The United Kingdom has been a top study-abroad destination for international students pursuing higher education, especially an MS in computer science (CS).
Suppose you pursue an MS in Computer Science in the UK. In that case, you will study advanced and updated topics, including algorithms, artificial intelligence, software engineering, databases, computer graphics, and computer architecture.
You can specialize in your areas of interest, such as cybersecurity, data science, or machine learning.
This blog will tell you about the UK’s top 10 MS in CS programs, admission requirements, costs, and job opportunities.
Top 10 UK Universities for MS in Computer Science
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the UK, established in the fifth century. It is located in and around the centre of Oxford known as the dreaming city of spires by the poet Matthew Arnold.
This university ranks #3 in the QS World University Rankings, #4 in the Best Global Universities, and #18 in Best Universities for Computer Science. It offers 62 undergraduate programs and 347 postgraduate programs.
This university offers MSc in Advanced Computer Science, which is a full-time course and will teach you a range of advanced computing topics and other mathematical disciplines.
It has modules that includes, Advanced Security, Quantum Computer Science, Categories, Advanced topics in Machine Learning, Database System Implementation, Computational Complexity, Computational Learning Theory, and Probabilistic Model Checking.
- Entry requirements: a first-class undergraduate degree with honours in computer science or mathematics.
- Tuition fees: £41,250
To know more about this course in detail, click here.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is one of the top universities in the UK that focuses on Science, Engineering, Medicine and Business.
This university ranks #2 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, #12 in the Best Global Universities, and #35 in Best Universities for Computer Science with over 67 undergraduate programs and 153 postgraduate programs with an average tuition fee of £35,000/year.
This program in the UK will give you practical skills in basic and specialised topics in computing.
This university offers MSc in Computer Science and here are the more details:
- Qualification: MSc
- Study mode- Full-time
- Duration: one year
- Location: South Kensington
- Start date: September 2025
- Fees: £43,800
- Application fee: £100
Entry requirements
- You should have a first-class degree in any subject outside computing or computer science.
- You have to demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency to be admitted to Imperial.
To know more about this course in detail, click here.
University College London
The University College London is one of the best public universities in the UK. It was established in 1826. It was the third university established in England after the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
This university ranks #9 in the QS World University Rankings, #39 in the Best Universities for Computer Science, and #7 in Best Global Universities with over 403 undergraduate programs and 628 postgraduate programs
This university offers an MSc in Computer Science course, in this course, you will learn everything from programming to building applications for different platforms which will help you to create solutions for both industrial and research clients.
Here are the more details about this course:
- Study mode: Full-time
- Tuition fees: £39,800
- Duration of the course: one year
- The program starts in September 2025
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in a subject other than computer science or information technology.
If you are planning to pursue a master’s in Computer Science in the UK from a public university then University College London will be the best option for you.
To learn more about this course, click here.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the top universities in the UK offering Masters in Computer Science in the UK with placement opportunities.
This university ranks #5 in the QS World University Rankings, #6 in Best Global Universities, #2 in Best Global Universities in Europe, and #2 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom with 32 undergraduate and 268 postgraduate programs.
This university offers an MPhil In Advanced Computer Science for international students. If you are planning to pursue a PhD in computer science then this course will prepare you for that.
You select five taught modules from a diverse range of advanced computer science topics, including networking, systems measurements, category theory, and natural language processing.
Here are the other details about this program:
- Course duration is 9 months (full-time)
- Study mode: Taught
- The course will start on October 6th, 2025
- The total tuition fee for this course is £59,076
- The basic entry requirement for this course is that you should have a UK First Class Honours degree, or equivalent in computer science, if you do not have that you can check international qualifications from her.
- You should have an IELTS Band score of 7.5 not less than 7.0 and a TOEFL score of 107 to apply for this master’s program at this university in the UK.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a public university that was established in 1583. It is one of the world’s top universities consistently ranking in the world’s top 50 universities.
This university ranks #27 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, #38 in Best Global Universities, #8 in Best Global Universities in Europe, and #6 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom with 381 undergraduate and 523 postgraduate programs.
