The University of Exeter’s BSc Computer Science degree equips students with essential skills for a successful career in IT, thanks to world-class teaching and facilities, industrial placement opportunities, and an up-to-date curriculum that responds to the latest industry needs.
Our relationship with IBM plays a crucial role in this, with IBM involved in four key areas of the undergraduate programme.
Firstly, IBM provide key insight for teaching staff through the Computer Science Industry Advisory Board. John McNamara (IBM’s UK University Programmes Manager) currently represents IBM on the Board. One of the group’s founding members at the beginning of 2020, John has been active in discussions around how we can develop out computer science education to best prepare students for graduate jobs in the industry.
Secondly, IBM provides support for the Group Software Engineering Project module, a key component of the Computer Science degree where students get to simulate working in a group to deliver a real-world project. For this, IBM provide students with free access to professional tooling and technical support through the IBM cloud services, along with a £1,000 account budget for the assessed project. Together, the module gives students valuable, early experience in software development, enhancing their graduate prospects and career direction.
Thirdly, IBM regularly offers year-long industry placements to students on the undergraduate BSc Computer Science programme (typically 3-4 each year), giving them the opportunity to develop valuable industry experience and the chance to apply their skills in practice. The placement forms a key part of the degree programme for students who choose to take it, kickstarting their careers and delivering mutual benefit through the projects worked on during their placements at IBM.
Finally, IBM delivers a number of extracurricular activities to Computer Science students in the form of annual hackathons, visits to IBM Hursley, guest lectures, and appearances at career fairs, allowing students to gain insight and explore opportunities open to them upon graduating.