Shape the future with cutting-edge skills on a Computer Science degree in the UK
A computer science degree at a UK university will provide you with the core skills needed to shape businesses and organisations. New tools, programs and development kits will help develop your knowledge and ability in areas such as IT, games development, software engineering, design and security. UK universities are at the forefront of computer science, with many departments conducting research for the world’s top companies.
Computer science modules will cover database design, network systems, computer hardware and the internet, as well as groundbreaking technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and app design. The UK has been instrumental in the development of computing and continues to deliver ground-breaking innovations in the 21st century.
Computer Science Course Duration
Most computer science degrees in the UK last for three years. Many incorporate placement schemes, and if a student chooses this route, the course will last four years. Postgraduate degrees in computer science in the UK typically take one or two years to complete, depending on whether they are taken full-time or part-time.
Computer Science Degree Tuition Fees
International students can expect to pay between £15,500 to £44,000 per academic year when studying a computer science degree in the UK. Elements that affect international tuition fees include location, ranking and global reputation. Below is a selection of the best computer science degrees in the UK and their international tuition fees.
| University | Course | International Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | BA (Hons) Computer Science | £37,293 |
| University of Oxford | BA Computer Science | £44,240 |
| University of St Andrews | Computer Science BSc | £28,190 |
| Imperial College London | Mathematics and Computer Science | £37,900 |
| University of Edinburgh | BEng Computer Science | £32,200 |
Computer Science Degree Types
Bachelor of Computer Science
A Bachelor of Computer Science (BSc Computer Science) is an undergraduate degree in the UK that provides a strong foundation in the theory, principles, and practical applications of computer science. Students studying a BSc Computer Science degree will learn advanced mathematics, programming languages, algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, software engineering, and computer networks.
Master’s in Computer Science
A Master’s in Computer Science is a postgraduate degree that provides advanced education and training in the field of computer science. A computer science master’s is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field and wish to further their knowledge and expertise in the field.
PhD Computer Science
A computer science PhD typically involves advanced coursework in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, followed by a substantial research project. Common areas of research within a PhD in Computer Science program include artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer graphics, computer networks, computer vision, databases, distributed systems, human-computer interaction, programming languages, robotics, security, software engineering, and theoretical computer science.
Graduate Computer Science Careers and Salary
Computer science graduates boast enviable employment opportunities as software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, machine learning engineers, software architects, or research scientists.
The demand for skilled computer science professionals is driven by the increasing reliance on technology across industries, the growing importance of data and analytics, and the need for cybersecurity measures. Many companies are looking for skilled computer science professionals who can help them develop new products, improve existing systems, and stay ahead of the competition.
Average Salary for Computer Science Professionals
- Average starting professional salary: £25,000
- Average starting non-professional salary: £16,500
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education.
Graduate Employability Rate for a Computer Science Degree
According to the Guardian University Guide 2026 Computer Science subject rankings, the following five universities have the highest percentage of graduates who find graduate-level jobs or are in further study at a professional or higher education level within 15 months of graduation.
- Imperial College London (98%)
- University of St Andrews (97%)
- University of Oxford (95%)
- University of Edinburgh (95%)
- Durham University (95%)
Computer Science UK Entry Requirements
Please note that entry requirements for computer science degrees vary at each UK university, but generally, students will need the following:
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points.
- Typical A-level requirements: ABB, with good grades in maths and computing.
- Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
Where can I study Computer Science in the UK?
To learn more about the best computer science degrees in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Computer Science and Information Systems universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026 below:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University of St Andrews
- Imperial College London
- University of Birmingham
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Dundee
- Durham University
- University College London
- University of Bristol
Do you need assistance in applying to Cambridge or Imperial College London? The Oxbridge Service will fully prepare you in your application to some of the best universities in the world with intense interview practice and expert personal statement advice.
Study a Computer Science Degree
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FAQs
What are the entry requirements for computer science in the UK?
Undergraduate computer science entry requirements range begins at CDD, with most UK universities commonly asking for BBC.
What are the top websites computer science students must visit?
Popular websites for students studying computer science include Stanford Engineering Everywhere, GitHub, W3Schools and Codecademy.
What are the important things to learn if taking computer science?
The most important thing for computer science students to work on is being able to code competently. Basic coding languages begin with HTML and CSS, with more advanced languages such as Python and Java next on the list.
Which courses should every computer science student take?
There are many areas a computer science student can choose to focus their skills, but essential subsets include mastering multiple programming languages, general web development and machine learning/AI.
What subjects are needed for computer science in the UK?
Students will need mathematics and physics to study computer science in the UK.
How competitive is computer science in the UK?
If you are applying to study computer science in the UK, almost all of the UK’s top universities require applicants to have at least one A*. Entry at the best UK universities is extremely competitive.