How to Be Successful in Computing

How hard is a degree in computer science, and what tips are there to ace the course?

Computing graduates are in high demand. This is a field with plenty of job prospects, and computing skills are needed across every industry. But how hard is a computer science degree and is it suited to everyone?

At the University of Bolton, we’re in the Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Computing Courses* for the second year running! So there’s nowhere better to study if you want support from a passionate teaching team. With our help, and your hard work and dedication, it’s possible for anyone to succeed in this subject, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Here are some tips on how to become successful in your computing career:

Plan your time carefully

In order to excel on your computing degree, it’s important to be organised and efficient at time management. This is particularly important during your master’s as the course will become more autonomous.

There’s a lot of data to process in computing courses, and you’ll be juggling multiple modules, projects and deadlines. So keep a diary, and try to plan things weeks or months ahead.

Don’t expect to learn everything in class

When it comes to picking up new skills, don’t put pressure on yourself to learn everything in one go. There’s a lot to take in when you’re in a class or lecture. With computing modules, you’ll find that the real learning happens when you practice and have a go yourself.

This is true of coding, design and development projects where you’ll get a chance to get hands-on with your work.

Practice every chance you get

While we provide plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience during your studies, we always encourage extra-curricular learning so you can really familiarise yourself with different techniques.

Whether you decide to join a club or take on projects for fun, any extra practice you put in will give you an advantage in class.

Collaborate with others

Some people see computing careers as a solitary job choice, where you mostly get to work autonomously. But the world of digital is increasingly collaborative, and many computer engineers, programmers and developers have to be able to work together effectively in order to excel at what they do.

There are also many benefits to studying in groups. Not only does it arm you with teamwork skills and make you ready for the workplace, but it can expand your mind, give you a forum to bounce ideas, and help you strengthen areas where you may be struggling.

Be passionate about what you do

If you ever find yourself losing interest, it may be time to switch careers! Being successful in computing requires a continued desire for learning, and the best engineers and developers look to constantly improve their skills in an ever-changing field.

As long as you have a passion for computing, we can help you reach your potential. As a leading Greater Manchester university that has a student-first approach, and a friendly and supportive campus, the University of Bolton is a great place to kick start your career in this lucrative field. Come and experience #UniAsItShouldBe.

To find out more about applying in 2021/22, see our available computer science courses.

*Complete University Guide, 2022 & 2021