A list of 15 Best Universities for Computer Science in UK

The UK has a strong history of innovation in the field of computer science, and you can find some of the greatest education available worldwide, as well as some of the most talented students right here. Nobody could have predicted how drastically the world would change due to technology. These technologies are built on computational algorithms and programming languages taught as part of the discipline known as "Computer Science." Different programming languages, computer networks, database systems, artificial intelligence, computing theory, etc., are essential areas of computer science. A thorough understanding of physics, computers, engineering, and mathematics is required for computer science. Technically advanced skills are required in this field, and theoretical ideas are also included. It is predicted that computer science and technology will take over every aspect of our lives in the ensuing decades. Therefore, investing in computer science education now will pay off for your prospects in the future.

What is Computer Science?

The study of computers and computational systems is known as computer science. Computer scientists, as opposed to electrical and computer engineers, focus primarily on software and software systems, including their theory, design, development, and application. The fundamental concepts of computers are derived from mathematics, logic, and engineering, for example:

• What does it mean to compute?
• What can or cannot be computed?
• How do computers work?

Fields in Computer Science

The principal areas of study within Computer Science include:

Theoretical computer science

• Theory of computation
• Information and coding theory
• Data structures and algorithms
• Programming language theory and formal methods

Computer systems

• Computer architecture and organization
• Concurrent, parallel and distributed computing
• Computer networks
• Computer security and cryptography
• Databases and data mining

Artificial intelligence

• Computational learning theory
• Robotics
• Computer vision
• Pattern recognition
• Natural language processing

Applied computer science

• Computer graphics and visualization
• Image and sound processing
• Computational science, finance and engineering
• Social computing and human-computer interaction
• Software Engineering

While programming is necessary for computer science studies, it is only one aspect of the discipline. Computer scientists examine the effectiveness of computer hardware and software in addition to designing and analysing methods to solve programmes. The challenges that computer scientists face range from the abstract—determining which issues can be solved by computers and the complexity of the algorithms that do so—to the concrete—creating programmes that run smoothly on mobile devices, are user-friendly and adhere to security protocols.

What is the Importance of Computer Science?

We can confidently state that technology has a big impact on the society we live in. Computer scientists provide solutions to difficult issues, including forecasting natural disasters, tracking virus outbreak trends, enhancing our healthcare system, and expanding educational opportunities. For instance, online education was previously mocked, but today anyone can study almost anything, from free learning resources to YouTube tutorials.

Why choose the UK for computer science?

The UK has a strong history of innovation in computer science, and you may find some of the most excellent training and most promising job options here in the best universities for computer science in the UK. The future is brighter than ever for graduates in computer science. In the largest cities in the UK, the tech sector employs more than a fifth of the workforce, and the global pandemic has sparked a boom in digital technology.

Employment opportunities are constantly emerging, particularly for software developers. With the global digital economy valued at $11.5 trillion and the UK's IT sector at approximately £180 billion, advertised roles increased by 36% over the summer of 2020. To ensure that you stand out in the employment market, consider getting a computer science degree from the best universities for computer science in UK. 

Course structure 

In the initial years of study, the students will learn about continuous mathematics, design and analysis of algorithms, functional and imperative programming, and digital systems. Basically, firm foundations will be built in students about computers and their programming. In the subsequent years, students will learn machine learning, computer security, geometric modelling, Quantum computer science, Artificial intelligence, and much more. 

Top 15 Universities for computer science in UK

It's clearly visible that studying at the best universities for computer science in UK has its perks, so here is a list of the best universities for computer science in UK.

1. University of Oxford

QS Rank: 5 

The University of Oxford’s founding date is unknown, but the school traces its roots back to at least 1096. Oxford is located around 60 miles northwest of London, and around 45 per cent of its student body comprises graduate students. More than half of Oxford’s graduate students conduct research as part of their studies. The University of Oxford has provided students with undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The University of Oxford has multiple fees, funding and scholarships as well.

