Study Computer Science and IT in UK– Top Universities, Fee, Eligibility, Intake, Scholarships
The UK is well known for its exceptional educational facilities in the field of Computer Science and IT. Top institutions and universities like the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, and the Imperial College London offer cutting-edge and globally-recognized programs in the field, combining practical exposure and theoretical learning for opening pathways to fabulous professional opportunities in sectors like software engineering, data science, AI, Cybersecurity, and more.
The annual costs of studying computer science and IT in the country usually range between £15,000 and £30,000, depending on the university and location. Another aspect that students should prepare for is living costs. These may vary between £8000 and £12000 per year on average. In many universities throughout the UK, specifically for Computer Science and IT programs, the intake is in September although some universities have a secondary intake in January. Academic entry requirements involve previous academic experience like the A-level and a bachelor’s degree along with English language proficiency.
Foreign students may apply for scholarships like the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, and many others. There are also several scholarships offered by universities throughout the country. There are also post-graduate work visas that students may use to obtain work experience after completing their programs. The UK is also home to some of the world’s leading companies in the space, with attractive salaries for qualified graduates. This makes it a great place to pursue higher education in Computer Science and IT for international students.
Study Computer Science and IT in UK – Highlights
| Total Number of Colleges | 150+ |
| Cost | £15,000 – £30,000 per year |
| Intake | September (main), January (secondary) |
| Specialization | AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering |
| Exams Required | IELTS/TOEFL, GRE (for some programs) |
Types of Computer Science and IT in UK
Undergraduate Programs:
- Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering B.Sc.
- Duration: BEng, 4 years (with placement).
- Focus: Basic coding, loops, conditional statements, data structures and uses.
Postgraduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity.
- Duration: One year (for full time program) and two years (for part-time program).
- Focus: Expert knowledge and technology.
Doctoral Programs (PhD):
- Duration: 3-4 years.
- Focus: Major scientific study, dissertation, theses, research contribution.
Professional Certifications:
- Short-term certifications in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and more other fields of technology.
Top 10 UK Colleges in Computer Science and IT
| Name of the college | QS Ranking (Computer Science and Information Systems-2025) | Action |
| University of Oxford | 4 | Apply Now |
| University of Cambridge | 8 | Apply Now |
| Imperial College London | 16 | Apply Now |
| University of Edinburgh | 20 | Apply Now |
| University College London (UCL) | 22 | Apply Now |
| King’s College London | 61 | Apply Now |
| The University of Manchester | 64 | Apply Now |
| The University of Warwick | 80 | Apply Now |
| Queen Mary University of London | 97 | Apply Now |
| Lancaster University | 103 | Apply Now |
Eligibility Criteria to Pursue UK in Computer Science and IT
Academic Requirements:
- For Undergraduate: A-levels (or equivalent) in mathematics and science subjects.
- For Postgraduate: A relevant Bachelor degree (2:1 or higher) in Computer Science or a related field.
English Proficiency:
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0).
- TOEFL: Minimum 90 (iBT).
Supporting Documents:
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of financial capability.
Computer Science and IT in UK – Student Visa
Visa Type:
- Tier 4 (General) Student Visa for full-time study.
Required Documents:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of financial support (tuition fees and living expenses).
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Tuberculosis test (for certain countries).
Visa Application Fee:
- £348 (depends on location).
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £470 per year.
Processing Time:
- Usually 3 weeks after application submission.
Validity:
- Visa is granted for the course duration, plus a short period for post-study work
How Much Does it Cost for Computer Science and IT in UK
| Expense Type | Cost Range (GBP) | Details |
| Tuition Fees | £15,000 – £30,000 per year | Depends on university and course type. |
| Accommodation | £5,000 – £12,000 per year | University dorms or private housing. |
| Living Expenses | £8,000 – £12,000 per year | Includes food, transportation, and entertainment. |
| Books and Supplies | £500 – £1,000 per year | Books and other course-related materials. |
| Health Insurance | £300 – £600 per year | Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | £100 – £200 per month | Personal expenses, leisure, etc. |
The overall annual cost of studying Computer Science and IT in the UK can range from £25,000 to £45,000, depending on the university, program, and living choices.
Cost of Living in UK
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (GBP) | Details |
| Accommodation | £400 – £1,000 | Shared apartments or university dormitories |
| Groceries and Food | £150 – £300 | Regular meals and occasional dining out |
| Transportation | £50 – £150 | Public transport (bus, tube, train) or bicycle. |
| Utilities | £100 – £200 | Electricity, heating, water, and internet. |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | £100 – £300 | Entertainment, clothing, and personal expenses |
Work Permit after Pursue Computer Science and IT in UK
Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route):
- Allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after completing a degree (Master’s or PhD).
- The Graduate Route is available for those completing an eligible degree from a recognized UK institution.
Eligibility Criteria for Work Permit:
- Must have completed an eligible degree from a UK higher education institution.
- Must apply for the Graduate Route visa within 6 months of completing your course.
Transition to Skilled Worker Visa:
- After the 2-year Graduate Route, students can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa if they secure a job that meets the salary threshold (£25,600 per year or higher).
Employment Options:
- Graduates can work at any skill level during the Graduate Route period, providing them with an opportunity to gain experience in the UK’s booming tech industry.
Eligibility Criteria for Work Permit
- Available for students who complete a degree at a UK institution and wish to stay in the UK to work.
- Apply for the Graduate Route visa within 6 months of course completion.
Skilled Worker Visa:
- After completing the Graduate Route, graduates can transition to a Skilled Worker Visa if they have a job offer in a skilled occupation.
- The job must meet the salary threshold of £25,600 or more annually.
Financial Proof:
- Students must show proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the post-study period (usually £1,334 per month).
Job Offer:
- To qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa, the applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor in a role listed on the official occupation list.
UK Scholarships for Computer Science and IT
| Scholarship Name | Description | Funding |
| Chevening Scholarship | Full scholarships for one-year Master’s programs in the UK. | Full tuition, living, and travel expenses. |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | For students from Commonwealth countries to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK. | Full tuition, living, and travel expenses. |
| University of Oxford – Weidenfeld & Hoffmann Scholarships | Full graduate scholarships for exceptional students. | Full tuition and living expenses. |
| University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate study at Cambridge. | Full tuition, living, and travel expenses. |
| The Royal Society – University Research Fellowship | For postdoctoral researchers in science and engineering, including IT. | Salary and research costs. |
| The Alan Turing Institute Fellowship | Supports postgraduate students in AI and Data Science. | Full funding for the program. |
| Erasmus Mundus Scholarship | Scholarships for Master’s students from the EU and beyond. | Full tuition and living expenses. |
Career Prospects
| Role | Average Salary (GBP) |
| Software Developer | £40,000 – £60,000 |
| Data Scientist | £45,000 – £70,000 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | £35,000 – £55,000 |
| IT Manager | £50,000 – £80,000 |
| AI Engineer | £45,000 – £75,000 |
Salary after Computer Science and IT in UK
- Software Developer: £25,000 – £45,000 per year (entry-level to mid-career).
- Data Scientist: £30,000 – £60,000 per year (entry-level to experienced).
- Cybersecurity Analyst: £28,000 – £55,000 per year.
- AI Specialist: £40,000 – £75,000 per year.
- IT Project Manager: £40,000 – £70,000 per year.
- Systems Analyst: £30,000 – £50,000 per year.
- Web Developer: £25,000 – £50,000 per year.
- Network Engineer: £25,000 – £50,000 per year.
