You can choose from a large spectrum of disciplines -- from the theoretical aspects of computer science to the more practical engineering aspects.

Operating systems, computer networks, computer graphics, computer vision, databases, computer security, artificial intelligence, robotics, human-computer interaction and ubiquitous computing are among the choices available to you.

Remember that computer science does not represent the study of computers per se. This fear has led some departments to use the term 'computing science' instead.

Peter Naur, a Danish scientist introduced yet another term -- 'datalogy'. The first institution to use this nomenclature was the University of Copenhagen which started the Department of Datalogy in 1969. Computer scientist Edsger Dijkstra stated, "Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes."

If you are interested in studying computer hardware, you will be a part of the world of computer engineering. Instead, if you have an inclination towards computer systems, you will have to be part of information technology or information systems. There is also an essential interdisciplinary character ascomputer science research has entered other disciplines like cognitive science, economics, mathematics, physics and linguistics to name only a few.

If you wish to explore options for study overseas, the Computer Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) is the body to access for advice. CSAB has representatives from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Computer Society and the Association for Information Systems.