The evolution of Computer Science in higher education

“In a world that’s increasingly run on technology, Computer Science is a liberal art that every student should be exposed to regardless of their path in life.” – Hadi Partoxi

In 2016, former U.S. President Barack Obama, leader of the Free World and perhaps one of the most recognisable figures on the planet, unveiled a brand-new strategy to provide Computer Science for All. The initiative seeks to empower all U.S. students, from their kindergarten years right through to high school, to enter the working world readily-equipped with the computational expertise and knowledge needed to succeed in a technology-driven economy.

“…I hope that every company and every college and every community and every parent and every teacher joins us in encouraging this next generation of students to actively engage and pursue science, and push the boundaries of what’s possible,” Obama said at last year’s White House Science Fair.

“…And that’s why we’re building on our efforts to bring hands-on computer science learning, for example, to all students…in the new economy, computer science isn’t optional, it’s a basic skill,” he adds. “…So we’re issuing new guidance to school districts for how they can better support computer science education…We want to make sure every single one of our students…regardless of their backgrounds…that they have access to hands-on science [and] technology education that’s going to set them up for success and keep our nation competitive in the 21^st century.”

Image courtesy of Royal Holloway University

But this sort of strategy in Computer Science education is not exclusive to the U.S., with global regions and countries doing all they can to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge necessary to thrive in a complex, digital world. The UK, for example, the largest European market for high-end consumer products, ranks second in the world for collaboration between universities and industry, giving students a truly unrivalled chance to learn applicable skills from prominent professionals

Australia, on the other hand, developed the National Innovation and Science Agenda, a variety of initiatives introduced to increase participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects to boost digital literacy. Countries such as Israel launched a comprehensive review of computing courses at the turn of the century, and according to The Guardian, now boasts the most “rigorous computer science high school programme in the world”.

Computerisation is everywhere, in every aspect of our daily lives and on every corner of the Earth. When we look at how much education policies have changed, even in the last 10 years, we can track exactly how far education has come in the face of the digital age. Fact of the matter is, in this day and age, graduates have to be digitally literate to progress in any career, and that’s why science- and technology-based subjects – Computer Science in particular – continue to adapt to meet the demands of a 21^st century world.

Read on to learn about 6 leading global universities helping students excel in the field of Computer Science…

FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ROYAL HOLLOWAY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON – UK

Royal Holloway University of London is ranked within the top 30 of all UK universities. Home to world-leading specialists and academics in the sciences, arts, business, economics and law, the Royal Holloway community is one that inspires students to succeed academically, socially and intellectually. Standing as one of the leading research-intensive universities in the nation, Royal Holloway is known to be a dominant force on the global stage of higher education. Strengthened by global perspectives and diversity, the University welcomes students and academics from around the world, all of whom seek a world-class academic experience at a historic campus that lies less than 40 minutes from the buzzing UK capital.

Image courtesy of Royal Holloway University

Royal Holloway’s Faculty of Science provides a comprehensive education in STEM-based disciplines, with the Department of Computer Science standing as one of the nation’s leading centres for research in this field. Through a stimulating catalogue of undergraduate, postgraduate and research-level programmes covering topics like Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, The Internet of Things, and beyond, the Department helps produce skilful, knowledgeable and creative graduates with the skills needed to tackle complex digital issues.

SCHOOL OF ELECTRONICS, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST – UK

Ranked in the top one percent of universities worldwide and known as a reputed member of the distinguished Russell Group, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) represents the pinnacle of academic leadership and a figurehead of elite education.

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS) is the perfect launch-pad for an exceptionally rewarding career. With an extensive range of courses, from Software and Electronic Systems, to Computing and Information Technology, to Computer Science at both the undergraduate and graduate level – each providing the option to pursue a year in-industry, where students gain invaluable real-world insights – QUB is helping produce influential graduates and future pioneers in the Computer Science discipline.

Image courtesy of Queen’s University Belfast

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, DELFT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY – THE NETHERLANDS

Delft Technological University (TU Delft) is known to collaborate with a number of leading global partners, and boasts a reputation for high-quality teaching and research. Building extensive networks with governments, trade, consultancies, industry and beyond, TU Delft opens a wealth of unparalleled graduate opportunities for its annual student cohort.

As a blend of the Department of Intelligent Systems and the Department of Software Technology, the Department of Computer Science at TU Delft contributes to the advancement of science, engineering, and design. From algorithms, cyber security, distributed systems, embedded software and beyond, TU Delft nurtures outstanding, qualified graduates who help progress the digital age.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY – USA

Texas A&M first opened its doors in 1876 as the State’s premier provider of higher learning. Today, the University stands as a research-intensive, flagship institution, consistently producing graduates with the ability to tackle the problems of tomorrow’s world.

Image courtesy of Texas A&M

The Department of Engineering and Computer Science at Texas A&M has offered comprehensive academic programmes since 1964. The new faculty brings with them international academic reputations in object-oriented and generic programming techniques, multimedia human-computer interaction, wireless networks and communications, data processing and gas sensor instrumentation for machine olfaction, and the application of computers to biological research, inspiring the next generation of executives in the Computer Science field.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS – USA

The University of Memphis (UofM) is a major research university in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1912, UofM welcomes 21,000 students each year, coming from all over the world for an enriching taste of the UofM student experience.

Image courtesy of the University of Memphis

UofM’s Department of Computer Science gives students the chance to work alongside innovative faculty who are entirely dedicated to both teaching and research. As one of the most research-active Departments on the campus, UofM is equipped to provide undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees in the diverse field of Computer Science. The Department offers numerous student opportunities, including an accelerated B.S./M.S. program, graduate certificates in cyber security and data science, an internship program for academic credit, and an active ACM student chapter.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND SYSTEMS SCIENCES, STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY – SWEDEN

Stockholm University is a leading European university in one of the world’s most dynamic student cities. As one of the top 100 higher education providers on the globe, the institution contributes to individual and social change through top-quality education and outstanding research.

Stockholm’s Department of Computer Science and Systems Sciences (DSV) is the University’s largest department. As the oldest Information Technology (IT) department in Sweden, the DSV started to combine Systems Sciences in a Social Sciences perspective with Applied Computer Science and Communication Technologies as early as in the 1960s. With close ties to local communities and some of the world’s most powerful ICT-clusters, plus well-established infrastructure and a stable financial base, DSV is the ideal School to engage in specialised Computer Science education and research.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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