This page is designed to highlight some of the top-ranked UK universities for computer science. We will also highlight some of the most cost-effective, flexible and accessible accredited online Master’s in computer science and online computer science short courses.
University league tables can be a helpful way to compare institutions, but how they place universities in a rank of best to worst can be misleading if taken at face value. A slight difference in the score given to a university can significantly impact its place in a league table but have no noticeable meaning to the students taking courses at those institutions.
When looking at and comparing courses, focusing on the syllabus, learning outcomes and getting a feel for the tutors and university is equally, if not more important than its place in a league table.
UK University League Tables for Computer Science
The UK’s main rankings for computer science universities are The Times, The Guardian, and the Complete University Guide. The Times and the Complete University Guide focus on research excellence and student satisfaction, leading to similar results. However, the Guardian places more weight on teaching quality and assessment, which is why their rankings diverge.
Top UK Universities for Computer Science – The Times
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University of Edinburgh
- UCL (University College London)
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Manchester
- King’s College London
- University of Southampton
- University of Surrey
You can view the full The Times Computer Science Ranking here.
The Best UK Universities for Computer Science- The Guardian
- University of Cambridge
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- University of Manchester
- Lancaster University
- University of Bath
- University of Bristol
- University of Aberdeen
- Loughborough University
You can view the full Guardian Computer Science Rankings here.
Leading UK Universities for Computer Science- The Complete University Guide
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- University of Warwick
- University of St Andrews
- Durham University
- University of Manchester
- UCL (University College London)
- University of Bristol
- University of Bath
You can view the full The Complete University Guide Computer Science rankings here.
Specialised Universities that Teach Computer Science Courses Online
These two online universities do not appear in the main university rankings but offer postgraduate and undergraduate computer science degrees.
- Arden University
- The Open University
Most Flexible Universities to study Computer Science
These universities offer the most flexible postgraduate computer science programmes. They can all be completed over five years of study, making balancing work, family and study easier.
- University of London
- Arden University
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- The Open University
Computer Science Master’s with the Lowest Tuition Fees
These are some of the lowest tuition fees available to complete a full master’s degree in computer science from a UK university.
- The University of Sunderland £6,780
- Wrexham Glyndwr University £6,000
- Keel University £7,440
- University of York £8,640
Computer Science Course Content and Learning Experience
While league tables can be helpful, we strongly recommend taking the time to;
- Compare the syllabuses and learning outcomes of the programmes you are interested in,
- Attend information sessions and webinars,
- Ask to speak to current students to get their first-hand experience and insights about the course.
The field of advanced computer science is a popular option for students seeking diverse and lucrative career opportunities. With a range of roles now available to graduates, from supporting IT infrastructure in a corporate setting to designing cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications and software engineering, the career prospects for computer science degree graduates have never been more promising.
