Top 5 Universities to Study Computer Science in the UK

Sharing is caring :)

If the idea of writing and programming codes, creating unique tech solutions or creating an application for mobile devices appeals to you, then a major in computer science might just be the right course for you.

Before we start, it is important to conduct some research before deciding on your preferred major as it will have a huge impact on your career pathway.

This article will be a guide for you to learn more about what is computer science and everything you need to know about studying computer science in the UK.

What is Computer Science?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DPM0p7ZqM4&feature=emb_logo

Computer science is a part of our daily lives. From an alarm clock in our smartphones that wakes us in the morning to the social media application that keeps us awake at night, computer science has been the backbone for technology and engineering.

Computer science is the study of computers and computational systems. It is associated with computation, algorithms, software and various applications. A major in computer science will help you develop greater technical skills and provide problem-solving skills.

Skills required for Computer Science?

Having the right skill set is important to thrive in your computer science major and set yourself up to success.

Analytical skills

Computer science major involves identifying a problem and coming up with a technological solution to deal with it. A strong analytical skill will help you understand the problem and think of multiple solutions to address it.

Creativity

Creativity will be one of the important skills required for a computer science major as it goes hand in hand with problem-solving skills. Out-of-the-box thinking is required for providing the best and effective tech solutions.

Resilience

One of the core principles in computer science is to understand that you are more likely to fail multiple times before you succeed. Programming includes evaluating a variety of code until you discover the best arrangement and figuring out how to be resilient and determined notwithstanding disappointments is essential for the process.

Career Opportunities in Computer Science

Computer science opens the door to a wide range of opportunities for you as a graduate.

Application Analyst
Cyber Security Analyst
Data Analyst
Games Developer
IT Consultant
Software Engineer
UX Designer
Web Developers/Designers

Benefits of Studying in the UK

Work while Studying.

The biggest advantage of studying in the UK is that international students are allowed to work part-time while studying if you study at a university which is listed on the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Sponsor list and the list of ‘recognized bodies’. International students who hold a Tier 4 (Adult Student) visa are eligible to work up to twenty hours per week during your study period and full-time during the holidays.

In the UK, especially in big cities like London, international students can easily find part-time jobs within the campus or off-campus.

On Campus jobs

Jobs that are most commonly offered to international students are in campus facilities such as libraries, cafeteria, gym, computer lab, laboratories, reception, campus guide etc.

Off Campus jobs

Most students are offered jobs off campus are quite easy to find and there many to choose from. Common jobs offered to international students includes delivery boy, cashier, book store keeper, waiter/waitress in cafes, sales assistant, babysitter and a lot more to consider.

The minimum wages for international students are based on the following;

Age	Minimum Wage
18 – 20	£6.15 per hour
21 and above	£7.70 per hour

Career Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students enrolling their degree at a UK university can now extend their stay to look for job opportunities related to their studies after graduation for up to two years. Any international student on a Tier 4 visa is allowed to stay in the UK after graduation. This will be a great boost for your CV after successfully completing your international career.

The academic requirement to study computer science in the UK

STPM	A minimum of 3B (Including Mathematics)
A-Levels	A minimum score of BBC
UEC	A minimum score of B in 5 main subjects (excluding language)
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Minimum of 34 points
ATAR (SACEi/ SAM/ Ausmat)	Minimum score of 80.00 or above

*Entry requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on specific entry requirements, contact Excel Education

English Requirement to study computer science in the UK

For most universities, the level of understanding and proficiency in English will be essential to your acceptance in a degree program. You will need to make sure you have high proficiency in the English language by taking one of the following commonly accepted tests of English ability;

IELTS	6.5 Overall, minimum of 5.5 in each element
TOEFL	87 Overall, minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading 17 in speaking and 20 in writing
GCE/ A-Level	Grade C/4
IGCSE/O-Level	Malaysia 1119 syllabus at Grade C or above

*Entry requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on specific entry requirements, contact Excel Education

#1 Lancaster University

Image credit: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/

Accredited by the British Computing Society (BCS), and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), Lancaster University provides you with the knowledge and skills to work effectively in a professional software and systems development environment to become a computing professional. You will be encouraged to build and analyse systems and software on a practical basis.

Program	Computer Science Bsc Hons
Intake	October 2021
Duration	Full Time (3 years)
Indicative Annual Fees (2021)	£24,070

#2 Middlesex University

Image credit: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/

Middlesex University offers knowledge and skills that will attract employers across all sectors, from software development to systems engineering more in between. You are also given the option to extend your studies to 4 years to obtain a Master of Computer Science (MComp) qualification.

You will be exposed to the key principles of computer science while you build up your programming, system engineering and project experience skills.

Your first year will be altogether project drove, guaranteeing you practice your aptitudes from the very beginning.

Program	Computer Science Bsc/Mcomp
Intake	January 2021 & October 2021
Duration	BSc: 4 years full time with placement MComp: 5 years with placement
Indicative Annual Fees (2021)	January: £13,700 October: £14,000

#3 Swansea University

Image credit: https://www.timeshighereducation.com

Swansea University secures 93% of graduates are in employment and continuing higher studies within six months of leaving.

Swansea University guides its students in systems modelling, software engineering, data visualization, computer graphics and more advanced theoretical elements in computer science.

Program	Computer Science, BSc (Hons)
Intake	September 2021
Duration	Full time (3 years)
Indicative Annual Fees (2021)	£17,150

#4 University of Edinburgh

Image credit: https://www.insider.co.uk/

The University of Edinburgh is one of the top universities in the UK and the world. This university is continuously ranked in the Top 50 and ranked 20th in the 2020 QS World University Ranking.

The University of Edinburgh introduces students to focus on computation and programming. Courses offered will develop an in-depth study of software development, decision making, learning from data and internals of computer systems.

Coursework normally provides the experience in practical work, independent problem solving and group work.

Program	BSc Computer Science
Intake	January 2021
Duration	Full time (4 years)
Indicative Annual Fees (2021)	£28,950

#5 University of Manchester

Image credit: https://www.intostudy.com/

The University of Manchester is a prestigious red brick university, ranked seventh in the QS World University Ranking 2018. Today, the University of Manchester is at the front line of the forefront research in science and engineering.

Studying at this university helps students in creating a wide range of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding in computer science. Students are developed with tech solutions to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative.