Computer science is a constantly evolving field, and one that’s an extremely popular career choice for many international students. Courses in computer science can help students develop specific, in-demand technical and interpersonal skills which prepare them to work at some of the most valuable companies in the world, or at the fastest-growing startups.
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international students. Its academic institutions offer world-class education in a wide variety of courses including computer science. With many institutions’ connections to local and global tech hubs, studying computer science in the UK can be a life-changing experience!
Read on to learn about five great computer science courses in the United Kingdom. Note that all cost of living and tuition amounts are current as of winter 2024, but are subject to change.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
At Aberystwyth University (AU) in Wales, you can be part of an academic institution that’s known for world-leading research and also well-loved for its overall student experience. In 2025, AU was ranked among the best in England and Wales for its student experience by the Good University Guide. Plus, the town of Aberystwyth offers beautiful seaside views as well as a reasonable cost of living. If you’re a reader, the National Library of Wales is right next to campus, too!
AU’s Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) allows students to develop the skills they need to solve complex technical problems through analysis, design, solution choice, and implementation. An emphasis on AI will give students a head start in the software industry, or in bio-information or computational intelligence jobs.
Let’s take a closer look at some of this course’s details:
- Course type: 3-year bachelor’s degree
- Average cost of living in Aberystwyth: £10,224 per year
- Tuition: £18,830 per year
Check out our blog to learn about scholarships open to international students in the UK.
Foundation Pathway in Computer Science – Continue to Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Computer Science
Swansea University in Wales is known for its stunning seafront campus, cutting-edge research, and many technical innovations. The university has also received many awards for its student satisfaction levels, teaching excellence, and gender equality. With a graduate engagement rate of 95% (in employment or further studies) 15 months after completing their courses, Swansea graduates are set up for success in academia or business.
Swansea’s BSc Computer Science degree will teach students to develop their programming skills in C and Java. World-renowned academics will guide you through classes in computer graphics, computer systems modelling, software engineering, data visualization, and more advanced theoretical aspects of computer science.
Let’s take a quick look at some course stats:
- Course type: 8-month pathway (an international foundation year) followed by 3-year bachelor’s degree
- Average cost of living in Swansea: £12,180 per year
- Tuition: £19,000 per year
Learn more about what it’s like to be an international student in Wales on our blog.
Master of Science – High Performance Computing with Data Science
Study in Scotland’s capital! The city of Edinburgh is filled with museums, galleries, and historic buildings, plus a lively and modern cultural scene. In the heart of this city, you’ll find the University of Edinburgh, which was ranked among the world’s top 30 universities in 2025. The University of Edinburgh is one of the most diverse academic institutions in the world: international students make up 49% of its total student body. It’s also known for its academic reputation and world-leading research.
Did You Know: The University of Edinburgh is rated #1 in the UK for its research power in the Computer Science and Informatics fields?
Students who pursue this Master of Science degree in High Performance Computing with Data Science will learn high-performance computing (HPC) skills at EPCC, the leading supercomputing centre in the UK, based out of the University of Edinburgh. From parallel programming to data analysis, students will gain the multidisciplinary skills they’ll need to excel in their future careers.
Here’s a quick look at this course’s degree type and costs:
- Course type: 1-year master’s degree
- Average cost of living in Edinburgh: £13,347 per year
- Tuition: £31,100 per year
Curious about other academic institutions in the UK? Check out our list of top-ranked colleges and universities.
Integrated Masters: Master of Computing – Computer Science
In this Computer Science integrated master’s degree at Nottingham Trent University, classes combine undergraduate and postgraduate content over the degree’s four-year run time. Its unique structure allows students to transfer between a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree during the first two years of the course, depending on the student’s goals and aptitude. So, this course could be a great option for an international student who is considering postgraduate studies in this field.
Students will gain foundational knowledge in cloud computing and artificial intelligence topics, but hands-on learning is central to this course as well. All students complete a large-scale, multidisciplinary engineering project, as well as an individual hardware or software development project. Plus, students may also complete a work placement at the end of the second year of studies. This will allow them to apply what they’ve learned in a professional setting and build their network. And, with over 12,000 software engineering roles posted every month in 2024 in the UK, demand for new grads is likely to remain high for the next few years!
Here’s a rundown of the course’s degree type and costs:
- Course type: 4-year integrated master’s degree
- Average cost of living in Clifton: £10,224 per year
- Tuition: £17,150 per year
Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Mathematics with Computer Science
The University of Reading’s Mathematics with Computer Science degree will provide students with skills prized by a range of employers. Your classes will generally be divided up as two-thirds mathematics (like linear algebra, calculus, and differential equations) and one-third computer science (think programming, software design, computer security, and Python).
In the final year, students can further specialize their degree through summer work placements and by choosing optional modules. Into cryptography, number theory, or virtual reality? There’s a class you can take to build your knowledge in that area! Plus, with a student-to-staff ratio of 16:1, smaller class sizes can mean you’ll have more meaningful discussions in class.
Here’s a quick look at this course’s degree type and key costs:
- Course type: 3-year bachelor’s degree
- Average cost of living in Reading: £10,224 per year
- Tuition: £21,400 per year
The University of Reading is among the top 30 universities in the UK. Students can thrive on a main campus set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland. 98% of the university’s research is rated world-class, and they also have extensive partnerships with local and global industry.
Interested in computer science courses, but not sure where you’d like to study yet? Check out our article on computer science programs in the US.
The field of computer science is constantly growing, and offers plenty of career opportunities for new graduates. If this field sounds like the right fit, we hope one of these courses can help you reach your academic and career goals.
Find the computer science course in the UK that’s right for you on the ApplyBoard platform.