2. University College London

QS Rank: 22

University College London degree programmes, which are global leaders in experimental computer science research, acknowledge the importance of computer systems in business, industry, government, and science. In the most recent assessment, this university was placed first in England and second in the UK by the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which rates the calibre of research in UK higher education institutions.

Their degree programmes consider the growing significance of computer systems in sectors like business, industry, government, and science. The University College London provides scholarships as well.

3. Imperial College London

QS Rank: 17

Imperial College London is a public institution that was founded in 1907. The science-focused university is made up of multiple campuses located in and around London. The basis for their computing courses is the same for the first two years. Students can learn the fundamental ideas and principles of computing from core modules. The main goal of the courses is to provide you with an overview of computing, a comprehension of fundamental ideas and principles, the capacity to recognise and accommodate changes in technology, and hands-on experience in applied computing. The Imperial College London provides with many scholarships as well.

4. University of Cambridge

QS Rank: #8

Cambridge was a computer science pioneer and is still at the forefront of its advancement. Numerous local businesses and start-ups assist with our educational efforts and hire graduates from the University of Cambridge in fields including chip design, mathematical modelling, and artificial intelligence. The university offers a broad and in-depth course that equips students with the knowledge and abilities to develop cutting-edge technologies. The theory behind current computer science and its roots in economics, law, and business, are all explored. Additionally, students gain practical knowledge of hardware systems, OCaml, Java, C/C++, and other programming languages (e.g. chip design using Verilog). The University of Cambridge provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The university also offers scholarships.

5. University of Edinburgh

QS Rank: 23

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is a public university. It is spread across five campuses in Edinburgh, Scotland – the capital and one of the country's largest cities. Students can gain a solid foundation in computer science by enrolling in courses at the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. The university presents a fresh viewpoint on the applications of computational thinking in many contexts.

Students will obtain the practical skills to analyse, design, implement, and maintain computer-based systems in any environment and a strong scientific grasp of how they work. The college provides various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The University of Edinburgh also offers scholarships.

6. Lancaster University

QS Rank:135

Lancaster University is one of the best universities for computer science in UK. A dynamic field, computer science offers various professional options and applications. With the help of their curriculum, students can build a broad range of professional and technical abilities as they learn the theory and application of cutting-edge and experimental computer science. Some of the famous Courses at Lancaster University are Computer Science Undergraduate degree courses, Computer Science Postgraduate Taught degree courses, PhD in Computer Science. For more information on scholarships, click here.

7. University of Surrey

QS Rank: 251

According to the National Student Survey 2022, the University of Surrey is the third-best information technology school in the UK. Students will have a strong foundation for creating the next wave of computational systems with our BSc in Computer Science. Students will be able to analyse and fix problems with the newest software packages, thanks to it as well. The University of Surrey provides various undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. For information on scholarships and bursaries, click here.

8. Queen Mary University London

QS Rank: 127

Their programme will provide students with practical software development and interface design abilities, supported by a solid understanding of IT's core concepts. Queen Mary University London addresses multimedia, usability, interaction, programming, software engineering, computer and network design, and computing theory.

You'll acquire hands-on experience creating computer systems in ever more challenging environments and deepen your grasp of how to use modelling and abstraction techniques to address issues. You're encouraged to explore your own interests with a flexible curriculum. Queen Mary University London provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

9. University of Manchester

QS Rank: 66

The University of Manchester is yet another university that is one of the Best Universities for computer science. The University of Manchester is a place where students receive exceptional teaching and learning, develop into employable graduates, and where research has an international effect. All activity at the university is supplemented by a dedication to society and the environment. The University of Manchester has undergraduate and postgraduate courses available. For information about the fees and funding, click here.

