Overview

Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, and our reliance on technology only increases as we move into a more digitally connected world. Therefore, choosing a career with a Computer Science and Information Technology degree can be beneficial and an intelligent move.

Computer Science and IT deals with the study of computers and computing systems. In contrast to electrical engineers, computer scientists primarily work with software systems, including theory, design, development and application. Significant areas of Computer Science research include artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human-computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, software engineering, bioinformatics and theory of computation.

As the field of computers and IT facilitates development and progress, students and professionals who wish to solve problems, serve people, and impact society can opt for an admission in Computer Science and IT course.

Skill sets

In addition, studies in the discipline of Computer Science and Information Technology help in the development of a wide range of soft skills, and these are:

• Analytical Skills
• Logical Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Technical Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Project Management Skills 
• Customer Services 
• Resilience 
• Mathematical Skills
• Effective Time Management 
• Teamwork

Study levels

Computer Science and IT is a vast field encompassing various aspects of technology. Students can pursue this discipline at the Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate levels. The study levels for Computer Science and IT are as follows:

• Undergraduate Certificate/ Diploma in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science – Computer Applications 
• Bachelor of Computer Science 
• Bachelor of Science (Computer Maintenance and Electronics)
• Bachelor of Science (Computer Science Statistics)
• Bachelor of Computer Application 
• Bachelor of Technology 
• Bachelor of Business Administration 
• Master of Science 
• Master of Computer Application 
• Master of Science (Statistics and Computer Applications)
• Master of Technology – Computer and Information Science
• Master of Business Administration 
• Post Graduate Certificate/ Diploma
• PhD

Specialisations 

A Computer Science Degree usually aims to teach the basic mathematical and scientific concepts behind computers and their programs. It has a varied list of programs open for students pursuing an intensive Computer Science degree or those who want to combine Computer Science with other disciplines. Specialisations in Computer Science comes with twenty-one options and students can design and pursue a program of study that combines computers with any other study discipline, including:

• Application Software 
• Artificial Intelligence 
• Bioinformatics 
• Cloud Computing 
• Computer and Network Security 
• Data Science and Analytics 
• Hardware Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction 
• Information Systems and Management 
• Information Technology 
• Internet Working
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence 
• Management Information Systems 
• Mobile Computing 
• Networking 
• Software Development 
• Software Engineering 
• Systems Development 
• Systems Engineering 
• Theoretical Computer Science 
• Troubleshooting 

Despite their similarities, Computer Science and Information Technology are two distinct subjects. While Computer Science deals with the design and construction of computers and computer programs, information technology deals with maintaining and troubleshooting these computers and their network systems to keep them running smoothly. It teaches students essential techniques, networking concepts, security practices, and application development. In addition, specialisations in Information technology include:

• Computer Architecture and Organisation
• Computer Networks
• Database Management Systems 
• Data Structures
• Database Systems
• Data Warehousing and Data Mining
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms 
• E-Commerce and ERP
• Electronics
• Engineering Mathematics
• Java Programming and Website Design 
• Multimedia Applications
• Object-Oriented Programming 
• Operating Systems
• Software developer/Engineering. 

Employability 

In today’s world, the impact of Computer Science and Information Technology is undeniable, and its reach will undoubtedly only expand further. Therefore, a degree in this discipline will provide students with an excellent and fulfilling career opportunity to help bring positive change.

Earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree opens up numerous career opportunities which can take aspirants in many directions. For example, for computer science jobs, work broadly involves working with programming languages and data development or improving products. Information Technology jobs focus more on running computers, their networks and systems so that others can do their jobs efficiently.

After completing a course, graduates can apply for various job positions in multiple industries that are not only bound to the computer and IT domain. For example, one can enter fields such as Education, Pharmaceuticals, Banking and Financial Sector, Automobile Industry, Healthcare Industry, Consumer Services, Computer Forensics, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Telecommunications, Web Designing, Gaming and Animation, to name a few. Other job descriptions would be to handle customer complaints and provide technical assistance, solve network issues, design software and provide consultancy to companies on information technology and software issues.

Some of the top recruiting companies for graduates looking for jobs in India as well as abroad include:

• Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) 
• Paytm
• Flipkart
• Microsoft Corp
• Redhat 
• Drupal 
• Tech Mahindra
• Zoho
• Newgen 
• Amazon
• CISCO
• IBM Global Services 
• Adobe 
• Google 
• Oracle
• Apple
• Wipro
• TATA Consultancy Services 
• Accenture 
• Facebook Inc.

Fees 

A Computer Science course fee differs from institution to institution, depending on the region and the course. The following estimates the educational expenses in India, Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, New Zealand and Ireland.

India – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from INR 20,000 – INR 4,50,000. An annual Postgraduate course from INR 50,000 – INR 2,50,000 and an annual Doctorate course from INR 50-000 – INR 4,00,000.

Australia – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from AUS 25,000 – AUS 35,000. An annual Postgraduate course from AUD 38,000 – AUD 90,000 and an annual Doctorate course from AUD 14,000 – AUD 56,000.

Canada – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from CAD 30,000 – CAD 45,000. An annual Postgraduate course from CAD 50,000 – CAD 90,000 and an annual Doctorate course from CAD 8,000 – CAD 20,000.

UK – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from GBP 10,000 – GBP 25,000. An annual Postgraduate course from GBP 22,000 – 50,000 and an annual Doctorate course from GBP 45,000 – 90,000.

USA – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from USD 7,000 – USD 50,000. An annual Postgraduate course from USD 15,000 – USD 72,000 and an annual Doctorate course fromUSD 28,000 – USD 40,000.

New Zealand – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from NZD 22,000 – NZD 32,000. An annual Postgraduate course from NZD 52,000 – NZD 74,000 and an annual Doctorate course from NZD 40,000 – NZD 60,000.
Ireland – An annual Undergraduate course ranges from EUR 11,000 – EUR 27,000. An annual Postgraduate course from EUR 10,000 – EUR 35,000 and an annual Doctorate course from EUR 14,000 – EUR 26,000.