Thinking about a degree?
Alternatives to a Computer Science degree
Tech employers hire on skills, and degree apprenticeships in software and cyber security are well established.
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Routes to consider
- Digital and technology solutions degree apprenticeship (Level 6)
- A full degree, paid, with no tuition fees.
- Software developer apprenticeship (Level 4)
- Build real products from day one.
- Cyber security degree apprenticeship (Level 6)
- Specialise early in a field with a lot of demand.
Is a degree apprenticeship better than this course?
For many software jobs, a degree apprenticeship gives you the same degree plus three or four years' work experience. That's a strong position when you graduate.
When the degree is still the right call: Choose the full-time degree for research-heavy areas, such as AI research or theoretical computing, or if you want a year abroad or a broader student experience.
Check the facts for yourself
- Software developer: National Careers Service profile
- Data scientist: National Careers Service profile
- IT support technician: National Careers Service profile
- To compare specific university courses, use the official Discover Uni site.
Other guides: Law, Psychology, Business, Nursing, or apprenticeship vs university.
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