Best Computer Science Colleges in UK: Courses, Specializations, Scholarships, Scope and Jobs

There are at least five best colleges for computer science in UK in the top 25 list of the world as per QS Rankings. Computer science colleges in UK offer world-class education. University colleges London is a global leader in experimental research, Imperial College London is known for artificial intelligence and visual information processing whereas King’s College London adresses Fundamental challenges in robotics. Thus studying in UK can be one of the righteous decisions for attaining a computer science degree.  

 A degree in computer science will provide core skills of computing that can help in shaping businesses and organizations. 

• According to Job Board, IT firms published 11.7% more jobs in UK for the year 2019 than 2018.
• The average salary of computer science or IT professionals in UK is 16,900 GBP- 183,000 GBP per year.
• The average increment rate for IT & Computer Science professionals stands at 10 percent against 9 percent in other jobs in 15 months.

Finally, the UK is also a favorite study abroad destination for Non-EU & Asian students with China, followed by India topping the list. As per the Higher Education Statistics Agency, students from China and India stand at 120,385 and 26,685, respectively, in 2018/19.

Best Computer Science Colleges in UK

The UK continues to deliver as a student destination and has been instrumental in providing ground-breaking innovations in computing and IT. Some of the top colleges in UK for computer science and engineering offer a plethora of programs at different study levels. Some of these top universities in UK are listed below:

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Specializations

Computer Science is a popular course all over the world and offers several specializations and career options. Some of the popular specializations offered at computer science colleges in UK are listed below:

• Advanced Computing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mathematical Modelling & Scientific Computing
• Visual Computing & Robotics
• Cyber Security
• Electronics & Computer Science
• Information Communication & Social Sciences
• Network & Security
• Cognition & Language

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Degrees Offered

The types of degrees available in various computer science colleges in UK are given below: 

• Undergraduate Courses: BA Computer Science, BSc Computer Science, BA CS & Philosophy, BEng in Computing, BEng in CS, BSc AI & computer science, and others 
• Postgraduate Courses: MSc Computer Science, MSc Visual Computing & Robotics, MSc in Mathematical modeling & Scientific Computing, MEng in Computer Science, MSc Software & System Security, etc
• Doctorate / Ph.D. Courses: Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science, Doctor of Philosophy (Information, Communication & Social Sciences), Doctor of Philosophy (Computation, Cognition & Language), etc. 

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Undergraduate Courses

Offered usually as a three-year program at top colleges in UK for computer science, Bachelors in Computer Science is offered as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Some of the popular courses offered are listed below along with the fees and duration:

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Eligibility for Bachelors

International students applying for top universities in UK need to cater to certain general admission criteria to study undergraduate in Computer Science. Along with that, you will require certain mandatory documents as well. Some of the general requirements for studying computer science colleges are listed below:

• 10+2 or any High School Diploma with good scores. 
• English Language proficiency tests are mandatory. Their scores are vital. Please check the minimum cut-offs below:
  • IELTS - 7
  • CPE - 185
  • CAE - 185
  • TOEFL iBT - 90
• Scores of SAT may also be required at certain colleges/universities.

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Documents Required for Bachelors

Documents required for making admissions with universities in UK as international students are as follows:

• 10+2 transcripts.
• 2-3 Letters of recommendation from the previous qualification.
• TOEFL/IELTS scores submitted directly through the testing agency. 
• Financial Statements are required as proof for bearing the course fees.
• Valid ID Proofs, Passport & passport, sized photographs are essential.
• You may have to provide an ATAS certificate in case you are a Non-EU or Swiss student.

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Fees and Funding for Bachelors

For studying Bachelor's in Computer Science in the UK, international students must be prepared to spend an average of 27,000 - 36,000 GBP annually. Except for the tuition fees, the expenses of an international student will also be affected by the choice of college, etc. 

In such cases, international students can also apply for various scholarships available to lessen the financial burden. These financial aids will cover your tuition fees, cost to study, and to some extent, living costs. 

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Postgraduate Courses

Studying masters in computer science in UK will help an international student by improving their skillset and open gateways to a better career. The courses are not only designed as per the current trends in technology but also gives you the option to apply theories into the practical situation. 

