Skip to main content
Undergraduate study

Our students

Connor Simpson

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Connor has gained a wealth of experience from his time at Teesside, which is helping him work towards an employable future.

I chose Teesside thanks to its great reputation for computer science and Teesside's connection to industry.

Connor Simpson

Why university and why Teesside?

After college, the next stage of my life for me was university. I decided to go to a local university because it was too expensive to move out.
I chose Teesside thanks to its great reputation for computer science and Teesside's connection to industry. I received an offer through UCAS and after visiting a UCAS fair and open day with my dad who knew what questions to ask, we decided Teesside was the place to be.

Why computer science?

I enjoyed computer science at GCSE and A-Level and combined with the media reports on the need for tech jobs, it seemed like an easy choice.

Best thing about your course?

There are a lot of good people on my course and the tutors are helpful. The course is challenging. Despite thinking I already knew a lot, I've learnt so much more. I really enjoyed the Year 2 group project because of an amazing team. The app we developed worked great and we were able to present it at ExpoTees – it was a great experience.

What do you think about the campus and services?

The campus is great. It feels huge but compared to other universities it’s quite easy to get around. The library is open most of the time and offers comfortable seats, a warm area and plenty of books.
Through ExpoTees I was encouraged during my course to network with computing companies. I experienced a great Animex lecture. There are a lot of placements and internships for those who look and try. The Students' Union offers a range of experiences. Through them I managed to test out joining a role-playing games society.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement?

Through Teesside and my course, I've been able to volunteer over the summer, which gave me useful experience. I also took part in a team challenge with Waterstons, which became a project in our second year.
Student Futures makes it easy to apply for a placement year. Their service is amazing – I was able to drop in, discuss my CV, and then send it to them for feedback.
I was fortunate enough to work as an intern part-time with the Teesside University Business School and Marketing Team. I was surprised at how good the experience was and how the work I was being given mattered, I managed to help gather trends, record and edit videos on graduation 2025 – it was a blast.

What experience have you gained?

My experience as an intern and volunteering is great. The networking through ExpoTees has helped me look towards the job world. It’s not as scary – now I know what to expect. Through my studies I've tried languages I didn't even know existed. The course assessments prepared me for deadlines in the world of work when I graduate. I've matured since college and the university experience has helped me along the way.

Future ambitions?

I want to get a job and settle in my own house.

Would you recommend Teesside and your course?

Definitely! Teesside is a great place to work towards an employable future. It’s a good university, nice campus and close to the bus and train stations. Computer Science is a great course to gain the basics and then consider specialising in the future.

Any advice to anyone thinking of studying here?

Talk to people – the tutors are there to help and it’s also good to talk to your course mates. There's a lot of knowledge available if you are open to it.

 
 
Go to top menu