Do you know what are the best UK universities for computer science? According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, there are 58 UK institutions ranked in the top computer science rankings, offering students a wide range of options. This result of computer science university ranking is undoubtedly an invaluable reference tool to help people distinguish right from wrong and find the best school for them. Choosing the right university for studying computer science is a critical decision that can shape students’ future careers in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Why Study Computer Science?
With the development of science and technology, almost every industry uses computers. Nowadays, analysing and solving problems with computers is a necessary skill for most people. For students who are interested in the Internet and want to study in top universities in UK, a Computer Science degree will give them a competitive advantage in their future careers.
1. Skill Learning
Learning computer science will make students improve their skills below:
- Practical programming skills in the specific languages required for the specialization.
- Software skills and knowledge in user experience design, software development, and mobile applications.
- Networking skills in designing, maintaining and securing networks, including advanced routing and mobile networking.
- Other skills in AI, robotics, neural networks, deep learning, or game development.
2. Financial Success
One of the most compelling reasons to study computer science is the potential for financial success. Whether entering fields like software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity, individuals with computer science degrees often command impressive salaries right from the outset of their careers.
Computer Science graduates can expect to start their career with an entry-level salary of £17,000–£27,000. Mid-career, your average salary will depend on the field in which you work. The salary for a software developer could be between £40,000–£57,000, while a network engineer could earn £50,000–£65,000.
Top Ten Computer Science Schools
| Best computer science universities in the UK | |
|---|---|
| QS University Rankings by Subject 2024 | Intuition |
| 4 | University of Oxford |
| 8 | University of Cambridge |
| 16 | Imperial College London |
| 20 | The University of Edinburgh |
| 22 | UCL |
| 61 | King’s College London |
| 64 | The University of Manchester |
| 80 | The University of Warwick |
| 97 | Queen Mary University of London |
| 103 | Lancaster University |
Most of the top-ranked universities offer a wealth of internship opportunities for computer science majors. In the UK, universities like De Montfort University and Loughborough University have established close ties with well-known institutions at home and abroad, such as PepsiCo, HSBC, Honda, IBM, Microsoft, SONY, and GSK, and have provided students with many internship opportunities. These universities will be an excellent choice for students who are keen to gain practical industry experience on their academic journey.
10. Lancaster University
Lancaster University is ranked sixth among UK computer science schools in terms of research citations. Its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to become computer professionals. Besides, as one of the top universities in the UK, its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, coupled with its focus on developing future-ready skills, makes the subject stand out in the competitive landscape of higher education.
9. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London is known for its top-notch research and ranks fifth in the UK for its paper citations. The university’s computer science courses are accredited by the British Computing Society (BSC), and students have the flexibility to complete a computer science degree in three, four, or five years. There is the option of industry experience and a one-year course abroad. The programme’s strong connections with industry giants and thriving start-ups provide ample opportunities for networking and career growth.
8. The University of Warwick
Known for its forward-thinking approach and innovative spirit, Warwick’s Computer Science programme offers a robust and comprehensive curriculum that balances foundational theory with cutting-edge practices. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Warwick has a strong focus on employability. Each course includes a cross-academic study option that allows students to spend a year working in industry or studying abroad. There are also many opportunities to gain industry experience through internships during the summer.
7. The University of Manchester
As one of the oldest departments of computer science in the United Kingdom, the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manchester has a distinguished history of pioneering achievements. The department’s curriculum is meticulously designed to cover both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of computer science, ensuring that students gain a well-rounded and deeply insightful education. Degrees from the University’s Department of Computer Science are world-renowned for their combination of fundamental rigour and research-led teaching in cutting-edge fields. Students can choose to complete a cross-year study, where they have work placement opportunities or study abroad.
6. King’s College London (KCL)
King’s College London prides itself on its strong connections with various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity, providing students with valuable insights and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Undergraduates at the university, one of the best UK universities for computer science, can choose to study abroad for a year, pursue a work internship, or delve into advanced topics such as robotics. Graduate students, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to apply computer science in a variety of industry and business Settings, from engineering to Internet systems, network intelligence and data science.
5. UCL(University College London)
UCL‘s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration fosters an environment where innovative ideas flourish, integrating insights from diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science. Undergraduate computer science students at UCL can take the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) in their second and third years, along with their core and optional modules. Moreover, UCL, one of the top 10 IT universities in UK, has strong relationships with other research institutions, charities, businesses and local schools. The university’s extensive global network of industry partnerships ensures that students gain hands-on experience and access to cutting-edge resources.
4. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh‘s international research network is ranked second in the UK, demonstrating its strong global research links. In addition, it achieved high scores for research citations in each paper and for the H-index indicator, which describes the excellence standard of the university’s research output. The four-year Bachelor of Computer Science degree at the University of Edinburgh gives students a solid grounding in computer science practice while also allowing you to specialise in an area of interest.
3. Imperial College London
The Department of Computing at Imperial College London consistently ranks among the world’s top for its rigorous academic programs and groundbreaking research contributions. Students are immersed in an intellectually stimulating environment that champions theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring they are adept at handling the multifaceted challenges of the tech industry. Imperial College’s teaching is research-led and taught by some of the world’s finest academic researchers. Its Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) allows students to work alongside academic researchers in their field of study.
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is the best university for computer science. The Department of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Cambridge, often known as “the Computer Laboratory”, is known for its comprehensive curriculum that integrates rigorous theoretical knowledge with groundbreaking research. The “Silicon Fen” area around Cambridge is home to more than 1,000 specialist computing and advanced technology companies as well as commercial laboratories. Many of these companies employ graduates from the University of Cambridge. The course itself provides students with a mix of theoretical and practical skills.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the top university in the UK. It is also the best Uni for computer and science, which is also ranked fourth in the world. As you might expect, Oxford achieves very good results in every indicator, ranking first in the UK for employer reputation, paper citations and H-index citations. As the top university for computer science, Oxford University’s computer science courses focus on making connections between theory and practice, covering a variety of software and hardware technologies and their applications. This helps students gain practical problem-solving and programming skills.
Conclusion
Pursuing a degree from one of the best UK universities for computer science offers students unparalleled academic excellence and practical experience. This blog is designed to help prospective students navigate through top UK universities, offering insights into their distinctive strengths and opportunities. Studying at the best universities in UK for computer science like Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge can bring students substantial opportunities and help them improve their competency in future careers of science and technology. This blog will support you in finding a university that matches your ambition.
FAQ
Which University is best for computer science in the UK?
| Best computer science universities in the UK | ||
|---|---|---|
| UK ranking | QS University Rankings by Subject 2024 | Intuition |
| 1 | 4 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | 8 | University of Cambridge |
| 3 | 16 | Imperial College London |
| 4 | 20 | The University of Edinburgh |
| 5 | 22 | UCL |
| 6 | 61 | King’s College London |
| 7 | 64 | The University of Manchester |
| 8 | 80 | The University of Warwick |
| 9 | 97 | Queen Mary University of London |
| 10 | 103 | Lancaster University |
Is UK a good place to study computer science?
Yes. The UK is a good destination for studying computer science.
The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. These universities are globally recognised for their contributions to the field and their innovative approach to education. Besides, The UK offers a rich cultural experience and a thriving tech ecosystem in cities like London and Edinburgh, providing ample opportunities for internships and career advancement.
Is computer science hard?
Yes.
Computer science can be a little hard to learn, yet it is equally rewarding. Computer science involves complex courses like programming and mathematics. With authentic commitment and support, students can navigate the rigorous curriculum successfully, gaining valuable skills for today’s digital era and be more competitive in their future careers.
