Should I switch to comp sci with AI or stick with regular computer science

I am just about to finish my first year of computer science at Uni of Huddersfield and due to all comp sci courses at the uni having the same first years you are able to change to any of the other courses.

I have looked at the difference between the two courses and feel that the ai course would be a better choice as the modules that are different would be Object-Oriented systems development instead of Operating sytems in 2nd year and then Data-driven AI instead of distributed and client server systems in the final year.

I want to switch but dont know if doing so could mess me up in the future so was hoping anyone could let me know if switching would be a mistake.

Reply 1

taylor2317

Life & Style Forum Helper

what are you looking to do after uni?

Reply 2

HarryCS

Original post by taylor2317

what are you looking to do after uni?

Not really sure at the moment, I find the ai side and it is huge at the moment but i also dont really know enough about it yet to know if i want to commit to it, hence why im not sure if switching would be a good idea.

The two courses are pretty similar bar a couple modules, do you feel that changing is low risk or can you get stuck in ai if that is what your degree specialises in?

Reply 3

taylor2317

Life & Style Forum Helper

Original post by HarryCS

Not really sure at the moment, I find the ai side and it is huge at the moment but i also dont really know enough about it yet to know if i want to commit to it, hence why im not sure if switching would be a good idea.
The two courses are pretty similar bar a couple modules, do you feel that changing is low risk or can you get stuck in ai if that is what your degree specialises in?

i mean if ur unsure about ur future and u prefer this alteration of the course then i would say go for it

Reply 4

University of Huddersfield

Official Rep

Original post by HarryCS

I am just about to finish my first year of computer science at Uni of Huddersfield and due to all comp sci courses at the uni having the same first years you are able to change to any of the other courses.
I have looked at the difference between the two courses and feel that the ai course would be a better choice as the modules that are different would be Object-Oriented systems development instead of Operating sytems in 2nd year and then Data-driven AI instead of distributed and client server systems in the final year.
I want to switch but dont know if doing so could mess me up in the future so was hoping anyone could let me know if switching would be a mistake.

Hi @HarryCS

I am a former student of the BSc Computing course and now work at the University as a social media content officer.

My advice would be to make the choice that you think would make you happier for the remainder of your degree. I had a similar decision when I was on Computing and wanted to change over to Software Engineering before second year. I thought I wanted to go into that field, but then I realised I didn't like the module options that were on the SE course, they seemed a little more restrictive and seemed to have less variety. By sticking on Computing BSc, it allowed me to take modules where I enjoyed the topic more or saw opportunity where I would succeed more- I enjoyed front-end web design way more than C+ / C# programming so I chose the course where I would enjoy the modules more.

Do the modules in the CS with AI interest you more? Or can you still take modules related to AI on the standard CS course but also have more variety in other areas of optional modules?

I liked the variety and it would put more options on the table for me when I graduated. My thoughts were if I had more skills and knowledge I may qualify for more jobs as I have a broader skillset and can apply for lots of different roles, whereas I felt had I doubled down on the knowledge and made my degree more precise, I wouldn't feel as confident to apply for different roles.

Speaking from my position now, most graduate roles aren't expecting expert level knowledge of one topic once you graduate, if you have a solid knowledge base, you build on that when in the role. So by taking an extra module that is AI related, is that extra module in AI really going to be a difference maker for jobs? Or could you benefit more by having other skills?

In the end, I ended up not taking a career in the Computing/tech industry, I never really had that passion for programming and enjoyed marketing much more in the small exposure I had from a placement year and followed that into a career. But I can tell you that I enjoyed my degree and I imagine enjoyed it far more than if I had taken the SE course with modules I wasn't so keen on.

Apologies for the essay, I hope it was helpful?

TL;DR - Advice is to choose a course where you'll enjoy the modules more, it makes you more well rounded. And in my experience, an employer isn't going to hire you based off the fact you did two AI modules instead of one, whereas you having AI skills, and web/database/ other skills may be beneficial to them too when hiring for entry level roles. Specialisms matter more as you progress / are more senior in your role.

Best wishes,
Lewis

Social Media and Content Officer, University of Huddersfield

(edited 1 month ago)

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