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Studies & Degrees in Applied Computer Science

Applied computer science teaches the foundations of computing and then puts them to work in a specific field. Students learn programming, algorithms, data structures and the mathematics behind them, and use that knowledge to design software and systems for engineering, media, business, health or artificial intelligence. German universities use the name Angewandte Informatik for this kind of degree. Elsewhere the same content is often taught under the names computer science, computing or software engineering.

The Universität Duisburg-Essen in Germany shows how such a programme is organised. Its Applied Computer Science bachelor's covers the foundations of computer science and mathematics together with a specialisation and application subjects. Students choose one of two profiles, engineering informatics or media informatics, and are expected to bring their core computing knowledge into that area.

What students learn

The first semesters are similar everywhere: programming techniques, logic, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture and mathematics. Later courses turn to building real systems. At Duisburg-Essen the third semester includes computer networks, computability and complexity, and software engineering with a practical. The BSc (Hons) Computer Science of the University of Sunderland in England lists software development, database systems, AI, the Internet of Things, DevOps, robotics and cybersecurity, teaches languages such as JavaScript, C#, Python and SQL, and ends with a major individual project in the final year.

Most programmes let students specialise. Colorado State University, for example, organises its computer science bachelor's in concentrations that include software engineering, networks and security, AI and machine learning, human-centred computing and computing systems, and also offers the degree online.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degrees. The Applied Computer Science B.Sc. at Duisburg-Essen lasts six semesters and has 180 credits. The Sunderland bachelor's takes three years. In Spain an official bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits.
  • Master's degrees. The Duisburg-Essen M.Sc. lasts four semesters, has 120 credits and is research-oriented, with four application areas: distributed and dependable systems, intelligent technical systems and scientific computing, interactive and cooperative systems, and information engineering. Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) in Estonia teaches its MSc in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in English over two years and 120 ECTS credits. In Spain official master's degrees have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.
  • Degrees awarded by a partner university. C3S Business School in Barcelona offers a BEng (Hons) Software Engineering in English. The school lists 36 months and 180 ECTS credits, and names the University of Greater Manchester in England and OTHM as awarding bodies. Ask the school what recognition this qualification has in the country where you plan to work or continue studying.
  • Vocational training. In Spain the higher vocational qualification (FP de grado superior) Técnico Superior en Desarrollo de Aplicaciones Multiplataforma takes 2,000 hours and trains developers of business, general-purpose and mobile applications.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 11 active schools for applied computer science. Four are in the United States and two in Spain; Estonia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Russia and Germany have one each. The list includes Colorado State University, the University of Sunderland, TalTech in Tallinn, VIA University College in Denmark, the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Saint Petersburg State Polytechnical University and, in Spain, C3S Business School in Barcelona and CENEC Málaga.

The language of instruction depends on the country and the level. The TalTech master's is taught in English, and so are the British and American degrees. The Duisburg-Essen bachelor's is a German-language programme; applicants from outside the EU apply through uni-assist. TalTech asks master's applicants for a bachelor's degree in information technology or a closely related field. Its programme page lists a tuition fee of €7,000 per year, with no fee for EU/EEA citizens (checked in October 2026).

Careers

Graduates work as software developers, systems and database specialists, network and security staff, data analysts and IT consultants, in technology companies and in the IT departments of other sectors. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that overall employment in computer and information technology occupations in the United States will grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035. For software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers it projects growth of 10 percent over the same period. It also notes that these workers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. These figures describe the United States; other countries publish their own statistics.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between computer science and applied computer science?

The foundations are the same. An applied programme adds a field of application and more project work: at Duisburg-Essen, for example, students combine core computer science with engineering informatics or media informatics.

How long does a degree in applied computer science take?

It depends on the country. The Duisburg-Essen bachelor's takes six semesters and the master's four, the Sunderland bachelor's takes three years, and a Spanish bachelor's degree has 240 ECTS credits.

Can I study applied computer science in English?

Yes. The British and American degrees are taught in English, and TalTech in Estonia teaches its two-year MSc in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in English. Many bachelor's degrees in Germany are taught in German, so check the language of each programme.

Is there a shorter route into software development?

In Spain the higher vocational qualification in multi-platform application development takes 2,000 hours. In the United States, software developers typically need a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.