Best Computer Science Universities in UK
Table of Contents
Choosing the right university for Computer Science can shape your career in the fast-evolving tech industry. The UK is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, offering cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and excellent career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in AI, cybersecurity, software development, or data science, these universities provide world-class education and high employability rates.
From King’s College London’s global reputation to the University of Glasgow’s research excellence and Surrey’s focus on cybersecurity, each institution offers a unique learning experience. Explore the best Computer Science universities in the UK and find the perfect fit for your future.
King’s College London
King’s College London, founded in 1829, is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities, known for its research excellence and global impact. Located in London, the university ranks 6th in the UK and 61st globally, making it a top destination for aspiring tech leaders. With a diverse student body, 99.5% of students at KCL come from around the world, and 99.1% of faculty members are international, creating a truly global learning environment. It also provides strong career support, with 93% of graduates securing jobs or further studies within six months. Below are the key details of King’s College London:
Aspect | Details |
Founded | 1829 |
Location | London, UK (Main campus: Strand) |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 12:1 |
Enrollment | Around 31,000 students |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 13% |
Programs Offered | BSc Computer Science, MSc Advanced Computing, PhD in Computer Science |
Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250/year (UK); £23,000/year (International) |
Employment Rate | 93% employed or in further study within six months |
Notable Alumni | Tim Berners-Lee (Inventor of the World Wide Web) |
Website | King’s College London – Computer Science |
Queen Mary University of London
Founded in 1785, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a highly research-intensive university and a proud member of the Russell Group. It has a UK ranking of 9th and 97th in the world, solidifying its position among the top Computer Science institutions.
QMUL is one of the most diverse universities in the UK, with students and staff representing over 170 nationalities. The university is also home to a strong research culture, with top-tier faculty working on AI, cybersecurity, and big data. Students benefit from access to advanced supercomputing clusters and collaborations with major tech companies like Amazon and Intel. Below are the key details of Queen Mary University of London:
Aspect | Details |
Founded | 1785 |
Location | London, UK (Main campus: Mile End) |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 14:1 |
Enrollment | Around 25,000 students |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 17% |
Programs Offered | BSc Computer Science, MSc Big Data Science, PhD in Computer Science |
Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250/year (UK); £18,000/year (International) |
Employment Rate | 92% employed or in further study within six months |
Notable Alumni | Bruce Dickinson (Lead singer of Iron Maiden) |
Website | QMUL – Computer Science |
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews, established in 1413, is Scotland’s first university and one of the oldest in the English-speaking world. Ranked 24th in Europe and 104th globally, it has a reputation for academic excellence, particularly in computer science, philosophy, and international relations. The university prides itself on small class sizes and personalized teaching, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. Computer Science students at St Andrews enjoy a high employment rate, with 95% of graduates securing jobs or advanced studies within six months. Below are the key details of University of St Andrews:
Aspect | Details |
Founded | 1413 |
Location | St Andrews, Scotland, UK |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 10:1 |
Enrollment | Around 10,000 students |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 8% |
Programs Offered | BSc Computer Science, MSc Artificial Intelligence, PhD in Computer Science |
Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250/year (UK); £22,000/year (International) |
Employment Rate | 95% employed or in further study within six months |
Notable Alumni | Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Catherine, Princess of Wales |
Website | St Andrews – Computer Science |
University of Bath
Founded in 1966, the University of Bath is a top-ranked university known for its strong emphasis on STEM fields, particularly in engineering, technology, and computing. Ranked 62nd in Europe and 150th globally, Bath’s Computer Science programs provide students with:
- Industry-focused curriculum with placement opportunities at top tech companies
- State-of-the-art computing labs and AI research facilities
- A thriving tech community with strong alumni networks
Below are the key details of University of Bath:
Aspect | Details |
Founded | 1966 |
Location | Bath, UK |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 13:1 |
Enrollment | Around 18,500 students |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 16% |
Programs Offered | BSc Computer Science, MSc Data Science, PhD in Computer Science |
Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250/year (UK); £19,500/year (International) |
Employment Rate | 94% employed or in further study within six months |
Notable Alumni | Richard Whitehead (Chief Engineer, NASA) |
Website | University of Bath – Computer Science |
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and has built a reputation as a world-class research-intensive university. Ranked 76th in the world, it is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, representing the top UK research institutions.
