Top Computer Science Universities in the UK
Amira Adel
27 January, 2021
6 mins read
University Life
Choosing which degree to study is one of the most challenging decisions as it will shape the rest of your future! You should take into consideration your interests and skills before deciding and make sure to do lots of research. Computer Science is one of the fields that would be perfect for people who like programming, computational systems, and software systems; their theory, design, development, and application. This field includes several majors and potential jobs that you can choose from, such as computer programming, information sciences, software engineering, management information systems, systems analysis, and more.
What are the Top Computer Science Universities in the UK?
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a collegiate research university in Cambridge, UK, and is one of the UK’s top universities in the world. It’s considered a pioneer in computer science and ranks as the best university for computer science in the UK. It offers a broad range of modules that cover all aspects of modern computer science with underlying theories and foundations in law, economics, business, and practical skills such as programming in various languages such as OCaml, Java, C/C++, and Prolog and hardware systems. The department building is packed with advanced lecture theatres, a well-stocked library, dedicated practice rooms, and all the latest technologies. The University of Cambridge offers two courses in this field, a BA in Computer Science and an MEng in Computer Science MEng.
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1. Computer Science Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science is a 3-year course that requires an A-level in mathematics and some colleges even require an A-level in further mathematics. First-year modules in this course include the study of digital electronics, operating systems, Java and object-oriented programming, and the foundation of computer science. Second-year modules include systems, programming, theory, applications and professionalism, and a group project. Third-year modules include data sciences and robotics, computer music, applications, computer architecture, and the dissertation.
2. Computer Science Masters of Engineering
The master’s program is a 4-year course that also requires A level mathematics and some colleges require an A-level in further mathematics. First-year modules include the study of Java and CSS, operating systems, and digital electronics. Second-year modules include the theories of programming and their application, and a group project. Third-year modules include data science and robotics, computer music, computer architecture, applications or theory, and a dissertation. Fourth-year modules are dedicated to a research project.
2. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, UK, and the second top computer science university in the UK. The university offers four undergraduate courses in computer science, including a Bachelor in Computer Science and Philosophy, a Bachelor in Computer Science, a Master of Engineering in Information Engineering, and a Masters in Mathematics and Computer Science.
1. Computer Science and Technology Degree
The Computer Science and Philosophy degree is a 3 or 4-year course that requires an A* in A-level or AS-level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, or Computing/Computer Science. Year-one modules include elements of deductive logic, probability, general philosophy, functional programming, discrete mathematics, design and analysis of algorithms. Year-two modules include group design and practical projects, and models of computation. Year 3 and 4 include a more in-depth study of the modules of the previous two years as well as group projects and research.
2. Computer Science Degree
The Computer Science course is also a 3 or 4-year course that requires an A* in A-level or AS-level in Mathematics. Year-one modules include subjects like Discrete Mathematics, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Imperative Programming, and Continuous Mathematics. Year-two modules include Concurrent Programming, Models of Computation, Compilers, and Algorithms. Year-three and four both include project work.
3. Master’s of Engineering in Information Engineering
The Information Engineering MEng is a four-year course that requires an A* in A-level Mathematics and Physics. Year-one modules include the study of energy and the environment, mathematics and its structures, mechanics, practical engineering work, and electrical and information engineering. Year-two modules discuss energy systems, structures, materials, and dynamics as well as electrical and information engineering. Year-three modules include practical work, computation, and a group design project. Year-four modules focus on the final year project.
4. Masters of Mathematics and Computer Science
The Mathematics and Computer Science degree is a 3-4 year course that requires an A* in A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if taken). First-year modules include Imperative Programming, Ethics and Responsible Investing, Analysis, and Design and Analysis of Algorithms. Mathematical subjects include Introduction to University Maths, Linear Algebra, Probability, and Continuous Maths. Year-two modules include Algorithms, Metric Spaces, Complex Analysis, and group design projects. Year three and four both include mathematics and computer science.
