Computing and technology
Computer science
BSc or MComp
Overview
Computer science studies computation: programming, algorithms, data and how software systems are built. Software engineering degrees overlap heavily and often stress large projects and professional practice. The degree is a common route into software development, and a possible route into web development, games, databases, security and data roles, depending on the modules. It is not required for every developer job. Apprenticeships exist. Students who enjoy it like solving problems in code and are willing to learn the theory, not only a single programming language.
You want a degree centred on computing, with theory and substantial programming.
Data science is more statistical. Cybersecurity is narrower. Information technology courses may be less mathematical.
People who like precise problem-solving and building software.
What you will study
Universities do not teach the same modules. The lists below are a general shape, not a syllabus.
Year 1
- Programming
- Computer systems
- Mathematics for computing
Later years
- Algorithms
- Software projects
- Optional specialisms
Skills
Useful before you start
- Logical problem-solving
- Mathematics
- Willingness to practise programming
Developed during the degree
- Programming
- Abstraction
- Testing and teamwork
Teaching and assessment
Teaching often includes Lectures, Laboratories, Projects.
Assessment often includes Exams, Coursework, Software projects.
Typical weekly commitment
Estimate. Project weeks are heavier than lecture weeks.
Entry requirements
Indicative patterns from published UK admissions information. Not an offer. Actual requirements vary by course, university and year. Pearson Edexcel International A Level and Cambridge International A Level are not treated as the same qualification as GCE A level.
Indicative requirements by qualification
The A-level band is the catalogue reference. IB and American lines come from the named university guides under the table. They are not a conversion every university uses, and they are not an offer.
| Qualification | Indicative requirements |
|---|---|
| A Levels | BBB–ABB. Mathematics is often required or strongly preferred. Computing A level is useful but rarely compulsory, because many schools do not offer it. |
| IB Diploma | UCL publishes 34 points for ABB. The other end of this band is not in that table. A required A-level subject must be Higher Level in UCL's rule. Each Higher Level subject in that table is at least 5. UCL equates A* to 7, A to 6 and B to 5. This is one university's table. |
| American curriculum | That Manchester guide gives AP 5, 4, 4 for ABB. The other end of this band is not in the guide. Bristol publishes a GPA of 3.2, or 3.4 for competitive courses, and does not use one AP pattern for every degree. |
- University College London: Undergraduate entry requirements. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Manchester, School of Social Sciences: Americas country guide. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Manchester, Civil Engineering: USA country entry requirements. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Bristol: USA international qualifications. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
A-level subjects
Mathematics is often required or strongly preferred. Computing A level is useful but rarely compulsory, because many schools do not offer it.
Often recommended: Mathematics, Computer Science.
Useful preparation: Physics, Further Mathematics.
GCSE and IGCSE
Mathematics and often a science at GCSE or IGCSE are commonly requested for engineering and computing. Grades vary. International qualifications are not automatically accepted as the UK version.
Indicative UK pattern only. Not an offer. Selective engineering and mathematics courses can ask for higher grades and sometimes an admissions test.
Other ways in
- A degree is one route into software work, not the only one.
- NUS Bachelor of Computing is listed as an international example and uses a different admissions system.
Admissions tests and extra requirements
TMUA
Used by some courses only. A mathematics reasoning test.
Selected mathematics, economics, computer science and related courses. The list changes by year.
Checked 2026-10-14.
Official test site
Course costs
For many standard full-time courses in England, the home-fee maximum in 2026 to 2027 is Up to £9,790. This is the maximum standard full-time fee published for approved English providers with a TEF award and an access and participation plan. It is not the fee a named university charges, and it does not decide whether you pay home or international fees.
Clinical, laboratory and studio courses are not given a different home-fee figure here, because the regulated maximum is not the same thing as an international or clinical fee.
International tuition is set by each university and is not stored here. Clinical courses are often much higher than classroom-based courses. A school in Qatar does not decide home-fee status.
Source: Changes to tuition fees: 2026 to 2027 academic year. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Living costs, field trips and professional fees are not included.
Where you could study
UK degrees in this subject are numerous. This page does not list every university, because a list without a checked entry requirement would look more certain than it is.
No individual UK course page is stored yet for this subject. Use the university site.
Examples outside the UK
These are illustrations. Degree length, fees and entry rules are not the same as in the UK. US medicine, for example, is usually a graduate route and is not listed as an undergraduate equivalent.
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Bachelor of Computing in Computer Science. Bachelor of Computing (Honours). Not stated on the programme page checked.
Language: The programme page checked did not state the language of instruction. Do not assume every class is in English.
NUS publishes separate requirements for Singapore-Cambridge A levels, the IB Diploma and international qualifications. Those are not UK GCE A level offers, and indicative Singapore grades must not be read as a UK grade requirement.
Tuition was not copied.
Checked 2026-10-14.
Official course page
Where could this degree take you?
Software developer
Common route
A usual degree route. Portfolios and apprenticeships also exist.
Web developer
Common route
Possible. Many web developers train through other computing routes or experience.
Computer games developer
Common route
Closer if the course includes graphics and real-time programming. A games degree is an alternative.
Database administrator
Alternative route
Databases may be one module. The job also uses vendor qualifications and experience.
Network engineer
Alternative route
Networking is not the centre of every computer science degree.
Cyber intelligence officer
Alternative route
A computing degree can help. Security clearance and specialist training are separate.
IT security co-ordinator
Alternative route
Cybersecurity content and experience matter more than the general title.
Data scientist
Alternative route
Possible with statistics and machine-learning options. Not every computer science course provides them.
Data analyst-statistician
Alternative route
Statistics degrees are closer for the statistician title.
Explore your pathway
A course sits between school subjects and a career. It does not guarantee either admission or a job.