Choosing to undertake a placement enables you to gain experience working in industry as part of your computer science degree.
We offer a range of industrial placement opportunities, as well as advice and support on applying for placements.
“My placement at PepsiCo allowed me to develop both technical and communication skills in a practical and professional context – a unique experience that can’t be taught in a classroom – which is strongly desired by recruiters. Having this on my CV helped me to stand out in a competitive job market, subsequently securing a graduate role at Vodafone.”
Abdullah Rana, BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year
Enhance your employability
Many of the world’s high-tech and IT industries have their UK or European headquarters within a short distance of the University. We have excellent links with industry, enabling you to undertake a short placement or a year of professional experience during your studies. Industrial placements are designed to empower you to develop a network of professional contacts, as well as strengthen your career prospects.
“Having work experience through the early years of your career is important to develop your soft skills, learn about your own strengths and build upon any weaknesses identified. Industry experience is invaluable not only to mould your career path but to develop as a person in terms of working with diverse people and business operations.”
Pal Bhusate, CEO and Founder, Kinseed
“Our IT student programme is the main source for graduate recruitment in the UK. We are delighted to have offered some Reading students full-time employment following a successful placement year and completion of their studies – we definitely don’t ask our students to make the tea!”
Rhys Williams, Consultant, Portfolio & Architecture, Global Digital IT
Industrial placement year
Students on a four-year course will undertake a one-year, paid work placement, between Year 2 and Year 3. Our dedicated placement team will support you in finding a placement. They hold regular placement training sessions, as well as optional one-to-one appointments for help with CV and cover letter writing. The Department will stay connected with you and visit you at least once during the placement year.
Computer Science students have previously undertaken placements with a range of multinational, national and local companies, including:
- Urban Science
- Oracle
- Invesco
- Bayer
- Disney
- Eli Lily
- FunTech
- Veritas Technologies LLC
- Tink Engineer
- PepsiCo.
They have occupied a number of roles, including:
- Data Analyst
- Intern Cloud Developer
- Cyber Response Business Analyst
- Sharepoint Development
- Software Engineer; Business Analyst
- Full Stack Software Developer
- Design and Development Engineer
- IT Placement Programme Associate
- IT/Technical Support Analyst
- Information Security.
There is so much value in a placement, in terms of networking and experience. It gives you a professional attitude and confidence that drives you towards success. My placement changed everything, and I came back knowing I was going to get a first-class degree!
Rhian Taylor, BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year
My placement with Oracle helped me achieve my goals. All my coursework since the placement has been marked at a higher grade. Another great aspect was working with people from all over the world. It was interesting and demanding. The year really honed my professionalism and drive.
Jag Shergill, BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year
Short-term and summer placements
We encourage all our students to gain relevant work experience between academic years. As with the Industrial Year option, we provide dedicated support throughout all aspects of the placement search and application process.
Work shadowing
In your first year, you can benefit from our work shadowing programme. This is when you trial a placement for one day, observing either a placement student or a recent graduate at work.
This experience gives you an insight into the type of skills and personal attributes that are required for a specific role and organisation, and will help prepare you for applying for a placement in the future.
Volunteering
Gain valuable experience by volunteering while you study. With the Students in Schools scheme, you can assist teachers in schools, helping to raise school students' aspirations and encourage them to consider higher education.
You can also carry out a research project in collaboration with an academic through the University's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme. This takes place over the summer break or can be part time over a longer period.
How you'll study
Our academics have expertise across a broad range of areas. Learn theoretical and practical skills through lectures, lab sessions and projects, and get real-world experience if you undertake a placement.
Life in the Department
We offer extracurricular activities, including a Data Science Club and R. U. Hacking?, a student-led society that’s open to students across the University with an interest in technology.
Undergraduate courses
Study computer science as a standalone subject or take a maths joint degree that allows you to explore topics from computer science. You also have the option to undertake a placement year, preparing you for your career.
