HomeBlog Spotlight Fast-track to a Computer Science degree at the University of Essex
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Fast-track to a Computer Science degree at the University of Essex

We’re delighted to announce you can now study an International Year One (IYO) in Computer Science leading to a degree at the fantastic University of Essex!

What is an IYO?

An IYO is a kind of fast-track university preparation course. It combines academic and English language preparation with content similar to the first year of a bachelor’s degree. With Kaplan, you can also gain valuable work experience by choosing to take an integrated online internship.

When you pass your course at the required level, with good attendance, you’ll be guaranteed progression to year 2 of your bachelor’s degree.

What are my degree options?

The IYO in Computer Science leads to 3 exciting degrees at the University of Essex:

Artificial Intelligence
Computer Games
Computer Science

Both the Computer Games and Computer Science degrees are accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, while all 3 options can be customised with an optional work placement year or a year abroad!

Why choose the University of Essex?

Alongside impressive rankings and award-winning teaching, the University of Essex also has a range of specialist facilities. You’ll benefit from access to 6 dedicated labs just for Computer Science and Electronic Engineering students, 3 of which are open 24/7.

There are dual-boot Windows and Linux computers as well as Macs for you to use, and you’ll also have access to CAD tools and simulators for chip design (Xilinx) and computer networks (OMNet++).

Computer Science and Information Systems is 2nd (joint) in the UK

for teaching effectiveness (Guardian University Guide 2024)

Top 30 in the UK overall

Guardian University Guide 2024

Optional placement or year abroad

on all 3 degrees

Great career opportunities

As well as being able to do an online internship as part of your IYO, you can choose to take an industrial placement year as part of any of these three degrees. Students have undertaken placements with international companies as Microsoft, Intel, Nestlé and British Aerospace.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to expand your professional network and gain skills and experience that will really help you to stand out to employers.

Perhaps it’s no surprise then that a brilliant 92% of the University’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering students are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2020)!

Watch a video about Essex student Ecaterina’s placement at Microsoft

Apply now

The new International Year One in Computer Science will be taught on campus at the University of Essex International College. You’ll have access to all the University’s brilliant facilities during your pathway course, so you’ll feel like an Essex student from day one.

You can learn more about the IYO, like course lengths and module summaries in the course information booklet.

If you’re interested in gaining an impressive degree in a Computer Science-related field, you can apply now for the first main intake of the IYO in Computer Science in September 2022. there will also be further flexible intakes throughout the year.

Alternatively, explore the links below to learn more about the International College, the University and why studying abroad in the UK is a great choice.