Areas of computer science for personal and professional development
We rely on computing skills throughout all aspects of our lives – from the apps on our mobile devices to our professional careers. Understanding the core elements of computing is an essential strength that can help pupils unlock critical skills and potential career opportunities, starting from key stage one.
The Computing Quality Framework (CQF) can help shape your computing provision as you progress through all seven benchmarks, including the Curriculum benchmark. Once you’re able to show that you follow good practice across all benchmarks, you can apply for the nationally recognised Computing Quality Mark (CQM).
So, once you’ve set out your school vision for computing, the next step is to focus on how you’ll improve computing across your curriculum.
Computer science (CS) is just one part of the computing curriculum, alongside digital literacy and information and communication technology (ICT). Computer science requires an understanding of computer software, hardware, theory, design, and development. It focuses on using programming and coding skills to examine computer processes and design new software and technologies.
In this guide, we’ll explore how computer science plays a part in the wider curriculum. This includes nurturing a rich understanding of key CS principles, and where this can take you in the real world. Our guide to the top computing careers might also prove helpful when explaining potential careers attainable through a solid education in computing.
Read on as we cover the many branches of computer science and how it can encourage personal and professional development, opening doors and exciting minds in an increasingly digital world.
In this guide:
- What is computer science?
- Why is teaching computer science important?
- Key branches of computer science
- Progress your computing provision with the NCCE Computing Quality Framework
What is computer science?
Computer science is the study of computers and their systems, including how they work, and how we can use them to solve problems and create new technology. It covers a broad field with a wide range of disciplines, analysing and understanding concepts such as:
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Programming languages
- Computer architecture
- Software development
When it comes to studying computer science in higher education, students can often choose between various generalised and specialised courses. However, many courses will focus on a combination of:
- Theoretical computer science – Concentrating on mathematics and abstract computational concepts.
- Practical computer science – Focusing on the practical application of using and building computer software and systems.
Why is teaching computer science important?
In an ever-changing digital society, computer science can give pupils access to important skills and opportunities. It can help engage learners in skills that develop their creativity, critical thinking, mathematics, reasoning and problem-solving from an early age.
Those who study computer science may go on to specialise in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, user experience (UX) or software development. However, understanding computing is essential whether pupils are interested in following a path in computer science or not.
Not every pupil may go on to become a web developer, data scientist or software engineer. But they’ll often immerse themselves in fields that rely on the transferable skills, tools and challenges learnt from the computer science curriculum. This may include:
- Basic digital literacy
- Understanding simple algorithms
- Online safety awareness
- Data handling and presentation
- Computational thinking and advanced problem-solving
- Creating real-world solutions with CS projects
By learning these key skills, computer science can become an avenue for both personal and professional development. From robotics to video gaming, relating computer science to real world examples can help teachers tap into both new and existing interests for pupils.
Key branches of computer science
Computer science can pave the way to a wide range of fields and opportunities. There are various areas of computer science that students can specialise in, leading to various potential career options.
1. Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) follows the study and development of computer systems that can solve problems and complete tasks autonomously. AI applications will use technology such as natural language processing – which understands and interprets written and spoken words – and machine learning. This allows AI systems to make direct and algorithmic recommendations, such as live help chatbots, or music and streaming recommendations.
Potential career opportunities: Artificial intelligence researcher, artificial intelligence architect, machine learning engineer, full stack developer.
2. Data science
Data science uses computer science principles to study and extract data for business. By combining various disciplines, data science breaks down and analyses large quantities of data using:
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer engineering
Data science uses these fields and skills to find meaning from data, exploring new patterns, products and solutions to help support business needs.
Potential career opportunities: Data scientist, data analyst, database administrator, business intelligence analyst, machine learning engineer.
3. Game development
Computer science and programming has always been an intrinsic part of video game innovation and development – from building game engines to designing gameplay mechanics.
Today, computer science can use AI and machine learning to influence how players progress through the narrative of a game. It can also help video game developers create more realistic non-player characters (NPCs) and intuitively adjust gameplay difficulty to the player.
Potential career opportunities: Software engineer, video game designer, video game developer, video game tester.
4. Cybersecurity
Computer science can be used to protect computer systems, networks and programs from digital threats. Cyberattacks will often target digital systems to disrupt business processes, access or destroy sensitive data, or extort money from users. Cybersecurity is ever-changing, using computer science principles to support:
- Data protection
- Information security
- Application security
- Network security
- Cloud security
- Endpoint device security (such as computers, laptops, smartphones and other network-connected devices)
Potential career opportunities: Security analyst, security architect, security engineer, security software developer, malware analyst, computer forensics expert, chief information security officer,
5. Software development
Part of one of the most diverse fields of computer science, software developers use various programming languages to build, manage and fix digital applications. They meet users’ needs by writing code, employing models and overseeing the functionality of computer software, programs and applications.
This might include creating, testing and debugging applications on mobile, desktop and web platforms. It can also include system software development, which focuses on creating computer operating systems.
Potential career opportunities: Software development engineer, software engineer, systems software developer, full stack developer
6. Human-computer interaction
Human-computer interaction (HCI) studies how we can design the visual and interactive features of digital software to make it more user-friendly. From voice commands to gesture controls, it focuses on how we use and interact with technology. For example, how we engage with touchscreen devices.
HCI uses computer science principles to help create effective digital interfaces and encourage positive user experiences.
Potential career opportunities: Web designer, user interface designer, user experience (UX) designer, front-end developer, product designer, software engineer.
7. Computer networks
Networks connect multiple computers and devices, via either wired or wireless services. For example, the internet is a network that can connect devices through a wired Ethernet source or via Wi-Fi.
Computer networks allow connected systems to share information and resources, including data, hardware and software. Computer scientists can specialise in computer networks, focusing on how organisations use wired and wireless networks to exchange information. This might include managing network connectivity and facilities such as:
- Bandwidth
- Traffic
- User access
- Network security
Potential career opportunities: Network administrator, network analyst, network architect.
8. Computer graphics
This branch of computer science specialises in improving and manipulating computer display systems and graphics. This might include studying and working on the computer hardware that supports graphics, as well as implementing rendering, modelling, animation and visualisation techniques for digital programs.
Computer graphic design plays a key role in various sectors, including video gaming, entertainment, education, medicine and science.
Potential career opportunities: Mobile application developer, game developer, software engineer, web developer, digital artist, computer graphics programmer, user experience (UX) designer.
9. Theory of computation
Theory of computation is an area of computer science that studies and focuses on abstract machines and how they can solve problems using mathematical models. This helps computer scientists understand the theoretical limitations and capabilities of abstract computer systems, often using an algorithm.
Potential career opportunities: Algorithm analyst, machine learning engineer, cryptographer, research scientist
Progress your computing provision with the NCCE Computing Quality Framework
Computer science can help pupils develop computational learning, digital safety, and complex problem-solving skills. In essence, computing can help empower young learners as they take their first steps into the real world.
By using the Computing Quality Framework (CQF), you can shape your computing provision to engage pupils and equip them with tools they’ll carry with them for life.
As you progress through all seven benchmarks in the NCCE Computing Quality Framework for Schools, you’ll be able to identify strengths and areas for improvement in your computing curriculum. We’ll offer expert support and feedback, resources, and action planning to help you achieve the Curriculum benchmark.
Start your journey with the Computing Quality Framework and get one step closer to earning the Computing Quality Mark (CQM) today.
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