The duration of a masters in computer science in UK varies from 9 months-5 years depending on the type of program chosen. In most colleges, a full-time master's in computer science will last for a year. Some of the popular masters in computer science and engineering colleges are given below along with the approximate annual tuition fees: 

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Eligibility for Masters

International students need to cater to certain general admission criteria to study undergraduate in Computer Science. Along with that, you will require certain mandatory documents as well. Let's share them below:

• A Bachelor's degree in relevant subjects with first-class or upper second-class scores.
  • First-class degree is equivalent to 70% or more in a bachelor's degree
  • Upper second class degree is equivalent to 60-70% in bachelor’s degree.
• Scores of exams required to study in the UK. Some of the test scores are given below. 
  • IELTS - 7.5
  • TOEFL iBT - 100
  • CAE - 190

Applicants must note that scores may vary among universities. 

• Some colleges may ask for GRE scores as well. You will require over 310/780 to qualify in that case.
• You may earn a waiver on the eligibility requirements in case you have pursued a bachelor from the same university.

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Documents Required for Masters

• Bachelor's or equivalent transcripts.
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from the previous qualification.
• TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Work experience if any, along with letters of recommendation.
• An updated resume.
• Financial proofs are a must as a testimony of bearing the course fees.
• Valid ID Proofs, Passport & passport-sized photographs will be needed.
• You may have to provide an ATAS certificate in case you are a Non-EU or Swiss student.

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Fees and Funding for Masters

Studying a Master's in Computer Science will cost you an average of 27,000 - 36,000 GBP per year. If you want to pursue PG Diploma courses, then the fees will range between 15,000 - 21,000 GBP. UK offers various scholarships to international students pursuing masters. These funding options can help you in reducing the overall expense of pursuing masters in UK. 

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Certificates and Diploma Courses

You can pursue some value-adding certificate courses as well, which can be equally beneficial. These courses are as follows:

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Doctorate Courses

The UK spends about GBP 35 Billion in research and development and has aimed to invest in R & D up to 2.4 percent of the GDP by 2027. In such a scenario, pursuing a Doctorate or Ph.D. in Computer Science from the UK is a great choice to make. You can also expect an increment of 23 percent pots Ph.D. Some of the highly acclaimed courses in UK for computer science doctorate are:

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Eligibility for PhD 

If you are an international student, you will have to match the following criteria to pursue a Doctorate in Computer Science in UK:

• You will need a first-class undergraduate BSc / BA degree with honors and a master's degree with good scores in a relevant subject. Sometimes an upper second-class score in undergraduate & graduate degrees can also work.
• You will also need good scores in English Language tests. You will need 7.5 in IELTS, 100-110 in TOEFL iBT, and 190 in CAE.
• You may earn a waiver on the eligibility requirements in case you have pursued a Bachelor or Masters from the same university.

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Documents Required for PhD

• Bachelor's & Master's transcripts.
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from the previous qualification.
• TOEFL/IELTS scores.
• Work experience, if any, along with letters of recommendation.
• You will need an updated resume, SOP, and research proposal.
• Financial proofs are mandatory.
• Valid ID Proofs, Passport & passport-sized photographs.
• You may have to provide ATAS certificate in case you are a Non-EU or Swiss student

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Fees & Funding for PhD

With tremendous opportunities for research being offered in the UK, pursuing a doctorate degree will be worth its cost. Though Doctorate courses cost at least 22,000 GBP per year, there is plenty of financial support available to complete the course without any hassle. These include scholarships for doctoral students in UK, TA/RA, and stipends. 

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Scholarships Offered

The UK Government has come up with numerous scholarships for international students pursuing studies in UK along with private loans, and other types of financial aid. Some well-known scholarships for international students offered by top universities in UK are:

International organizations like the Fulbright Commission provide aid to international students for studying various courses all around the world. You can also work while learning in the UK. The UK government allows students to work up to 20 hours a week. This helps international students bear the cost to study to a certain extent.

Computer Science Colleges in UK: Career Scope 

As per various surveys, computer science jobs in UK are among some of the most popular sectors in the UK. IT and Computer science professionals can draw salaries between 16,900 - 183,000 GBP annually. As per a recent survey, at least 53 percent of IT professionals have received at least one bonus. Some of the jobs roles available post completion of computer science courses in UK are as follows:

Computer Science and Engineering Colleges in UK are at the forefront with many departments conducting research and endless opportunities. Increasing demand of skilled professionals in the computer & IT field has resulted in a rise of students pursuing computer science programs.UK is one of the best student destinations with a number of computer science and engineering colleges and offering safer cities to international students.