7 reasons to study computer science: Exciting careers await

The world needs computer scientists, software engineers, and data analysts. With a career in computer science, the opportunities are endless. You could help make the online space safer for everyone. You could develop artificial intelligence to predict and respond to natural disasters. You could create algorithms to make financial trading faster and more secure. Sound interesting?

Get started on your tech-driven career, learn the benefits of studying computer science and find out if studying at the University of Strathclyde is right for you.

Find out the seven reasons to study computer science

1. High demand for computer science professionals

It's not a surprise to most of us that careers in computer science are growing but let’s take a look at some of the statistics. Forbes Advisor, a platform that helps people make informed financial decisions, spoke to 500 businesses. They asked the companies which degrees they value the highest. A quarter of businesses surveyed named Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the most valued degree in 2023. While 96% of them thought AI would significantly affect the future job market.*

That’s not all. AI degrees were even ranked higher in value than traditionally sought-after degrees such as medicine and dentistry. It’s not just AI; many companies said other computing degrees were the most valuable: IT (21%), computer science (18%) and computer engineering (17%).* This highlights the shift to a digital-first world.

^{*IFA Magazine, 2023}

2. Diverse career opportunities

The high demand for professionals means studying computer science can open up a variety of careers. By entering this industry, you’ll be set up to follow your ambitions. Plus, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge to adapt to future career opportunities as the tech world continues to evolve.

So, what are the careers in computer science? Potential roles include software developer, data analyst, network architect, ethical hacker, AI engineer, and cybersecurity expert. You could work in a broad range of industries, here are just a few examples to help you imagine your future workplace and see why computer science is important:

In healthcare, you could be a:

• Software developer, building platforms to analyse genomic data
• Data analyst, ensuring healthcare professionals have insights from patient data to improve treatments
• Cybersecurity expert who protects patients’ electronic records.

In finance and banking, you could be a:

• Software engineer, designing fintech applications like payment systems
• Blockchain developer, creating secure cryptocurrency platforms
• Cybersecurity analyst, protecting banks from cyber attacks
• Algorithmic trading specialist, developing AI trading bots for financial markets.

In gaming and entertainment, you could be a:

• Graphics programmer, improving rendering for realistic visuals
• AI developer, designing the behaviours of non-player characters
• VR/AR developer, building immersive experiences
• Game developer who creates the next big game.

In education, you could be a:

• Software developer, building personalised learning platforms
• Data analyst, processing student performance data for improvements in digital teaching methods
• AI engineer, working with chatbots as learning tools.

3. Competitive salaries

Another reason to study computer science is that professionals can expect high salaries.

The average computer scientist salary in the UK is £50,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at around £37,500 per year. More experienced professionals can expect a salary of £75,000 per year (UK.talent.com based on more than 700 salaries).

If you decide to specialise in areas such as AI, machine learning, or cybersecurity, you may experience higher salaries.

4. Skills development

If you study computer science, you’ll be trained on how to solve complex problems. From reviewing existing code and analysing discrepancies in data to understanding error messages. You’ll develop the highly valuable skills of analytical thinking and problem-solving. With systems built with code to perform a specific function, when things don’t work, having a patient and logical approach will help you break down the problem, find patterns, and share your decision-making process with other teams.

These critical thinking skills are a key benefit to studying computer science because they are transferable across fields. This means, if you start your career working in education but later decide you’d like to explore healthcare, you’ll have what you need to show you can perform in the role.

5. Endless career opportunities

For many international students, the adventures that come with studying abroad are too good to miss. If you think you might want to continue to explore the world, a career in computer science could be right for you. With many technology companies operating globally, you could have the opportunity to relocate to different regional offices and work in multicultural teams.

6. Flexibility and remote work opportunities

Tech jobs are also great for remote work. If you choose to be a digital nomad, by day you could be working in a vibrant co-working space, and by night, you could be exploring a different city with new friends.

