91¶¶Òõ

  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer
  • Accessibility options
91¶¶Òõ
  • About us
  • Business and
    employers
  • Alumni and
    supporters
  • For
    students
  • Accessibility
    options
Open menu
Home
Home
  • Close
  • Study here
    • Get to know us
    • Why choose 91¶¶Òõ?
    • Explore our prospectus
    • Chat to our students
    • Ask us a question
    • Meet us
    • Open days and visits
    • Virtual tours
    • Applicant days
    • Meet us in your country
    • Campuses
    • Our campuses
    • Our city
    • Accommodation options
    • Our halls
    • Helping you find a home
    • What you can study
    • Find a course
    • Full A-Z course list
    • Explore our subjects
    • Our academic departments
    • How to apply
    • Undergraduate application process
    • Postgraduate application process
    • International student application process
    • Apprenticeships
    • Transfer from another university
    • International students
    • Clearing
    • Funding your time at uni
    • Fees and financial support
    • What's included in your fees
    • 91¶¶Òõ Boost – extra financial help
    • Advice and guidance
    • Advice for students
    • Guide for offer holders
    • Advice for parents and carers
    • Advice for schools and colleges
    • Supporting you
    • Your academic experience
    • Your wellbeing
    • Your career and employability
  • Research
    • Research and knowledge exchange
    • Research and knowledge exchange organisation
    • The Global Challenges
    • Centres of Research Excellence (COREs)
    • Research Excellence Groups (REGs)
    • Information for business
    • Community University Partnership Programme (CUPP)
    • Postgraduate research degrees
    • PhD research disciplines and programmes
    • PhD funding opportunities and studentships
    • How to apply for your PhD
    • Research environment
    • Investing in research careers
    • Strategic plan
    • Research concordat
    • News, events, publications and films
    • Featured research and knowledge exchange projects
    • Research and knowledge exchange news
    • Inaugural lectures
    • Research and knowledge exchange publications and films
    • Academic staff search
  • About us
  • Business and employers
  • Alumni, supporters and giving
  • Current students
  • Accessibility
Search our site
Abstract image showing computer code
Studying here
  • Studying here
  • Find a course
  • Subject areas
  • Why choose 91¶¶Òõ?
  • Applying to 91¶¶Òõ
  • Fees and finance
  • Visit us
  • Subject areas
  • Architecture, technology and engineering
  • Computing
  • Guide to Computing Disciplines

Guide to 5 computing disciplines: key subjects and skills

If you are aiming for a specific role and career in technology and computing, then choosing the right computing degree discipline is crucial.

This guide will help you understand and compare the distinct fields within the field of computing, from Computer Science to Information Technology (IT), Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Data Science.

Find out more from our list of computing degrees within these disciplines. 

Find your computing degree

Explore our prospectus

Five computing disciplines compared

Computer Science

Computer science is focused on the theoretical foundations of computers and computational systems as well as practical aspects, such as algorithms, programming, and software development including operating systems, machine learning, database management and information security.   

Computer scientists often work on the design and development of software and systems, and their expertise is crucial in advancing the field of computing.

They play a significant role in various industries, including entertainment. To understand how these professionals impact one of the most dynamic sectors, you can learn more about future gaming and the role of computer science in video game design. This will give you a deeper insight into the intersection of technology and creativity in game development.

Key subjects and skills 

  • Programming 
  • Algorithms 
  • Data structures 

Career paths 

  • Software development 
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning 
  • Data science and analytics 
  • Web development and design 
  • Cybersecurity  
Two students in a studio working on game design

Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology (IT) primarily deals with the implementation, maintenance, and use of computer systems, networks, and software to manage and process data. It involves tasks such as installing and configuring hardware and software, managing databases, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing technical support to users. IT professionals often work on the practical application of technology to meet the needs of organisations and individuals.