Glasgow’s School of Computing Science is internationally recognized for its innovative research, strong industry links, and state-of-the-art facilities. The university’s historic campus, featuring over 100 listed buildings, blends tradition with modern teaching environments. Below are the key details of University of Glasgow:
Aspect | Details |
Founded | 1451 |
Location | Glasgow, Scotland, UK |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 11:1 |
Enrollment | Over 35,000 students |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 20% |
Programs Offered | BSc Computer Science, MSc Data Science, PhD in Computing Science |
Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250/year (UK); £25,000/year (International) |
Employment Rate | 95% employed or in further study within six months |
Notable Alumni | Lord Kelvin (Physicist), Adam Smith (Economist) |
Website | University of Glasgow – Computer Science |
University of Surrey
The University of Surrey, founded in 1966, has grown into one of the UK’s leading public research universities. Ranked 285th in the world, it has a reputation for excellent graduate outcomes, with 95% of Computer Science students securing employment within six months of graduation.
Located in Guildford, Surrey, the university offers a green and peaceful campus while being just 34 minutes from central London, giving students easy access to global tech companies. The university is Cyber University of the Year (2023) winner at the National Cyber Awards, recognizing its outstanding contribution to cybersecurity education. Below are the key details of University of Surrey:
Aspect | Details |
Founded | 1966 |
Location | Guildford, Surrey, UK |
Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 12:1 |
Enrollment | Over 16,000 students |
Acceptance Rate | Approximately 65% |
Programs Offered | BSc Computer Science, MSc Artificial Intelligence, PhD in Computing Science |
Tuition Fees (2025) | £9,250/year (UK); £22,300/year (International) |
Employment Rate | 95% employed or in further study within six months |
Notable Achievements | Cyber University of the Year (2023), Queen’s Anniversary Prize Winner |
Website | University of Surrey – Computer Science |
Conclusion
Studying Computer Science in the UK gives students access to world-class universities, state-of-the-art research facilities, and strong industry connections. With high graduate employment rates, internship opportunities with top tech firms, and specialized research programs, these universities ensure that students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the global job market. Choose the best university for you and take the first step toward a successful Computer Science career!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities for Computer Science in the UK?
The top universities for Computer Science in the UK include:
- King’s College London (Ranked 6th in the UK, 61st globally)
- Queen Mary University of London (Ranked 9th in the UK, 97th globally)
- University of St Andrews (Ranked 24th in Europe, 104th globally)
- University of Bath (Ranked 62nd in Europe, 150th globally)
- University of Glasgow (Ranked 76th in the world)
- University of Surrey (Ranked 285th in the world)
What are the tuition fees for Computer Science in the UK?
Tuition fees vary depending on the university and student status:
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- International students: Between £18,000 - £25,000 per year, depending on the university
Which UK university is best for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity?
Following are the best UK universities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity:
- University of Surrey was named Cyber University of the Year (2023) for its strong focus on cybersecurity.
- University of Bath and King’s College London offer specialized AI programs with state-of-the-art research facilities.
Which UK university is the most competitive for Computer Science admissions?
The University of St Andrews is the most competitive, with an acceptance rate of 8%.
Other selective universities include:
- King’s College London: 13%
- Queen Mary University of London: 17%
- University of Glasgow: 20%
Can international students apply for Computer Science programs in UK universities?
Yes! All UK universities welcome international students, with diverse student communities from over 100+ countries. Some, like King’s College London (99.5% international students) and Queen Mary University (students from over 170 nationalities), are known for their global student diversity.