When you decided to study for a BSc in Computer Science, you put your technical hat on. With reams of coding to wrap your head around (alongside a lot of technical talk about hardware), you’ve set yourself up for a career that could cover everything from software engineering and web development to data analysis.

But there’s another possibility that you may not have considered – engineering. Here, we answer the question “Can I do engineering after BSc Computer Science” and show you why the engineering path may be the right one to follow (both due to interest and potential career payout).

Options for Pursuing Engineering After BSc Computer Science

You have three options for pursuing engineering once you’re in possession of your BSc in Computer Science, some of which give you indirect entry into the field whereas others offer more practical or specialized education.

Lateral Entry into Engineering Courses

Your first choice is a course that combined the best of both worlds – a Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science), otherwise known as B.E. Computer Science. As another full-time course, this program is usually spread over four years (though some institutions can fast-track you through a two-year course).

Strong high school scores in physics, math, and chemistry are a must if you decide to go down this route, with a minimum of 75% scored across all (with strong proficiency in English to boot). Assuming you hit those criteria, many colleges ask students to complete the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE), which is an exam that assesses your technical abilities and how you can apply those abilities to practical problems.

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Rather than going back to the bachelor’s level to study engineering after finishing your BSc in Computer Science (which is a lateral step as described above), you could keep marching forward. A Master’s degree in engineering is a post-graduate qualification, with most courses requiring you to have a Bachelor’s degree in a suitable technical subject. Engineering is the most obvious choice, though many Master’s programs accept students with computing backgrounds due to the technical nature of their knowledge.

Often called a “terminal” degree, meaning there are no doctorates for the engineering field, a Master’s in engineering should leave you with full accreditation so you can begin a career as a chartered engineer. Thankfully, you don’t usually have to rely on an entrance exam to start the course, as long as you have an appropriate Bachelor’s degree.

Specialized Engineering Courses and Certifications

There’s plenty of crossover between the engineering and computer science paths, particularly when it comes to devising solutions for physical hardware:

  • Network Engineering – Designed to equip you with advanced skills in computing (especially in the areas of developing and managing network systems), network engineering courses come in several flavors. Some universities offer them as specialized Master’s programs, assuming you have an appropriate technical Bachelor’s degree. In some cases, you can enter into trainee courses with workplaces that equip you with network engineering skills, with this option sometimes not requiring formal computer science training beforehand.
  • Cyber Security Engineering – With cybercrime losses exceeding $10 billion in 2022 (according to the FBI), there’s an obvious demand for people who can engineer systems designed to deter hackers. Specialized programs, such as an MSc in cyber security engineering, equip you with the ability to offer hardware security services and reverse-engineer cyber-attacks. Entry requirements vary depending on your university, though many ask for a minimum second-class degree in a subject like computer science or electronic engineering.
  • Applied Data Science – You’ll pick up on some of the technical concepts that underpin data science while studying for your BSc in Computer Science. A Master’s degree in applied data science teaches you the practical side, equipping you with the skills you need to analyze and work on complicated engineering assets. Again, a degree in a technical subject (like computer science) should be enough for most universities, with this course also offering a path into Ph.D. studies in the applied data science and data-based industrial engineering areas.

Benefits of Pursuing Engineering After BSc Computer Science

After having worked so hard to obtain your BSc in Computer Science, the question “can I do engineering after BSc Computer Science?” may not have crossed your mind. After all, you’re equipped to enter the workforce already, so you’re wondering what the benefits of further study may be. Here are three to consider.

Enhanced Career Prospects

Having a joint specialization between engineering and computer science can be your pathway to a higher salary, with specific specializations in applied data science or cyber security engineering veering into six-figure territory.

According to Glass Door, starting salaries for applied data scientists start at around $83,000, though the average is $126,586 per year. Advance in that path until you become a senior or lead data scientist and you’ll find your earnings in the $160,000 range. The same resource suggests the average base pay for a cyber security engineer is nearly as impressive, starting at $92,297 per year, though some organizations offer six-figure contracts for those who have some experience under their belts.

Specialization in a Specific Field

Though a BSc in Computer Science equips you with a ton of foundational knowledge, it can leave you feeling unfocused as potential career paths branch out in front of you. Rather than exploring every one of those branches, shifting into engineering allows you to distill (and build upon) what you already know to create a more focused knowledge base.

In addition to making you more desirable to potential employers (as we see above), a specialization makes it easier to find a job that fits your skill set. You add a layer of polish to your raw skillset, developing an understanding of where your specific talents lie and, more importantly, how you can apply them.

Opportunities for Research and Innovation

Having the skills to access better careers is one thing, but being able to contribute to the development of new technologies can make you feel like you’re making a real difference to the world. Following up your BSc in Computer Science with an engineering specialization equips you with practical knowledge (complementing your technical prowess) to give you the perfect balance for entering into the research world.

As one example, Imperial College London operates a research program that takes a data-driven approach to data science research. Applications of the tech (and ideas) that come from that program are used in fields as diverse as medicine, astrophysics, and finance, allowing researchers to create cross-industry change while working with cutting-edge tech.

Steps to Pursue an Engineering Career Post-BSc

Now that you know that the answer to “Can I do engineering after BSc Computer Science?” is a definite “yes,” there’s one more question to answer:

How?

Step 1 – Research and Choose the Right Engineering Program

Choosing the right engineering program may make you feel like you’re at the starting point of a path that branches out in a dozen directions. Each of those paths has something to offer, though you have to commit to one to become a specialist. Think about what you enjoyed while studying computer science, which, combined with an understanding of your career goals, will help you determine which path leads you toward your passion.

Once you know what you want to study (and why), evaluate the programs open to you using the curriculum offered and the reputations of the programs as your criteria for making a choice.

Step 2 – Prepare for Entrance Exams and Application Process

You’re not going to simply walk into an engineering course because you have a BSc in Computer Science, even if your graduate studies equip you with most of the skills necessary to start a post-graduate engineering course. Some institutions have entrance exams (with the previously mentioned JEE being popular), meaning you need to gather study materials and focus your efforts on passing that exam.

For universities that are happy to accept your BSc in Computer Science as proof of your ability, you still need to complete applications and file them before the appropriate deadlines. These deadlines vary depending on where you apply. For instance, you usually have until the end of June if applying for a program that accepts fall admissions in the United States.

Step 3 – Gain Relevant Work Experience

The more work experience you can get under your belt, especially when studying, the better your resume will look when you start applying for specialized computer engineering roles. Internships and co-op programs can equip you with practical knowledge of the workforce (and help you to build connections), though they’re often unpaid.

If working without pay is a problem for you, accepting part-time or freelance work in an engineering field related to your specialization is an option. Just be wary of burnout if you’re still in the process of completing your studies.

Step 4 – Network With Professionals in the Engineering Field

There’s an old saying that goes “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” While that isn’t always the case in engineering (merit and skills go a long way), it still helps to have connections in the field who can point you in the direction of roles and employers.

Attending industry events and conferences (even if you’re not actively looking for a job yet) allows you to hobnob with people who may prove useful when you’re trying to break into the engineering sector. Joining professional associations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), offers resources, continuing education, and access to career centers that can help you to get ahead.

Engineer Your Path to a New Career

Computer science and engineering make for good bedfellows, with both fields being highly technical and reliant on you having strong mathematical skills. Perhaps that’s why there are so many attractive (and potentially lucrative) options for specializations, with each offering ways to apply the foundational knowledge you develop during a BSc in Computer Science.

When making your choice, start by figuring out which field grabs your interest before taking the steps described above to reach your career goals.

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The Path to Education Is Not Always Straightforward
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Dec 17, 2025 6 min read

Life is unpredictable. While many of us have specific hopes and expectations of how our futures will turn out, things don’t always go as expected. There are many variables and unexpected incidents that can interfere and force you to alter your plans, and this is particularly true when it comes to education.

For instance, you might have had plans to study a specific subject, but had to deviate from those plans due to unforeseen circumstances. Or you may have had to enter the workforce in an occupation different from the one you sought in an effort to earn an income, a move that may not provide you with the time or opportunity to achieve your desired educational aims.

In short, every individual’s career pathway is different, and very few go exactly as we expect from the outset. Fortunately, even if you experience a few false starts or sudden twists in your pathway, there are always options available to help you get back on track.

The Unpredictable Nature of Education

In theory, the educational process seems simple. You select a course of study that interests you from the vast array of subjects and prospective professions, select the appropriate classes, acquire the knowledge and skills you need to succeed, and then embark on your profession.

In reality, however, as many people know from firsthand experience, the road to education is often far from straightforward. Here are just some of the many challenges that can take your educational path in a completely different direction:

  • Life’s Curveballs: As touched on in the introduction, life is impossible to predict. Financial hardships, health issues, and family emergencies are just some of the unfortunate occurrences that might derail even the most perfectly planned educational regime.
  • Changing Interests: People’s desires and preferences don’t necessarily stay the same throughout their entire lives. As you grow, learn, and have new experiences, your interests may change, and so, too, may your educational objectives.
  • Pressure and Burnout: Some academic paths are particularly challenging, demanding intense levels of study and hard work. This can sometimes prove too much to bear, even for the most resilient students.
  • Failures and Setbacks: Conventional education largely builds around tests and examinations, requiring students to demonstrate their competencies repeatedly. It’s a system that doesn’t suit everyone, and test failures can lead to setbacks and delays.
  • Inequality: People can be born with very different privileges and levels of access to education. Those in certain parts of the world may find it much more challenging to complete their education path for financial, cultural, or even political reasons.
  • Late Bloomers: People develop at different paces. Some may struggle educationally early on in their lives, forcing them to make certain concessions or sacrifices related to their studies, only to find their feet later in life once they’ve entered the world of work.

Whether you’re a late bloomer, have had your educational aspirations delayed by personal problems, desire to learn new skills and try something different, or want to begin a fresh chapter in your professional life, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) may be able to help.

Introducing OPIT

OPIT is an online teaching platform, making high-level technological educational programs accessible to all, no matter their age or background. Offering education in fields like computer science, artificial intelligence, and digital business, OPIT provides a curated collection of degrees. In addition, they offer classes taught by world-leading tutors imparting the wisdom and skills students need to achieve their goals and become the tech leaders of tomorrow.

Meanwhile, for those who have had somewhat tumultuous or unpredictable educational paths, OPIT offers the perfect course corrector: the OPIT Foundation Year.

The OPIT Foundation Year

OPIT’s Foundation Year is a Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Information Technology, fully aligned with MQF/EQF Level 4 standards and valued at 60 ECTS credits. Lasting just one year, this program essentially serves as a comprehensive yet accessible springboard towards higher-level education, creating a path towards degrees and careers in dynamic, flexible fields, like computer science and digital business.

Like other OPIT programs, the Foundation Year is delivered entirely online via the OPIT Virtual Learning Environment. Combining live lectures, asynchronous content, and interactive assessments, students enjoy diverse and dynamic study experiences, acquiring core skills like academic writing, mathematics, and computer literacy, and building a bedrock of knowledge and confidence before taking their next steps.

Who Is the Foundation Program For?

The Foundation Program is designed to provide a solid base upon which to build the technological education many students need. It’s the perfect choice for those who are eager and ambitious to enter professions in AI, data science, and computing, but don’t feel that they have the necessary core skills and knowledge needed to dive straight into a degree.

Entry requirements are relatively relaxed in order to allow as many students as possible to enjoy the benefits of this program. With that said, applicants should ideally hold an MQF/EQF Level 3 or equivalent qualification, with the intention of pursuing a bachelor’s degree. A minimum of B2 level of English proficiency is also required, as this is the working and studying language of the institution.

What the Foundation Year Provides

Perhaps you’ve recently graduated, are considering a career change, or finally have the opportunity to return to education after initial delays or unexpected disruptions to your original plans. Either way, the Foundation Year can help you enjoy:

  • Greater Self-Confidence: Foundation Year graduates gain the fundamental skills they need to enter degree programs with much more self-belief and assuredness.
  • Superior Tech Knowledge: Lasting two terms, this course explores mathematics, academic reading and writing, and provides an introduction to computer hardware and software.
  • Foundational Mathematics: Mathematics literacy forms a large part of the study focus for the Foundation Year, helping students feel more comfortable with numbers and formulas.
  • Flexible Learning: Unlike more rigid, conventional education environments, OPIT gives you the freedom and flexibility to study at a pace that suits you best, all from the comfort of home.
  • Global Community: OPIT is an international institution, with staff and students from all around the world eager to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and help one another.

Take Your Next Steps to Success With the OPIT Foundation Year

If you’re curious about a career in technology or have always wanted to work with AI, data, and computers, but struggled to find the time and opportunities you need to acquire relevant skills and knowledge, the Foundation Program was made for people like you.

It’s the ideal entry point into the exciting world of online education, and the perfect first step towards a prestigious degree from an innovative and increasingly successful institution. Download the brochure to learn more about it, or start your online application, today.

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Benefits of Doing a Career in Computer Science
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Dec 17, 2025 6 min read

Students today have a broader range of fields of study to choose from than ever before, but with the world becoming increasingly technological and computers increasing in influence and importance, pursuing a career in computer science often proves a smart, strategic choice.

There are numerous benefits and career paths associated with studying and working in computer science, and we’ll be listing just a few of them in this guide.

High Average Salaries

With the rising cost of living in many parts of the world, it’s unsurprising that many students are thinking several decades ahead to determine what level of starting salaries they could obtain in different career fields.

Many are also seeking professions that offer the opportunity for growth and the ability to advance up the ranks over time, thus increasing their salary and their quality of life in the process.

If a strong, stable salary with the opportunity for improved income is one of your top career priorities, computer science should be at or near the top of your list of prospective careers.

According to recent data, computer scientists earn an average of over €65,000 per year, with certain jobs, like IT project leader and data scientist, paying ever higher. Starting salaries are strong, too, with graduates earning anywhere from €46,000 to €60,000, depending on their chosen profession and level of qualifications.

There are similarly high average salaries reported around the world in computer science and related fields such as data science and AI/ML engineering. These numbers are projected to increase in the years to come, pointing to computer science as a way for graduates to get off to the best financial start of any career.

Unrivaled Flexibility

A common problem with some subjects and courses is that they only provide graduates with a narrow set of skills and a similarly narrow range of potential professions to which they can apply those skills.

That’s not the case with computer science. Graduates in this field can enjoy instant access to a remarkably diverse array of career opportunities, with even newer opportunities being created all the time as technology evolves and innovations emerge.

A few of the many industries and roles you might choose to enter in the field of computer science include:

  • Healthcare: As a software developer, data analyst, or cybersecurity expert
  • Finance: As a fintech engineer, blockchain developer, or security analyst
  • Media: As a graphics programmer, AI developer, or game developer
  • Education: As an analyst, software developer, or machine learning engineer

Guaranteed Opportunities

Some career paths are more limited than others, with relatively low numbers of opportunities, recurring risks of job loss, or difficulty obtaining employment in the first place.

Again, with computer science, this simply isn’t the case. At a time when 75% of companies plan to embrace AI and other technologies by 2027, and businesses of all sizes and industries are now relying on computers more than ever before, computer science graduates can enjoy almost unbeatable job security.

Opportunities will continue to grow for people with good computing knowledge, whether that be in the obvious fields like software and web development, engineering, and AI development, or more niche sectors.

With so many options, you’re effectively guaranteed a long, rewarding career if you put in the necessary time and effort needed to establish a strong foundation of computing skills.

Rapidly Expanding and Evolving Industries

It’s no secret that the world of technology is a dynamic and fast-moving one. In the past 20 years alone, we’ve seen the proliferation of the internet, the rapid advancement of smartphones and wearable devices, the emergence of AI, and so much more.

In the years ahead, engineers and developers will continue to explore the boundaries of modern technology’s powers and potential, driving new innovations and improvements and opening more exciting job opportunities for those already established and experienced in this field.

Getting into computer science now could therefore provide a solid foundation for a career filled with excitement as you uncover and explore new ways of working with computers in fields as diverse as healthcare, finance, education, entertainment, manufacturing, logistics, and beyond.

Start Your Computer Science Career at OPIT

We’ve discussed some of the many benefits associated with careers in computer science, from the high starting salaries to the rapidly growing array of job options available to graduates. By now, you may be eager to follow this particular career path and take advantage of the wealth of opportunities.

If you’re wondering how to start, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) may hold the answers you need. As an exclusively online learning platform, specializing in computer science and digital business, and staffed by some of the world’s leading tech experts, OPIT is producing the tech leaders of tomorrow.

Some of the many advantages of learning with OPIT include:

  • Accessible and flexible online education that matches your learning style and schedule
  • Heavy focus on real-world applications of the skills you acquire
  • An international community of like-minded students from around the globe
  • A top team of tutors and lecturers from varying fields and industries
  • Progressive assessment of skills and understanding – not constant exams

OPIT offers a small, curated selection of courses for those seeking to gain the technological skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen areas of expertise. That includes a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science – a six-term program, worth 180 ECTS credits.

Numerous IT industry leaders and experts helped develop this fully accredited undergraduate degree, which is online and accessible to all. Like other OPIT courses, it offers a flexible learning program, with progressive assessments, fast-track options, and the opportunity to be part of a growing community of learners and tutors.

If the benefits of doing a career in computer science interest you, download the OPIT BSc in Computer Science brochure or fill out an online application today and take your first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling profession.

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