Seeking Advice on Choosing the Right University Course
Hello everyone,
I'm currently in the process of selecting a university course and could use some guidance. I'm particularly interested in pursuing a degree in either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. Both fields intrigue me, but I'm unsure which aligns better with my career aspirations and interests.
From what I've researched, Computer Science focuses more on software development, algorithms, and data structures, while Electrical Engineering delves into hardware systems, circuits, and electromagnetism. I enjoy coding and problem-solving but am also fascinated by how electronic devices function at a fundamental level.
Could anyone studying or working in these fields share their experiences? Specifically, I'm curious about:
The types of projects and coursework involved in each discipline.
Career opportunities and industry demand for graduates.
Any advice on making this decision based on personal interests and job prospects.
Additionally, if there are universities known for excelling in either of these programs, I'd appreciate recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your insights!
Best regards,
Alice
I'm currently in the process of selecting a university course and could use some guidance. I'm particularly interested in pursuing a degree in either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. Both fields intrigue me, but I'm unsure which aligns better with my career aspirations and interests.
From what I've researched, Computer Science focuses more on software development, algorithms, and data structures, while Electrical Engineering delves into hardware systems, circuits, and electromagnetism. I enjoy coding and problem-solving but am also fascinated by how electronic devices function at a fundamental level.
Could anyone studying or working in these fields share their experiences? Specifically, I'm curious about:
The types of projects and coursework involved in each discipline.
Career opportunities and industry demand for graduates.
Any advice on making this decision based on personal interests and job prospects.
Additionally, if there are universities known for excelling in either of these programs, I'd appreciate recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your insights!
Best regards,
Alice
Original post by Alicecarry
Hello everyone,
I'm currently in the process of selecting a university course and could use some guidance. I'm particularly interested in pursuing a degree in either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. Both fields intrigue me, but I'm unsure which aligns better with my career aspirations and interests.
From what I've researched, Computer Science focuses more on software development, algorithms, and data structures, while Electrical Engineering delves into hardware systems, circuits, and electromagnetism. I enjoy coding and problem-solving but am also fascinated by how electronic devices function at a fundamental level.
Could anyone studying or working in these fields share their experiences? Specifically, I'm curious about:
The types of projects and coursework involved in each discipline.
Career opportunities and industry demand for graduates.
Any advice on making this decision based on personal interests and job prospects.
Additionally, if there are universities known for excelling in either of these programs, I'd appreciate recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your insights!
Best regards,
Alice
I'm currently in the process of selecting a university course and could use some guidance. I'm particularly interested in pursuing a degree in either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. Both fields intrigue me, but I'm unsure which aligns better with my career aspirations and interests.
From what I've researched, Computer Science focuses more on software development, algorithms, and data structures, while Electrical Engineering delves into hardware systems, circuits, and electromagnetism. I enjoy coding and problem-solving but am also fascinated by how electronic devices function at a fundamental level.
Could anyone studying or working in these fields share their experiences? Specifically, I'm curious about:
The types of projects and coursework involved in each discipline.
Career opportunities and industry demand for graduates.
Any advice on making this decision based on personal interests and job prospects.
Additionally, if there are universities known for excelling in either of these programs, I'd appreciate recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your insights!
Best regards,
Alice
Hey Alice,
Both Computer Science (CS) and Electrical Engineering (EE) are solid picks—it really depends on what you vibe with more.
Quick Breakdown:
• CS = Coding, software, apps, AI, data. You’ll do lots of programming and problem-solving.
• EE = Circuits, hardware, microcontrollers, power systems. It’s more hands-on with devices and electronics.
Career Stuff:
• CS jobs are everywhere—tech, finance, startups, freelancing.
• EE is in robotics, energy, manufacturing, etc. More hardware-focused.
If you like both:
Consider Computer Engineering or EE with CS electives. You’ll get the best of both worlds—code + hardware.
Top Unis:
• CS: MIT, Stanford, CMU, Toronto, NUS
• EE: Georgia Tech, Berkeley, TUM, Imperial
Go with what excites you more. Either way, you’re golden!
Cheers
Original post by Alicecarry
Hello everyone,
I'm currently in the process of selecting a university course and could use some guidance. I'm particularly interested in pursuing a degree in either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. Both fields intrigue me, but I'm unsure which aligns better with my career aspirations and interests.
From what I've researched, Computer Science focuses more on software development, algorithms, and data structures, while Electrical Engineering delves into hardware systems, circuits, and electromagnetism. I enjoy coding and problem-solving but am also fascinated by how electronic devices function at a fundamental level.
Could anyone studying or working in these fields share their experiences? Specifically, I'm curious about:
The types of projects and coursework involved in each discipline.
Career opportunities and industry demand for graduates.
Any advice on making this decision based on personal interests and job prospects.
Additionally, if there are universities known for excelling in either of these programs, I'd appreciate recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your insights!
Best regards,
Alice
I'm currently in the process of selecting a university course and could use some guidance. I'm particularly interested in pursuing a degree in either Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. Both fields intrigue me, but I'm unsure which aligns better with my career aspirations and interests.
From what I've researched, Computer Science focuses more on software development, algorithms, and data structures, while Electrical Engineering delves into hardware systems, circuits, and electromagnetism. I enjoy coding and problem-solving but am also fascinated by how electronic devices function at a fundamental level.
Could anyone studying or working in these fields share their experiences? Specifically, I'm curious about:
The types of projects and coursework involved in each discipline.
Career opportunities and industry demand for graduates.
Any advice on making this decision based on personal interests and job prospects.
Additionally, if there are universities known for excelling in either of these programs, I'd appreciate recommendations.
Thank you in advance for your insights!
Best regards,
Alice
Hey Alice,
It’s great that you’re exploring both Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, both are solid choices with a lot of crossovers but different focuses. You’re right in how you’ve summed them up: Computer Science leans heavily into software, coding, algorithms, AI, and data, while Electrical Engineering gets more hands-on with hardware, circuits, and signal processing. Since you’re interested in both coding and how electronics work at a deeper level, it might also be worth looking at combined or interdisciplinary degrees (like Computer Engineering or Electronic and Computer Engineering), which touch on both areas.
One thing that might really help you decide is attending university open days, taster lectures, or even virtual events. These experiences can give you a much clearer picture of what you'll be studying, what kind of support is available, and the types of labs, facilities, and projects you’d get involved with. You’ll also be able to speak directly to lecturers and current students. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they like and dislike about their course, and where they see themselves going after graduation. Here is a link to University of Salford open days
In terms of career opportunities, both degrees open up a wide range of paths. CS grads often go into software development, cybersecurity, machine learning, data science, or tech consulting. Electrical Engineering grads can end up working in areas like semiconductor design, embedded systems, robotics, or telecommunications. Demand is high in both fields, but the work environment and pace can differ depending on the role. Software jobs can be more flexible or remote, while hardware-focused roles may require lab or manufacturing presence.
If you're still torn, try checking out the module lists for the courses you’re considering. This will give you a sense of what you’ll actually be learning over the years and help you spot any specialisms that catch your eye. And if possible, email the admissions team or course leads to ask how flexible their programs are. Some universities allow switching between related courses in the first year, which might give you some peace of mind.
Good luck with your decision 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative
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