With record numbers of young people applying to study computer science, universities can help international students prepare for the linguistic challenges of studying it at degree level with subject-specific pathway programmes.
More people than ever are applying to study computing degrees, and it’s no wonder: computing skills are in high demand. Computer science is one of the most valued degrees, with only closely related degrees – AI and Information Technology – beating it to the top spot. Graduates of this degree are highly sought after, so it’s little surprise to find that applications are on the up: BCS research shows that 2023 saw a 9.6% increase in young people applying for computing degrees, more than any other degree subject.
International students fuelling computer science demand
International students are helping to fuel this growth, with Oxford International’s recent report ‘Do international students want what you’re offering? Assessing your institution’s program portfolio’ noting that “Computer Science remains a top choice for international students, driven by the global demand for technology professionals and the strong job prospects in the US.”
However, while many are highly motivated and capable, some of these students face academic and linguistic challenges that can hinder their transition to degree-level study – particularly when they come from education systems that place less emphasis on computing. What’s more, they’re up against fierce competition. While growing demand has led many universities to expand their computer science-related degree offerings, a combination of demand, a shortage of physical space and limited academic talent means entry into computing remains highly competitive.
With that all this in mind, what can your university do to support international students so that they’re ready to make a success of your computer science degree? Institutions are rightfully reluctant to lower their entry standards, with more and more instead choosing to rethink what ‘readiness’ looks like. They’re opting to implement structured preparation programmes to support students’ long-term success on their degrees courses. Known as pathway programmes, these give universities a way to uphold their academic integrity at the same time as widening participation and improving student retention.
Targeted pathways for Computer Science
Subject-specific pathway programmes are designed to help international students prepare for studying a particular subject at undergraduate or postgraduate degree level in the UK, US or Canada. Introducing students to the subject’s core concepts and terminology, they’re a way to bring them up to the academic level required for higher education. They’re particularly useful for students who may not have been able to attain this level in their home countries.
Essentially, pathway programmes are a way of levelling the playing field so that international students aren’t at a disadvantage compared to peers in their chosen country when they start their degree.
English language skills are, of course, central to a pathway programme, as students whose grasp of English needs work will struggle in an academic environment as well as socially. Linguistic skills are particularly important for technical subjects that have a lot of specific terminology to learn, and computer science is a prime example. A computer science pathway programme will help international students learn this challenging vocabulary, as well as helping them develop the language skills they’ll need to collaborate with others in an academic context. This means they can ‘hit the ground running’ when their course starts, just like their native speaker course mates.
Alongside focused course preparation and contextual English language development, pathway programmes also help international students adjust culturally to life in their chosen country, fostering a sense of belonging and increasing their confidence. This has a positive impact on their experience of studying with you, with students who feel unprepared more likely to disengage, underperform or drop out of higher education altogether.
The tools for success
Ultimately, computer science pathway programmes are about giving international students the tools they need to succeed – academically, linguistically and socially. With computer science demand continuing to grow, and overseas students a big part of that demand, universities are going to need to find more sustainable ways to support their international learners. To that end, a well-designed, computer science-specific pathway programme isn’t a shortcut – it’s a strategic investment your university can make in both student success and institutional reputation.
Explore our new Computer Science Pathways
