Computing guide by Cybernews Academy: Europe

With the high demand for IT professionals, the computing and information technologies industry is fast-growing and highly lucrative. Therefore, studying a computer science and information technologies degree is one of the best ways to break into the industry. But where do you go to study? You could choose from Asia, North America, Oceania, and Europe. These are the continents that we have decided to analyze. However, you could go anywhere. First up on Cybernews Academy's academic and cultural tour is Europe. We want to showcase Europe's incredible computing degree programs to help students gain insight into European campus culture.

Studying in Europe

The international reputation of European universities is extensive. All across Europe, you will find exceptional institutions in London, Scotland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and many other areas of Europe.

Institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and ETH Zurich are at the top of the QS university world rankings by subject. They offer diverse programs and specializations that range from Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems to Software Engineering.

Studying in Europe will expose you to various cultures and languages, enriching your learning experience. You may decide to reside in the beautiful city of Oxford, with many cultural traditions and impressive architecture. Or, you could live in the lush country of Switzerland surrounded by majestic views. One thing about Europe that is so captivating is the diversity of culture and languages. If you study in Germany, you will be surrounded by German speakers, a rich history, and participate in Germanic cultural experiences. Main European cities are mostly international, so you will be surrounded by people from all walks of life.

Choosing the right program

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right program: location, specializations, and career prospects.

Location

Location may be a significant factor that impacts your university decision—you may want to be surrounded by beautiful scenery, or you may want to feel safe and settled in your new home. Switzerland is known as one of the safest countries in Europe, accompanied by beautiful views and a friendly feel. Universities in and around London have access to one of the UK’s most prevalent cities filled with events and various activities. Depending on your location, French, German, Spanish, and Italian cities offer different cultural experiences.

Specializations

European universities have a diverse curriculum that features many specializations. Most programs will contain concentrations that help you develop a broader scope and better understand your degree. These specializations help you hone your craft and may earn you a high-paying job in the industry post-graduation. Throughout your computing degree, you can study anything from cyber security to software engineering. Some popular fields include data science, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and human-computer interaction.

Career prospects

Considering your career prospects while at university is essential, especially if you are moving from home. Our journalists at Cybernews Academy have discussed different lucrative destinations worldwide, and many European countries are featured in this list. In European countries like France, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.K., you could earn anywhere between $50,846-$121,251 per year in IT.

Tuition fees

Finances are already a complex topic, especially when you are a student moving away from home. Now, tuition fees may vary depending on your degree type and location. You can study for free at European universities as an EU or domestic student. However, private institutions will expect you to pay tuition fees. These universities offer free tuition for those who can speak the language (for example, German universities offer free courses; however, they are usually in their native language.)

For international students, university tuition is not free. For example, in Belgium, non-EU students will have to pay around $4,900+ per year. These fees can be even more expensive in countries like the U.K., where undergraduate tuition starts from $13,130. Compared to the U.S., tuition fees are much lower, which is another attractive aspect of studying in Europe. According to Beyond the States, “the average tuition rate in the US for a bachelor’s degree is $10,950 for in-state students at a public university, $28,240 for out-of-state tuition at public universities, and $39,400 for a private college. In contrast to higher tuition fees in the US, the average tuition fee for a bachelor's degree in Europe is just $8,000 annually for American students.”

Scholarships

We all need a little help sometimes, so financial aid is a great way to get your studies off the ground. Universities like the University of Oxford and Cambridge offer generous scholarships to international students. ETH Zürich in Switzerland provides full scholarships to regions across the world. Similarly, the Austrian university Technische Universitat Wien offers partial scholarships to non-EU students. At Technische Universitat Wien, you can obtain merit-based scholarships that range from $800-$1,600 and funding grants that range from $800- $3,800.

Accommodation

Most universities in Europe will provide on-campus accommodation for undergraduate students. In the U.K., you have residence halls where you live close to your university campus. In institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, you are expected to live on campus in your first year of studies, and some students live on campus throughout their entire educational career. Depending on the city and the institution, this will vary. Some universities will own accommodation, and others will have public living spaces. Universities like the Institut Polytechnique de Paris in France combine university-owned and private accommodation options. Many students will live alone or in shared housing (not in dorms) off-campus.