10. University of Bristol

QS Rank: 118

The University of Bristol is considered in one of the best universities for computer science in the UK. The software team project, in which students collaborate with colleagues to create an application for a real-world client with assistance from an industry mentor, is a crucial part of year two. Students will select an advanced area of computer science to specialise in during their final year from various optional units. Additionally, students will work on a personal project that they and their faculty supervisor will jointly design. This project will allow you to collaborate with business and academic partners. For more information on the undergraduate and postgraduate courses click here.

11. University of Birmingham

QS Rank: 89

The University of Birmingham is ranked #89 in Best Global Universities. In 2019–20, 23,155 undergraduate and 12,605 graduate students were enrolled, making this the seventh-largest student body in the UK. Their research areas include artificial intelligence and robotics, theory of computation, security and privacy, computational life sciences and human-centred computing. The University of Birmingham provides students with multiple undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

12. University of Southampton

QS Rank:144

The University of Southampton is ranked 104 in Best Global Universities. The University of Southampton is a premier research institution in the United Kingdom and is well known for its cutting-edge educational model. Southampton began as Hartley Institution in 1862, and in 1952 it was granted university status. The University of Southampton provides computer science courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and honours levels. At Southampton, students will thoroughly understand their chosen subject, get advice from prominent academics, and access cutting-edge resources to help with their studies.

13. King's College London

QS Rank: 58

King's College is ranked among the top UK universities in the world (QS World Rankings 2021) and is based in the heart of London. Studying Computer Science at King’s has enabled students to investigate the boundless reach and pace of innovation for which this sector is known. This has allowed students to pinpoint and specialise the degree towards the sector within which they aspires to work. Kings present students with a variety of computer science courses like Computer Science MSci, Computer Science MSc, Artificial Intelligence MSci, Artificial Intelligence BSc, Computer Science with a year in Industry BSc and others. You can check their official website for further information on Computer Science Courses.

14. University of Nottingham

QS Rank: 201

Nottingham is a research-intensive university, and two of its professors were awarded Nobel Prizes in 2003. With nearly 300,000 graduates worldwide, it is home to 48,000 students from more than 150 countries. The University of Nottingham is the world leader in data science, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and user experience design. They provide students with a range of research projects and modules in these fields and others. The university works with local and multinational companies like Google, Capital One, and Microsoft on student projects and job placements. Nottingham University provides students with undergraduate and Masters degree. Scholarships are available for each respective degree.

15. Newcastle University - UK

QS Rank: 151

By GPA, Newcastle University UK moved up from 22nd to 9th place in the UK. As a result, we rank in the top quarter of computing science students. Their impact case studies were all deemed to be among the best in the world. Newcastle University provides multiple Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in which scholarships are available in their respective fields. Over the last 50 years, our research has significantly impacted both the wider field of academic research and the computer industry. Newcastle University provides students with multiple undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Job Opportunities with a Computer Science degree in the UK

With a computer science degree, you can fantasize about a glorifying career in the disciplines like data science, software engineering, IT, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Computers and networks are incorporated in every industry, like corporate, government, education, healthcare, banking, etc., and every sector is flourishing. Following are the high-demand jobs that you can pursue with a computer science degree in the UK - 

• Software Developer
• Full-stack developer
• Cloud computing engineer
• Information security analyst
• Data scientist
• Software Tester
• Web developer
• Systems analyst
• Computer science professor
• Network architect
• Software engineer
• Chief information security officer
• Business analyst
• Product Manager
• Software quality assurance manager
• Engineering manager
• Information technology specialist
• Mobile application designer or developer

Suppose computer science seems like a good fit. Obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer science or majoring in a STEM or business-related subject with an emphasis in computer science is the first step in this scenario. You can utilise some of the tools in this post to start solving issues and launching your career outside of traditional education. You can also work on projects to use what you already know. Also, check out this article which talks about every thing you need to know before going to pursue MS in computer science in the US, including cost, scholarship universities and more. If you really interested in web based courses make sure you checkout beginners guide to MOOC courses.