3. University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is a public university located in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland and is one of the oldest universities in Scotland. It’s ranked third for computer science in the UK. The university offers eight courses in computer science, including a BSc in Biology and Computer Science, a BSc in Computer Science and Economics, a BSc in Computer Science and Management, a BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics, a BSc in Computer Science and Philosophy, a BSc in Computer Science and Psychology, BSc in Computer Science, and an MSci in Computer Science. Almost all the university degrees require an A* in A-level Mathematics and a pass in one of the following: Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Further Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology.
1. Biology and Computer Science Bachelor of Science
The Biology and Computer Science degree is a 4-year course that requires A-level Mathematics (Grade A) and Biology. Students study in the School of Biology and are provided with high-tech equipment, laboratories, and expertise to facilitate learning and develop a modern biologist’s skills. The BSc in computer science offers the study of theory and practice of computer science. You’ll learn how systems are designed, organised, and implemented and how to program computers. For more information about this course, click here.
2. Computer Science and Economics Bachelor of Science
This Computer Science and Economics degree combines the study of economics with the theory and practice of computer science, providing a solid foundation in economic principles, concepts, techniques, analysis, and knowledge. For more information about this course, click here.
3. Computer Science and Management Bachelor of Science
The Computer Science and Management degree combines managerial skills with computer science modules. . It helps develop students’ technical skills as well as provide great opportunities for networking across different sectors. For more information on this course, click here.
4. Computer Science and Mathematics Bachelor of Science
The Computer Science and Mathematics degree provides a stronger focus on mathematics to the study of computers. It teaches you how to understand complex structures and patterns and develop analytics tools. For more information on this course, click here.
5. Computer Science and Philosophy Bachelor of Science
The Computer Science and Philosophy degree integrates the theory and practice of computer science with philosophy, which will help you develop your skills in analysis and critiquing clear thinking, and principled debate. For more information about this course, click here.
6. Computer Science and Psychology Bachelor of Science
During the BSc Computer Science and Psychology you will study the theoretical foundations and modern developments of contemporary psychology alongside computer science theories and practices. For more information about this course, click here.
7. Computer Science Bachelor of Science
The Computer Science Bachelor of Science is a 3-year degree that offers students the opportunity to study programming languages, theories and practical applications. For more information about this course, click here.
8. Computer Science Masters
This Computer Science Master allows students to delve further into the practical world of computer science, algorithms and realm of development. It is the longest program in the list as it lasts 5 years. For more information about this course, click here.
4. Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a public research university in London, UK and is ranked 8th worldwide by the 2021 QS World University Ranking. It’s the 4th top computer science university in the UK. The university offers 10 courses in computer science which are:
Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) MEng (Hons)
Computing (International Programme of Study) MEng (Hons)
Computing (Software Engineering) MEng (Hons)
Computing (Visual Computing and Robotics) MEng (Hons)
Almost all of these courses are professionally accredited by IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) and BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT). It is important to note, all of them are either 3 or 4 year courses that require an A* in A-level Mathematics and an A in subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Ancient Language, Electronics, Economics.
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5. Durham University
Durham University is a collegiate research university in Durham, UK, and is considered one of the world’s leading universities according to its position in the World Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings in 2021. It’s ranked 5h for computer science in the UK. The university offers two main computer science courses: The BSc Computer Science and the MEngComputer Science
Both courses are either 3 or 4 years and require an A in A-level Mathematics and a pass in a science-based A level (if applicable). Programming and mathematical skills are the main focus of the courses and provide fundamental knowledge and practical application.
Now that you have all the information you need, you’re good to go! Whether you choose to attend one of these top computer science universities in the UK or any other university, just make sure that you do all the necessary research about the course and institution before making a decision. However, these top computer science universities in the UK are your best choice if you’re looking for a prestigious university with a distinguished degree and a choice of an extraordinary career!
