BSc Computer Science eligibility for international students: The top 3 coding skills you need to know

Have you been Googling “BSc Computer Science eligibility”? 

If you’re about embark on this degree and have no clue of what you need to get started, we understand your enthusiasm — and your many concerns.

After all, it’s an exciting field — especially in an age where ChatGPT is making headlines all over the world and where computer scientists head brands like Google and Netflix. 

Even if you don’t become the CEOs of billion-dollar companies, you’re set to have many job opportunities compared to your friends in other courses.

Overall employment in computer and information technology (IT) occupations is expected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. 

The tech sector also employs more than a fifth of workers in the UK’s biggest cities and digital tech is currently experiencing a boom created by the global pandemic. 

If you are planning to join them, you’ll first need to meet the BSc Computer Science eligibility criteria.

There are many requirements — among which are certain coding skills that you can’t do without.

If you are planning to join the likes of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, you’ll first need to meet the BSc Computer Science eligibility criteria. Source:  Pau Barrena/AFP

BSc Computer Science eligibility: 3 coding skills you need to master as an international student

1. Be proficient in at least one programming language

Programming languages are a fundamental tool that every computer science student should be familiar with when they start their academic journey.

While they are many to choose from, popular ones for BSc Computer Science students include Java, Python, and C++.

Java is a popular object-oriented programming language and software platform that runs on billions of devices, including notebook computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles, to name a few.

Python is a computer programming language commonly used to build websites and software, automate tasks, or analyse data.

C++ is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language popular for creating apps.

Our tip? Focus on learning the syntax and semantics of the language, as well as best practices for writing maintainable and readable code.

2. Familiarise yourself with algorithms and data structures

Apart from programming languages, algorithms and data structures are foundational concepts in computer science.

Algorithms are step-by-step procedures for solving a specific problem, while data structures are ways of organising and storing data.

Some skills you’ll need to master include sorting and searching algorithms, linked lists, stacks, and queues.

Understanding these concepts will help you solve problems more efficiently and optimise the performance of their software applications.

3. Understand object-orientated programming concepts

We’ve used the term “object-oriented programming language” several times, but what does it mean?

It refers to a computer programming model that organises software design around data (or objects) rather than functions and logic.

Here, you should understand inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism well

Inheritance allows you to create class hierarchies (classes are used to define objects), where a base class gives its behaviour and attributes to a derived class.

Polymorphism ensures that the proper method will be executed based on the calling object’s type.

Encapsulation grants you access to your object’s state — making it easier to maintain or change your implementation later.

These concepts are essential for building complex software systems and writing reusable code.

Andrew Ng created Coursera with fellow computer science professor Daphne Koller. Source: Steve Jennings/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

Where can I learn these skills for free?

Coursera is a global online learning platform that partners with over 275 leading univerisities and companies to provide flexible, affordable, and job-relevant online learning. 

With financial aid, you can learn from institutions like Yale, Stanford, and the University of London for free. 

Here are some of the courses we recommend to get you up to speed in mastering the essential coding skills: 

• Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization, University of California Santa Cruz (free)
• Learn to Program: The Fundamentals, University of Toronto (free)
• Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose, Princeton University (free)
• Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games, University of Alberta (free)