Campus

Campuses will differ from one university to the other. Often, in areas of the U.K. and other European countries, you will have city universities. These institutions have a ‘central hub’ with many buildings surrounding them. City universities are aptly named because university-owned buildings are often scattered around the city, creating a unique learning experience. You may have to commute to your campus, allowing you to get acquainted with your new environment.

Top universities for computing in Europe

There are many exceptional universities available in Europe. Below, we have listed a range of institutions from different countries:

#5: The University of Oxford (U.K)

#7: The University of Cambridge (U.K)

#9: ETH Zurich (Switzerland)

#10: EPFL (Switzerland)

#15: Imperial College London (U.K)

#20: The University of Edinburg (U.K)

#24: UCL (U.K)

#29: Technical University of Munich (Germany)

#31: Institut Polytechnique de Paris (France)

#33: Politecnico di Milano (Italy)

#34: University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)

#50: KU Leuven (Belgium)

#62: KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)

#73: Technische Universitat Wien (Austria)

#82: Universitat Politecnica de Cataluyna Barcelona Tech (Spain)

#91: Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)

#101: University of Copenhagen (Denmark)

There are a range of top-quality, world-renowned institutions with a reputation for academic excellence. The U.K. has five top universities for computer science and information technologies, two institutions in Switzerland, and other high-ranking universities in Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Ireland, and Denmark.

Types of computing programs

Different universities will offer various computing and information technologies courses. Our journalists at Cybernews Academy have noted 12 programs that are present within most universities in Europe.

Computer Science

Traditional computer science courses cover various topics concerning the theoretical fundamentals of computation and information technologies. You may cover subjects such as algorithms, data structures, theory of analysis, and software engineering.

Software Engineering

Software engineering courses focus specifically on the principles and practices of designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. You may learn about software methodologies, quality assurance, architecture, and project management.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering programs combine electrical engineering and computer science elements. You could study hardware design, digital systems, embedded systems, and integrating hardware and software components.

Information Technology (IT)

IT programs focus on applying computing technologies to solve real-world business and organizational problems. You will cover database management, network administration, cybersecurity, and IT project management.

Data Science and Analytics

Data Science and Analytics concentrate on the skills needed to collect, process, analyze, and interpret large volumes of data. This program teaches you about data mining, visualization, statistical analysis, and machine learning techniques.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI programs delve into the theory and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning. In this program you will explore neural networks, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity programs focus on protecting digital systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks. This course focuses on ethical hacking, cryptography, network security, and incident response.

Human-computer interaction (HCI)

HCI programs emphasize designing and evaluating user interfaces and interactions between humans and computers. You will study usability, user experience (UX), and interaction design principles.

Game Development

Game development programs cover video game design, programming, and production. This program will teach you about game engines, graphics programming, game design principles, and virtual reality (VR) technologies.

Computational Science

Computational science programs integrate computer science with other disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. During this course, you will use computational techniques to solve complex scientific and engineering problems.

Cloud Computing and Distributed Systems

These programs focus on designing and managing distributed computing systems, cloud infrastructure, and scalable applications.

Quantum Computing

Emerging programs in quantum computing explore the principles and technologies of quantum information processing, quantum algorithms, and quantum programming.

Cybernews Academy Note: There are many computing programs at varying levels. We suggest checking different university websites to see what’s available.

Europe is an excellent place for studying computer science and information technologies. Many famous European universities offer a diverse range of programs. Alongside learning, you can enjoy different cultures and languages. Choosing the right program matters, considering where you want to be, what you want to learn, and the jobs you could get post-graduation. Tuition fees are reasonable, and you always have access to various scholarships. Studying abroad goes way beyond academics, it’s a chance to experience new cultures, immerse yourself in unique atmospheres, and grow as an individual.