BEng in Computer Science (COMP)

The Program

Computer science studies the application of computers in solving many important problems in scientific, engineering and commercial domains. Our general undergraduate degree program provides a broad education in all core areas of Computer Science, while allowing students the flexibility to pursue individual interests in higher-level areas. The core areas include programming, data structures and algorithms, operating systems and software engineering. Students can then choose to learn many diverse areas of computer science, such as databases and data mining, networking, systems software, computer graphics, image processing, medical imaging, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, computer security, and theoretical computer science. Additionally, students can pursue double majors with COMP as one of the two majors.

Features

Features of our programs include: special honors courses, independent study and undergraduate research opportunities for elite students; American-style teaching; intensive English training; optional one-year exchange; final-year projects; ample scholarships and awards; optional one-year full-time internship; and industrial training. More details on the Distinguishing Features and Highlights.

Educational Objectives and Program Outcomes

Read the academic objectives of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and the BEng (Computer Science) Program Outcomes.

Professional Recognition

BEng in Computer Science program is accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE). Graduates from the program will be deemed to have satisfied the educational requirement for Corporate Membership of HKIE.

Career Prospect and Employment

About 15-20% of our graduates pursue postgraduate study immediately upon graduation. While many of them take up research opportunities in Hong Kong, particularly at HKUST, some go abroad to study at top universities, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Yale University, Carnegie-Mellon University, Cornell University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California, University of California at Santa Barbara, and University of Toronto.

Our graduates are usually successful in entering the profession of their choice. Some join famous computing-related companies, like IBM, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Oracle, while others prefer different fields, particularly the business sector, and launch their careers at companies such as Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, PricewaterhouseCoopers, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, and Bank of China.

Curriculum and Program Requirement

Students studying a 4-year bachelor's degree are required to complete at least 120 credits (where the requirements of a student's programs of study fall short of 120 credits, additional elective credits must be earned).

You may refer to the following links for more detailed information:

• University Common Core Requirements
• University English Language Requirement
• Major Program Requirements
• Normative Student's Pathway
• COMP Course Catalog

Admissions

Beginning with the 2025 intake, we have adopted a dual-track admission framework, offering both department-based and school-based admissions for students interested in pursuing Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence.

A. Department-based admission

Through department-based admission, students who have a confirmed interest in Computer Science and Engineering (e.g., Computer Science Major and Artificial Intelligence Major) can seek admission directly to our department. By the end of their first academic year, they can freely choose between a BEng in Computer Science (COMP) or a BEng in Artificial Intelligence (AI). If they are interested in pursuing a double major with a BSc in Computer Science (COSC) as one of their majors, they can submit an application after completing their first academic year.

Admissions requirements for different qualifications:

1. JUPAS
   • JUPAS Program: Department of Computer Science and Engineering
   • Year of Study: 4
   • JUPAS Code: JS5240
2. International Qualifications (e.g., American Pattern / British Pattern / IB)
3. Mainland Gaokao (JEE)
4. Post-Secondary Qualifications (Senior year entry only)

B. School-based admission

The School of Engineering will continue to offer the school-based admission choice Engineering with an Extended Major in Artificial Intelligence. Students admitted through this pathway can participate in major selection exercise through which they may enter the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)*. However, please note that entry into the CSE Program via school-based admission is highly competitive due to limited quotas. Learn more about school-based admission.

* Students who are admitted to Engineering with Extended Major in AI (i.e. the school-based admission choice) are also required to drop the Extended Major in AI if they enter the Department of CSE.