Computer Science Schools and Programs in The United Kingdom

Computer Science Studies in The United Kingdom

Computer science in the United Kingdom is a degree built on mathematics and programming: students learn how computer systems, algorithms, databases and software are designed, and later choose options such as artificial intelligence or cyber security. Universities use the names Computer Science and Computing for much the same field. This directory lists 31 schools for computer science in the UK, six of them in London and two each in Oxford and Manchester.

How the degree is organised

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the first degree is a bachelor's degree with honours (level 6), normally three years full time. It is usually a BSc, as at The University of Manchester, The University of Sheffield and Lancaster University; Imperial College London awards a BEng in Computing. Integrated master's degrees (MSci or MEng, level 7) add a fourth year: Lancaster's four-year MSci includes a 10-week industry placement in the final year. In Scotland, degree-level study usually takes four years; the University of St Andrews offers Computer Science as a BSc (Hons) and as an MSci (Hons).

The first year is foundational. At Imperial College London it includes computer systems, databases, computer architecture, discrete mathematics, logic and reasoning, graphs and algorithms, calculus and linear algebra. Many courses can be extended with a year in industry: Sheffield's optional placement year turns the three-year course into a four-year degree, and Manchester also offers a year in industry. After a first degree, a taught MSc usually takes one year, as the MSc in Computing at Imperial College London does, and a doctorate (PhD) is a level 8 qualification.

• BSc or BEng (Hons): three years (four in Scotland), level 6
• Degree with placement year: four years
• MSci or MEng (integrated master's): four years, level 7
• MSc: usually one year after a bachelor's degree
• PhD: level 8

Accreditation

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (the British Computer Society), accredits computing degrees; it describes accreditation as assurance for recruiters that a course delivers relevant, regularly updated learning. Sheffield states that its BSc is BCS-accredited, fully meeting the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP) and partially meeting those for Chartered Engineer (CEng). Manchester states that its BSc is in the process of being re-accredited.

Where to study

London examples in this directory are Imperial College London, University College London and London Metropolitan University. Oxford has the University of Oxford, and Manchester has The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. In Scotland the list includes The University of Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews, the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and the University of Stirling; in Wales, Cardiff University. Other English universities listed are the University of Bristol, The University of Warwick, The University of York, The University of Sheffield, Lancaster University and Newcastle University.

Admission and English level

Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements, usually stated as A levels, and many accept equivalent international qualifications. UK ENIC, the official organisation for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications, issues statements that compare a foreign qualification with the UK system. Mathematics is the key subject. Manchester asks for A*AA including A* in Mathematics; Imperial sets a minimum of A*A*A to A*AAA with A* in Mathematics and uses an admissions test (TMUA) and interview; Sheffield asks for AAA or AAB and Lancaster for AAB.

For English, Manchester requires IELTS 6.5 overall with no subskill below 6.5, Sheffield 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component and Lancaster 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component. Undergraduate applications are sent through UCAS, with a maximum of five choices. For 2027 entry, the equal consideration date for most undergraduate courses is 13 January 2027 (18:00 UK time); for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge it is 15 October 2026. Many universities accept international applications until later in the year.

Costs and visa

Fees depend on fee status. Lancaster University lists undergraduate fees for 2027/28 of £10,050 for home students and £31,700 for international students on its Computer Science BSc.

International students normally need a Student visa for a full degree. According to GOV.UK (checked on 8 October 2026), applicants must be 16 or over, hold an offer from a licensed student sponsor and prove English equivalent to CEFR level B2 for degree-level study. The application costs £558 from outside the UK, plus a healthcare surcharge of £776 per year for students. Applicants must also show living-cost funds of £1,529 per month for courses in London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, for up to nine months, and can apply at the earliest six months before the course starts.

Some technology courses also require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for certain nationalities. GOV.UK states that applicants for an undergraduate course with an integrated master's year may need ATAS clearance; the university confirms whether it applies.

Careers

Lancaster's examples of graduate roles include software developer, software engineer, cyber security specialist and data scientist, and it notes that the degree is also a foundation for an MSc or PhD in computing. After the degree, the Graduate visa allows a stay of 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need mathematics to study computer science in the UK?

Usually yes. Manchester and Imperial College London, for example, both require an A* in A level Mathematics or an equivalent qualification.

How long does a computer science degree take?

Three years for a BSc or BEng in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, four years with a placement year or an integrated master's, and usually four years in Scotland.

What does BCS accreditation mean?

It means the degree has been assessed by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. An accredited degree can meet, fully or in part, the academic requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.