Is Computer Science Hard?

Computer science remains a popular course, especially for students who enjoy solving complex problems. Research from BCS in 2023 recorded computer science as the most popular course students applied to, rising 9.6 percent from previous years [1]. 

Computer science has gotten a reputation for being a difficult bachelor’s degree to earn because it involves learning how to program and combines a wide variety of theoretical and practical subjects.

Learn what makes computer science a challenging course, how you can prepare yourself for the unique challenges of earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and alternatives to consider if a four-year degree is not the best option for your needs.  

Why is computer science considered such a challenging course? 

Earning a computer science degree has been known to entail a more intense workload than you might experience with other courses because it includes many foundational concepts about computer software, hardware, and theory to learn. Part of that learning may involve a lot of practice, typically completed on your own time. Two of the biggest reasons why some students find computer science hard include:

• Learning a programming language

• Computer science subjects

Learning a programming language

As a computer science course, you’ll likely learn how to program, which means learning one of the many popular programming languages in use today. Some of the popular languages taught in a course include Java, Python, SQL, and C. Learning multiple languages gives you versatility as a programmer in computer science since each language performs best with certain tasks.

For example, it takes between two and six months on average to learn the fundamentals of Python, and mastering the language can take years. While you may learn about Python in class, you’ll likely need to dedicate extra time to become more proficient. Fortunately, learning one language can make it easier to learn others—and you’ll notice that many professional programmers know more than one. 

Computer science subjects

Although the specific modules you’re required to take for your computer science course will differ by department, you can expect to take a mix of programming and mathematics courses. Some institutions also require a handful of science modules, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or electronics.

The advanced concepts you’ll encounter in calculus or linear algebra be challenging. But don’t let that deter you from courses in computer science. As part of your electives, consider taking units like precalculus (or precalc) to help prepare you for the more rigorous maths modules you’ll take for your course. If you’d like extra help with maths, many universities offer free tutoring services for students. It’s also a good idea to speak with your academic advisor about your concerns and see if they can recommend a strategy to help you successfully complete the course of your choice.   

How to make your computer science degree more manageable  

Take a look at a few ways to make studying computer science and earning your bachelor's degree in the subject more manageable.

1. Get a head start.

Taking an introductory computer science class may help you grasp important concepts and feel better prepared for more advanced classes once you begin your course. Review your university’s course catalogue to see what’s offered and if you can enrol during the first or second semester of your first year. 

You can also look into online tutorials or programming classes, such as those offered on Coursera. While most computer science departments don’t expect students to have any prior programming knowledge, you may feel more comfortable—and confident—with a bit of extra preparation.  

If you’d like to become more familiar with programming, Princeton University’s Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose course will introduce you to many programming fundamentals and key computer science concepts.

2. Manage your time. 

Especially in the early days of your computer science degree, it may feel like there’s a lot to tackle and little time to do so. Get organised and create a schedule or routine to help you block off your time for your different responsibilities. Make sure you include time for classes, homework, programming practice, social activities, and rest.

3. Refine your attention to detail. 

Programming involves looking at code—a lot of code—and catching minute errors buried deep within a long line of it. Improve your attention to detail (a key skill for a career in computer science) by improving your focus. Use external tools, like lists, to stay organised and on task. Look for games, like chess or Sudoku, to hone your focus. Programs like Lumosity and Elevate also offer a number of digital games designed to improve focus.   

4. Seek out support.

Reach out for help to gain clarity on topics or get the support you need to feel confident in your computer science course. For starters, research tutoring resources, partner with a classmate, form a study group, or connect with your professor or instructor during office hours to build your skills. Asking questions along the way can make a big difference while also helping you network with your peers and faculty members.   

Computer science courses: Return on investment

Earning your bachelor’s degree in computer science has rewards—both personal and professional. 

Skills development

Beyond the core education you should receive as part of your computer science bachelor’s degree, you may also develop important workplace and technical skills to apply to your career. Some of the biggest skills those working in computer science use are :

• Reading comprehension 

• Critical thinking skills

• Judgement and decision-making

• Problem-solving skills

• Mathematics 

Moreover, many of these skills—such as critical thinking and judgement—are highly valued transferable skills, meaning you can apply them to a number of jobs. 

In-demand tech industry

Computer science is a growing industry with many opportunities, thanks to the increasingly digital nature of people’s lives. CompTIA’s 2023 report on the state of the tech workforce in the UK estimates 2,043,622 tech workers were employed in 2022, and jobs are expected to increase [2]. 

Versatility 

A computer science degree can be quite versatile thanks to the technical know-how you develop as a result of your time in a programme. You can pursue roles like computer systems analyst or software developer, or you can pursue a number of related professions in robotics, web development, video game design, cybersecurity, and data analysis. 

Higher salaries

Computer science professions tend to pay well. According to Glassdoor UK, the median annual salary for computer sciences is £53,245 per year [3].

(All salary data the median annual salary from Glassdoor UK as of July 2024.)

Alternatives to a computer science degree

Dedicating four years to earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science can be a worthwhile pursuit, but it may not always be the best option to achieve your short- and long-term goals, especially if you’ve already earned your degree in another subject and you’re interested in pivoting to a career in computer science. In that case, consider these three alternatives: 

Computer science boot camps

Attending an intensive programme like a boot camp can help you learn an aspect of computer science, typically in a much shorter timeframe than a bachelor’s degree. You can attend more general programming boot camps, where you learn a language, or you can focus on an area like web development, cybersecurity, or data science. Many boot camps are designed to prepare you for a career in the area of your choice and may feature job placement support.  

Certifications

Beginner-level certifications are industry-approved training programmes that show your competency in a number of areas: IT, a programming language, network administration, and more. While more advanced certifications are available, looking for foundational knowledge in an area of computer science such as earning a certification, can be a faster way to gain important skills than a bachelor’s degree. 

Professional certificates 

Whether you’re looking to change careers and have no prior computer science knowledge, or you’re looking to advance in your career and want to develop specific skills in new areas, a professional certificate can help—and add to your resume credentials. Explore a number of computer science Professional Certificates on Coursera, including beginner-friendly IT Automation with Python from Google and Full Stack Cloud Developer from IBM. 

Getting started with Coursera

With proper time management, support, and knowledge of the field, you can earn a computer science degree despite any challenges you may face. Computer science is a growing field in the UK with high earning potential and various opportunities within the tech industry. If you’re looking to earn a degree in computer science online, try the BSc Computer Science from the University of London on Coursera. The degree is completely online and gives you the opportunity to specialise in one of seven in-demand topics in the field, such as ML and AI, data science, web and mobile development, physical computing and IoT, game development, VR, or UX.

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