It’s also common for technology companies to advertise freelance and contract work. These could be long-term, enabling you to have a secured income while maintaining the flexibility to work the hours you like and only take on clients that suit your interests.

7. Job security

By studying computer science you’ll be investing in your future. With a huge reliance on technology in almost every industry, job opportunities within the field of computer science are predicted to grow considerably. The UK government has announced a multibillion-pound plan to scale up the country’s artificial intelligence infrastructure by 2030, aiming to boost the economy by up to £470 billion over the next decade (The Guardian, 2025).

The high-demand computer science careers

Here’s a list of the current most highly demanded roles in the sector:

• Software developer
• Data scientist
• Cybersecurity analyst
• AI/Machine learning engineer
• Web developer
• Cloud computing specialist
• IT project manager
• Database administrator
• Mobile app developer
• Systems analyst
• DevOps engineer
• Network architect
• Business intelligence analyst
• Game developer
• Research scientist (computer science)

Study computer science at the University of Strathclyde

Located in the heart of the bustling city of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde welcomes more than 30,000 students from more than 140 countries. The University is ranked 15th in the UK for computer science (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025). Computer Science and Software Engineering degrees are accredited by the British Computer Society, proving the courses deliver relevant learning that's regularly updated and that meets the standards set by the profession. Students learn languages including Java, C and Haskell. Plus, you could benefit from taking projects that are linked to industry.

Several companies† including Argyll and Bute Council, Autonomous iOT, Barclays, Bute Fabrics, Mott MacDonald and Zero Waste Scotland have worked with the University to develop student projects to solve real-world problems. Also, employers like Amazon, Barclays, Disney, Google, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley and Siemens have taken on students for summer placements/internships, providing students with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in the field.**

^{†Based on previous years’ projects, companies may change each academic year.}

^{**Placements are not assessed and there's more flexibility regarding duration and the nature of the work.}

“I did my research on the best universities I could enter for computer science, and Strathclyde was one of my preferred universities. I do recommend the University of Strathclyde because they provide us with the help we need and make sure we get enough information about the University.”

Hamza from Syria

Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Engineering and Sciences
Progressed to Computer Science BSc (Hons)

Programmes at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre

The International Study Centre is located in the Graham Hills Building at the University of Strathclyde campus. Specialist staff teach pathway programmes to ensure international students are prepared to progress onto their degree at the University.

You’ll have access to excellent facilities, meet other international students from the day you arrive and receive individual feedback and support.

• Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Engineering and Sciences: This pathway will prepare you for your chosen computer science-related undergraduate degree. You’ll receive expert guidance to help you navigate a new education system and settle into life in a new country.
• International Year Two Computer Science: The International Year Two Computer Science programme is the equivalent to the second year of a Scottish undergraduate honours degree. You’ll study in a supportive learning environment alongside fellow international students, helping you adapt to a new country and gain the confidence and skills to excel in your studies. After achieving the required grades, you can progress to the third year of a four-year BSc degree or a five-year MEng degree at the University of Strathclyde.
• Pre-Masters Programme in Engineering and Sciences: This two-term pathway will prepare you for your chosen postgraduate degree.
• Accelerated Pre-Masters Programme: This accelerated programme will provide the skills you need for postgraduate success within just 12 weeks (plus induction and exam week).

Get ready to study computer science in the UK by understanding entry requirements, fees and visa information for the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.

FAQs

Why choose computer science as a career?

With a high demand for tech professionals and potentially lucrative salaries, a career in computer science can open many possibilities. You could work on exciting, innovative projects that contribute to new solutions for various industries.

Why is computer science worth studying?

Computer science is worth studying due to the flexibility in career options. With technology an essential part of almost all businesses, you could experience high salaries and flexible working options. Plus, the transferable skills you gain, like critical thinking, data analysis and coding, enable you to gain experience in multiple industries.

What is computer science and its benefits?

Computer science is the study of computational systems, data structures, and algorithms. The primary purpose of computer science is to innovate to solve problems using technology.