Computer Science Degree in the UK

Introduction to a Computer Science Course

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 if they are taken full or part-time.

Computer Science Degree Tuition Fees

International students can expect to pay between £12,500 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.

The University of St Andrews BSc Economics degree, which is the number one ranked economics course in the UK, will cost EU and overseas students £28,190 per year. The Liverpool Hope University Computer Science BA (Hons), however, ranked 9th in the UK, is only £12,500 per year. Below are the best computer science universities in the UK and their international fees.

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 2016-17.

Graduate Employability Rate for a Computer Science Degree

According to the Guardian University Guide 2024 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.

1. University of Cambridge (99%)
2. Imperial College London (99%)
3. Durham University (98%)
4. University of Sheffield (98%)
5. University of Surrey (98%)

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 courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Computer Science and Information Systems universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. University of St Andrews
4. University of Edinburgh
5. Imperial College London
6. University College London
7. Liverpool Hope University
8. Lancaster University
9. University of Dundee
10. Durham University

Study a Computer Science Degree in the UK

If you are interested in studying Computer Science in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Don't forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university.

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Computer Science Degree FAQ