Key subjects and skills

  • Network management 
  • Software development 
  • Database management 
  • Cybersecurity

Career paths

  • Network management 
  • Software development 
  • Database administration 
  • IT consulting 
  • Cloud computing  
  • Cybersecurity
IT professional on a laptop in a server room

Software Engineering

Software engineering focuses on practical applications, processes, and techniques for building software systems. It involves the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems, applying engineering principles and methodologies, to meet specific requirements.

Key subjects and skills

  • Software design and development 
  • Project management

Career paths

  • Software development/ engineering 
  • Systems analysis 
  • DevOps engineering 
  • Quality assurance engineering
Student with two screens of computer code

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering integrates principles from electrical engineering and computer science to design and develop hardware and software systems for computing applications, with a broad understanding of computing technologies and their integration with hardware components.

Key subjects and skills

  • Embedded systems 
  • Digital systems design 
  • Computer architecture

Career paths

  • Hardware engineer 
  • Embedded systems engineer 
  • Network engineer 
  • Systems architect 
Close up of a computer motherboard

Data Science

Data science is a multidisciplinary field that involves extracting insights and knowledge from structured and unstructured data using various techniques, including statistics, machine learning, and computer science.

Key subjects and skills

  • Data analysis 
  • Statistics and probability 
  • Machine learning

Career paths

  • Data science/ data analytics 
  • Machine learning
Students working on computers

Detailed comparison table: computing disciplines explained

Overview
CriteriaComputer ScienceInformation Technology Software EngineeringComputer EngineeringData Science
Core focus Computational systems theory and practical aspects, such as algorithms, programming, and software development. Practical implementation and management of computer systems and networks. Practical applications, processes, and techniques for building software systems. Design, development and integration of computer hardware and software systems. Data analysis, statistics, and machine learning.
Key subjects and skills
  • Programming 
  • Algorithms 
  • Data structures 
  • Network management 
  • Software development 
  • Database management 
  • Cybersecurity 
  • Software design and development  
  • Project management
  • Embedded systems 
  • Digital systems design 
  • Computer architecture 
  • Data analysis 
  • Statistics and probability 
  • Machine learning
Career paths
  • Software development 
  • AI and machine learning 
  • Data science and analytics 
  • Web development  
  • Cybersecurity  
  • Network management 
  • Software development 
  • Database administration 
  • IT consulting 
  • Cloud computing  
  • Cybersecurity
  • Software development/ engineering 
  • Systems analysis 
  • DevOps engineering 
  • Quality assurance engineering 
  • Hardware engineer 
  • Embedded systems engineer 
  • Network engineer 
  • Systems architect 
  • Data science 
  • Data analysis 
  • Machine learning  
  • Business Intelligence

Choosing the right computing discipline for your career

Understanding the differences between these computing disciplines and the skills you will gain from studying them, is key to aligning your passion with the right academic subjects at university and career path.

Consider whether you are more interested in the theoretical challenges of computer science, the practical applications of IT, the engineering aspects of software development, the hardware-software integration in computer engineering, or the analytical expertise required in data science, or a combination of these.

Choosing a generalised or specialised computing degree

When you're trying to choose the right computing discipline, you might want to select a degree that shares a first year with other disciplines.

While the first year might cover more general topics, you can then often specialise as you progress to your second and third year. 

Find out more information about degrees in computing to learn more about how we can help you kickstart your journey.     

Computing student wearing eye tracking glasses
Back to top

Contact us

91¶¶Òõ
Mithras House
Lewes Road
91¶¶Òõ
BN2 4AT

Main switchboard 01273 600900

Course enquiries

Sign up for updates

University contacts

Report a problem with this page

Quick links Quick links

  • Courses
  • Open days
  • Explore our prospectus
  • Academic departments
  • Academic staff
  • Professional services departments
  • Jobs
  • Privacy and cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Libraries
  • Term dates
  • Maps
  • Graduation
  • Site information
  • The Student Contract

Information for Information for

  • Current students
  • International students
  • Media/press
  • Careers advisers/teachers
  • Parents/carers
  • Business/employers
  • Alumni/supporters
  • Suppliers
  • Local residents