good ones are few and far between.
Reply 10
Not sure if a CCNA would get you much further than just having a degree. CCNP and higher is what you'll want for the really high paying networking jobs.

I have a CCNA but it won't do me any good since I'm not interested in networking.
Reply 11
philyb
and that because there is a shortage Software Developers in particular can charge quite a bit for their services.

There's always a shortage of good software developers. There seems to be plenty of mediocre candidates, this article gets it very right.

fundamentally

However finding a job afterwards will be a problem.
Even people with Comp Sci degrees from Cambridge and Oxford are struggling these days.

People from good universities, who are good at compsci, are not struggling.

In short, do everything you can to make yourself a 'good' candidate in person as well as on paper---go to a good university, get a good degree, get some programming based work experience, develop soft skills at university the best you can. With that lot under your belt I'm sure you won't be job searching for long.

A.
XtrepT
I found this extract from a article that made me feel a bit better...

"Individuals with an advanced degree in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBA with a concentration in information systems should enjoy favorable employment prospects. University graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should enjoy favorable prospects, particularly if they have supplemented their formal education with practical experience. Because employers continue to seek computer specialists who can combine strong technical skills with good interpersonal and business skills, graduates with degrees in fields other than computer science who have had courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and other information technology areas also should continue to find jobs in these computer fields. In fact, individuals with the right experience and training can work in these computer occupations regardless of their college major or level of formal education."



Hiee... WOW.. that is certainly a relief to hear.. :smile: ...
As for me.. Ive done my Bachelors degree in Computer Science and headin to do my MSc Information Systems this fall..:p:
Rankings from : The Guardian University guide

Imperial College 87.00
Southampton 84.63
St Andrews 84.33
Cambridge 84.00
Edinburgh 82.60
Oxford 80.60
York 80.60
Bristol 76.33
Durham 75.63
Warwick 73.97
Bath 73.30
Strathclyde 73.10

... As someone stated.. Imperial IS ranked higher than Cambridge in some rankings....

I've got an Unconditional, MS Information Systems from Southampton:biggrin: