Open Source Computing Degree at Aberystwyth University

Open Source Computing Degree - 3 year (G402)
Open Source Computing Degree - 4 year (G403)

Open Source Computing

The Open Source computing degree scheme covers programming, computer operating systems, software design, and the engineering of large software systems, particularly from an open source perspective. The course emphasises vocational and professional skills.

Open Source software has been around for many years, but despite this there are very few degree schemes covering the subject in detail in the UK. Well-known examples of open source software include GNU/Linux, OpenOffice, Gimp, Apache (the world’s most popular server), as well as Bind, without which the internet would not exist.

The final year project is expected to be a major project developed using open source principles.

The Open Source Computing degree will give you a firm foundation in computing skills, including:

• Software design and Java programming
• Web programming
• An introduction to operating systems, including Unix 
• Database Management Systems

It emphasises specialised skills in the following areas:

• C++ programming for open source projects
• Managing open source projects
• C and Unix systems programming
• Software Licensing Issues

Career Opportunities 

The degree, having at its core the fundamental parts of the Computer Science degree scheme, will provide you with the appropriate skills for any typical job in the software industry. However, it will also give you an opening into the world of open source, which is valuable both in industry and in many voluntary worldwide software development efforts. The Department encourages you to attend Open Source conferences such as FOSDEM, and guest lectures - visiting speakers include Richard Stallman and Alex Cox.