Is it more competitive to do cs or cs with a year in industry ?

Hello, I'm an aspiring Cs student that wishes to study Cs at a good university. I've been looking at degree types for cs and I'd to do a regular undergraduate in cs or cs with a year in industry.

I like prefer the idea of going to do cs with a year in industry because you learn lots of valuable experience and skills that is needed in the industry. However, one thing holding me back is the idea that cs degrees with a year in industry are more competitive than regular ones. If they are more competitive I'd prefer to apply for regular cs as an offer from a university is better than no offer at all.

Reply 1

Al3x235

Original post by Tommy_123

Hello, I'm an aspiring Cs student that wishes to study Cs at a good university. I've been looking at degree types for cs and I'd to do a regular undergraduate in cs or cs with a year in industry.
I like prefer the idea of going to do cs with a year in industry because you learn lots of valuable experience and skills that is needed in the industry. However, one thing holding me back is the idea that cs degrees with a year in industry are more competitive than regular ones. If they are more competitive I'd prefer to apply for regular cs as an offer from a university is better than no offer at all.

hey, id say in terms of applying to university (i think this is what youre asking- which one is harder to get an offer in- apologies if it isnt!) , id say as long as you have the predicted grades, and have some extra curriculars or things you do that show you like the subject, then you are like pretty much almost always going to get an offer (unless you are going to Oxbridge..which is probably more competitive)

and even if you choose not to apply for the year in industry, after you enroll i believe you have until the end of second year to just ask to switch over to with industry :smile:

in terms of getting the industry placement..i think it is quite competitive, so id say start looking early (like the start of second year..if the placement is in the 3rd year out of 4), and you should find something! and if not, no big deal, the university should just switch you back over to without, and you just continue your degree like normal (this may be different between universities though, so make sure to check this)!

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

totallyfine

My understanding is that they are equally competitive and that there is plenty of opportunity to switch from one to the other once you are on the course.

Reply 3

Tommy_123

Original post by Al3x235

hey, id say in terms of applying to university (i think this is what youre asking- which one is harder to get an offer in- apologies if it isnt!) , id say as long as you have the predicted grades, and have some extra curriculars or things you do that show you like the subject, then you are like pretty much almost always going to get an offer (unless you are going to Oxbridge..which is probably more competitive)
and even if you choose not to apply for the year in industry, after you enroll i believe you have until the end of second year to just ask to switch over to with industry :smile:

Hi, thanks for taking the time to apply and you are right I was asking what one is harder to get into. Are you saying that the Comp sci with a year in industry is easier to get into than a regular one ?

Reply 4

Al3x235

Original post by Tommy_123

id say they are the same to get into, if you have the grades and stuff, maybe industry is a little bit harder to get into, but im not 100% sure

but AFTER you get in, then looking for the placment may be a bit more difficult, but still totally possible!

Reply 5

Deniable

Both are equally as competitive as they are handled by the same department allowing for a set number of people in the course. Same reason why you tend to be able to switch between them when you are in the university itself by the end of 2nd year since 3rd year is when the industrial year is.

Reply 6

jonathan_Smith

Original post by Tommy_123

Hello, I'm an aspiring Cs student that wishes to study Cs at a good university. I've been looking at degree types for cs and I'd to do a regular undergraduate in cs or cs with a year in industry.
I like prefer the idea of going to do cs with a year in industry because you learn lots of valuable experience and skills that is needed in the industry. However, one thing holding me back is the idea that cs degrees with a year in industry are more competitive than regular ones. If they are more competitive I'd prefer to apply for regular cs as an offer from a university is better than no offer at all.

Its the same. If you get into a CS degree that does not specify a year in industry you can speak to the university and even change it to allow you to do a placement year. Make sure to change the course in advance usually its not an issue and many universities even encourage it.

