Accessibility statement

Careers

What can you do with a degree in Computer Science?

As a graduate of Computer Science from York, you will develop a range of skills that are attractive to a wide range of employers. Information technology is a rapidly expanding field, and this has created demand for computer scientists and software engineers across a broad section of employers.

Many of our graduates are employed by software and electronics industries, but the continuing expansion of the use of computers in commercial and financial operations means that you will be able to find employment in other industries - and here your sharpened numeracy and analytical skills will have prepared you well.

What do our students do after they graduate?

Many of our graduates commence their careers as Information Technology professionals, while others go on to work in the Finance sector. Graduates also move into a range of other industry sectors, including further study (eg PhD), engineering and technology, media and research.

What support is available to you?

Whether you are about to start job hunting, you're looking to start your own business or you're thinking of going on to further study, we've put together some information which we hope you'll find helpful:

 

Supporting your career

Supporting your career

The University's Careers and Placements team is here to support you during and after your time at York. They can help you to:

The Careers Team has also put together a useful web page with resources for science students.

You can attend a range of careers events throughout the year, including jobs fairs, employer Q&As, skills sessions and more. To find and book on to the events that interest you, go to Handshake, the University's careers platform. 

Employer recruitment cycles start to peak at the start of autumn term, so don't leave it too late! Even if you are not graduating this year, why not take a look at the career options open to you and plan ahead.

Careers contact in Computer Science

Luke Bryant and Harriet Leaf in the Placements and Employability team are responsible for providing career information in Computer Science. They can offer support in the form of 1-1's, mock interviews, CV and cover letter reviews.

For more information on the team and their services, please visit the following Blackboard pages:

If you'd like to contact the team directly, you can reach them via email at cs-placements@york.ac.uk. 

Finding a Graduate Job

Finding a graduate job related to Computer Science

A number of job websites and recruitment agencies offer job searches related to Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Technology. Please be aware that these organisations are offered as examples and they are not directly endorsed by us. Other recruitment agencies and online resources are available.

  • Aardvark Swift Recruitment - A specialist recruitment agency for the games development agency.
  • Corriculo - A specialist IT and scientific recruiter with opportunities across the country.
  • Datascope - Games, online and mobile technology recruitment.
  • Gradcracker - Careers for STEM students.
  • Indeed - Another key resource. You can also post your CV to find your first job.
  • jobs.ac.uk - Offers a wide range of job and PhD opportunities in the Higher Education sector.
  • TotalJobs - Provides a wide range of opportunities across the country and in multiple sectors.

Take a look at Agency Central to search for other specialist recruitment agencies that match your needs.

Starting your own business

Starting your own business

A number of our graduates have left York and gone on to start their own businesses, or are now working as self-employed consultants. If this appeals to you, there are a number of things you can do now to help prepare yourself for this career pathway.

For inspiration, go to Enterprise at York - a useful resource provided by the University's Careers Service. It supports students and recent graduates to develop their business ideas and build the skills and confidence for starting up.

Phase One: supporting your start-up business

Phase One is a Business Incubator Programme run by York Science Park. The programme supports digital, creative, tech and science innovators, students and spin-outs to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. As well as being able to access office space, you'll also benefit from practical support, workshops and one to one mentoring.

If you're interested in the 'Phase One' programme, you will need to apply for a place and be able to show that you are dedicated to growing your business and making the most of the mentoring and support that is on offer. Find out more about Phase One at York Science Park

Furthering your studies

Furthering your studies

Opportunities at York

For many students, acquiring an undergraduate degree is just the first step in their university experience. While employment is the most likely destination for graduates in Computer Science, several go on to Masters or PhD study each year

As a starting point, take a look at the postgraduate courses we offer here in Computer Science.  For further information, email the Admissions Team at cs-pgt-admissions@york.ac.uk (for taught MSc courses) or cs-pgr-admissions@york.ac.uk (for PhD and MSc by Research courses). We also hold a PhD Information Seminar each year, so that you can find out more about research study at York.

Opportunities elsewhere

For information and opportunities elsewhere, take a look at the following links:

  • Russell Group of Universities Postgraduate Roadshow - Takes place in several cities across the UK in the autumn of each year.
  • UCAS - Offers advice and support if you're looking to study at postgraduate level. Note that you need to apply directly to universities for postgraduate study, not through UCAS itself.
  • Prospects - Course listings for Masters and research degrees.
  • Findamasters.com - Course listings for Masters degrees.
  • FindaPhD.com - Course listings for research degrees.
  • jobs.ac.uk - As well as jobs, this site also lists PhD opportunities.

Funding your studies

For postgraduate taught study

As you've previously studied at the University of York, you could be eligible for the York Graduate Loyalty Discount, which offers a tuition fee discount for postgraduate taught courses offered here at York.

If you are a UK, Irish or EU national (with settled or pre-settled status), you could be eligible for a loan from Student Finance England. The loan is available for MSc and MSc (by research) courses, and is available for full-time, part-time and distance learning courses.

For postgraduate research study

Funding options often vary depending on whether you're classes as a UK or international student for fee purposes.