Top 5 Degrees: Computer Science and IT in the UK
In this edition of Top 5 Degrees, we review pursuing a degree in Computer Science (CS) and IT in the UK – with top universities, strong industry ties, and excellent career prospects for tech education.
Why Study CS and IT in the UK?
The UK’s thriving tech sector, home to Silicon Roundabout (London’s tech hub) and major companies like DeepMind and ARM, makes it a prime location for aspiring tech professionals with great career prospects. The course code is UCAS G400, and required admissions tests is MAT.
Top Universities for CS & IT in the UK (UCAS: G400)
1. University of Cambridge
Program: BA/MEng in Computer Science (#1 in the UK)
Program: BA/MEng in Computer Science (#1 in the UK)
Known for: rigorous academics, strong theoretical foundations
Highlights: research-led teaching, close industry links, high graduate employability with network to Silicon Fen (Cambridge area)
Entry: very selective (~5-10% acceptance rate), 141 accepted in 2024
2. University of Oxford
Program: BA/MCompSci in Computer Science
Structure: 3 years (BA), 4 years (MCompSci)
Known for: cutting-edge AI, machine learning research
Highlights: small-group tutorials, strong ties with tech firms
Entry: very selective (~6% acceptance rate), 51 accepted in 2024
3. Imperial College London
Program: BEng/MEng in Computing
Structure: 3 years (BEng), 4 years (MEng)
Known for: strong focus on practical, industry-ready skills
Highlights: located in London, excellent placement opportunities
Entry: very selective (~12% acceptance rate)
4. University of Edinburgh
Program: BSc/MInf Informatics
Structure: 4 years (BSc), 5 years (MInf)
Known for: AI, data science, and cybersecurity excellence
Highlights: strong research output, vibrant tech community
Entry: competitive (~40% acceptance rate)
5. University of Manchester
Program: BSc/MEng Computer Science
Structure: 3 years (BSc), 4 years (MEng)
Known for: software engineering and AI innovation
Highlights: strong industry partnerships, high graduate salaries
Entry: competitive (~50% acceptance rate)
Career Prospects
Graduates from these universities secure top roles such as:
Software Engineer (Avg. Salary: £50,000+)
Data Scientist (Avg. Salary: £60,000+)
Cybersecurity Analyst (Avg. Salary: £55,000+)
AI Specialist (Avg. Salary: £70,000+)
Graduates from top UK univerisities studying CS and IT often have great career opportunities at leading firms like Google, Amazon, Meta, and UK-based fintech companies. Each of these institutions offers a pathway to success in the fast-growing tech sector. However, the grade requirement is high (often A*A*A).
Stay tuned for the next degree in our Top 5 series!
Have questions about studying CS or IT in the UK? Contact our experts for personalized guidance.
英国五大计算机科学与IT专业推荐
本期“五大顶尖专业”聚焦英国计算机科学（CS）与IT领域——拥有顶尖院校、紧密行业合作及优异的科技教育就业前景。
为何选择英国攻读CS与IT？
英国科技产业蓬勃，坐拥“硅环岛”（伦敦科技中心）及DeepMind、ARM等巨头，是理想求学地。UCAS课程代码G400，需参加MAT入学考试。
英国CS&IT顶尖院校（UCAS: G400）
1. 剑桥大学
课程：计算机科学BA/MEng（全英第1）
学制：3年（BA）/4年（MEng）
优势：学术严谨、理论扎实，与“硅沼”（剑桥科技圈）紧密联系，毕业生就业率极高。
录取：极严格（5-10%录取率），2024年录取141人。
2. 牛津大学
课程：计算机科学BA/MCompSci
学制：3年（BA）/4年（MCompSci）
优势：AI与机器学习前沿研究，小班制导师课，科技企业资源丰富。
录取：极严格（6%录取率），2024年录取51人。
3. 帝国理工学院
课程：计算BEng/MEng
学制：3年（BEng）/4年（MEng）
优势：注重实践技能，伦敦区位优势，就业机会突出。
录取：严格（12%录取率）。
4. 爱丁堡大学
课程：信息学BSc/MInf
学制：4年（BSc）/5年（MInf）
优势：AI、数据科学与网络安全顶尖，研究实力强。
录取：竞争激烈（40%录取率）。
5. 曼彻斯特大学
课程：计算机科学BSc/MEng
学制：3年（BSc）/4年（MEng）
优势：软件工程与AI创新，行业合作紧密，毕业生薪资高。
录取：竞争激烈（50%录取率）。
职业前景
毕业生可担任高薪职位, 如：
软件工程师（平均年薪5万英镑+）
数据科学家（6万英镑+）
网络安全分析师（5.5万英镑+）
AI专家（7万英镑+）
顶尖院校毕业生常入职谷歌、亚马逊、Meta及英国金融科技公司。但录取要求极高（通常需AAA）。
敬请关注下期“五大专业”系列！
如需英国CS/IT留学咨询，请联系专家获取定制建议。