Reply 7

hotpud

Original post by Tommy_123

Hello, I'm an aspiring Cs student that wishes to study Cs at a good university. I've been looking at degree types for cs and I'd to do a regular undergraduate in cs or cs with a year in industry.
I like prefer the idea of going to do cs with a year in industry because you learn lots of valuable experience and skills that is needed in the industry. However, one thing holding me back is the idea that cs degrees with a year in industry are more competitive than regular ones. If they are more competitive I'd prefer to apply for regular cs as an offer from a university is better than no offer at all.

Don't worry about other people. Worry about yourself. I have no idea which is more competitive but there is definitely a perceived (and possibly wrong) train of thought amongst undergraduates that going to a "good" university is somehow worth something. The reality for the tech industry is they don't particularly care where you went. They do care what you can do and what you can bring to the business. So for me, a year in industry is vital if you are serious about getting a decent job at the end of it.

So focus on your path and do what you need to do to achieve that. Yes, there is definitely merit in avoiding high competition but sometimes you just have to face it head on and compete. The edge you have is you have a plan and destination in mind. Most who go to university go because that is what you do and they are hoping for a miracle when they leave.

Good luck!

Reply 8

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Tommy_123

Hello, I'm an aspiring Cs student that wishes to study Cs at a good university. I've been looking at degree types for cs and I'd to do a regular undergraduate in cs or cs with a year in industry.
I like prefer the idea of going to do cs with a year in industry because you learn lots of valuable experience and skills that is needed in the industry. However, one thing holding me back is the idea that cs degrees with a year in industry are more competitive than regular ones. If they are more competitive I'd prefer to apply for regular cs as an offer from a university is better than no offer at all.

Hi there,

It's fantastic that you're planning to study Computer Science and considering the different degree options. Both regular CS degrees and CS with a year in industry are excellent choices, and they tend to be equally competitive to get into.

I completely understand your concern about the competitiveness of securing a placement. It's true that due to high demand, securing a year in industry placement can be challenging. However, many universities, including Salford, offer tremendous support to help students secure these placements. For example, at Salford University, I was given the opportunity to switch to a Computer Science with Industrial Experience course during my second year. I received much support from the computing department and the careers service to find a suitable placement. Make sure you look into similar services at the University you decide to attend.

Remember, a year in industry can significantly enhance your skills and employability, giving you valuable experience that sets you apart in the current job market. If you’re passionate about gaining this experience, it’s worth considering the CS with a year in industry option. However, if you’re more comfortable applying for the regular CS degree, you can still gain experience through summer internships, part-time jobs, or projects.

Ultimately, choose the path that aligns best with your goals and comfort level. For most students, a placement year is always a great option.

Best of luck with your applications!
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 9

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by Tommy_123

Hello, I'm an aspiring Cs student that wishes to study Cs at a good university. I've been looking at degree types for cs and I'd to do a regular undergraduate in cs or cs with a year in industry.
I like prefer the idea of going to do cs with a year in industry because you learn lots of valuable experience and skills that is needed in the industry. However, one thing holding me back is the idea that cs degrees with a year in industry are more competitive than regular ones. If they are more competitive I'd prefer to apply for regular cs as an offer from a university is better than no offer at all.

Hi!

For most universities there is unlikely to be any difference in terms of competition, and in most cases you can switch between the courses quite freely before a deadline established by the university, provided you meet the grade requirements.

There are other alternatives available as well - for example Lancaster University offers an integrated Master's in Computer Science - a 4-year course where in your 4th year you spend 12 weeks (almost 3 months) working on an industry placement arranged for you by the university based on your interests and goals. This way you get the additional Masters qualification while obtaining useful practical experience. Another advantage of this approach is that many students return to the company as permanent employees soon after completing the placement, since there is less time between the placement and the graduation.

Ultimately, if you prefer a course with a year in industry, do not be intimidated by it seeming more competitive. It is best to check with the admissions team or the course representatives of the universities you are aiming to apply to, however most likely you will be allowed to switch to and from the year in industry course, as long as you meet the requirements 🙂

Hope this helps and good luck!

Polina,
Lancaster University Computing Student Ambassador.