This university offers an MSc in Computer Science program for both domestic and international students, it will give you knowledge in the design, analysis, implementation, and use of computer systems from the components of single processors to computer networks as vast as the internet.
Here are the more details about this course:
- Study mode: full-time and part-time
- Duration: one year (full-time), two years and three years (part-time)
- Entry requirements: A UK 2:1 honours degree or an equivalent international qualification in fields such as informatics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or other quantitative disciplines.
The tuition fee is as follows:
- If you pursue this course full-time for one year, your tuition fee will be £43,300.
- If you pursue this course part-time for two years then your tuition fee will be £21,650.
If you pursue this course part-time for three years, your tuition fee will be £14,435.
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews was established in 1413 and is one of Scotland, UK’s oldest and high-ranking universities.
This university ranks #104 in the QS World University Rankings, with 37 undergraduate and 173 postgraduate programs.
This university offers an MSc in Computer Science, this course allows you to choose from a wide range of modules in advanced topics including Artificial Intelligence, human-computer interaction, networks and distributed systems, and software engineering.
Here are other details:
- Start date: September 2025
- End date: September 2026
- Duration: one year full time
- Application deadline: May 2025
Entry requirements
- A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a closely related discipline is required. Please refer to the international entry requirements for those who completed their first degree outside the UK.
- You should have strong programming skills with prior hands-on experience in a programming language like Java, C, Python, C++, or JavaScript.
English language requirements
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 bands not less than 7.0
- PTE Academic: minimum score of 76
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 94
The tuition fee for this MS in CS program in the UK is £29,900.
You can learn more about this course from here.
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London, established in 1785, is one of the leading research universities in the UK.
This university ranks #=120 in the QS World University Rankings, #92 in Best Global Universities, #30 in Best Global Universities in Europe, and #9 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom. It is one of the top MS in CS universities in the UK.
with 381 undergraduate and 523 postgraduate programs with 317 undergraduate programs and 285 postgraduate programs for international students.
This university offers Advanced Computer Science MSc, in this course, you can specialise in Software and Data Engineering or Interaction Design.
You will gain skills in AI, Machine Learning, and Human-Computer Interaction, you can use these to build your dream career.
You can pursue this course full-time and part-time as well.
Here are the more details about this course:
Full-time
- Start date: September 2025
- Location: Mile End
- Fees: £33,500
- Duration: One year
Part-time
- Start date: September 2025
- Location: Mile End
- Fees: £16,750
- Duration: two years
Entry requirements
- A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline.
- You also have to prove your proficiency in the English language, you should have an IELTS band score of 6.5 not less than 6.0 in each of writing, listening, reading and speaking.
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is one of the top universities in the UK and is a part of Russell Group Universities UK.
This university ranks #=34 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, #67 in Best Global Universities, #22 in Best Global Universities in Europe, and #8 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom. It is one of the top MS in CS universities in the UK.
With 388 undergraduate and 373 postgraduate programs and an average tuition fee of £30,000/year.
This university offers an MSc Advanced Computer Science program, and with the help of this program, you can build your dream career in computer science.
- Duration: one year full-time
- Tuition fees: £37,500
- Entry requirements: First-class honours degree (70% average) from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent, in a Computer Science degree with a minimum of 50% Computer Science content.
Lancaster University
Lancaster University is one of the best public research universities in the UK. It ranks #141 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and it offers 440 undergraduate and 225 postgraduate programs.
This university offers an MSc in Research Computer Science program. Students in this program begin by creating a research proposal through an induction course and establishing a learning contract with their research supervisor.
The program then advances to an independent research project, culminating in a dissertation. Successful completion demonstrates a high level of technical professionalism.
You can pursue this course full-time as well as part-time, the fee structure will differ for both of them.
Here are more details about this program:
- Duration: one year (full-time course) and two years (part-time course).
- The tuition fee for a full-time course is £27,550 and part-time is £13,775/year.
Entry requirements
- 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Computer Science or a similar degree.
- You should have an IELTS Academic band score of at least 6.5 not less than 6.0 in each writing, speaking, listening and reading.
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is part of Russell Group University UK, which means it is one of the top 24 universities in this group.
This university ranks #=105 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 with over 97 undergraduate programs and 180 postgraduate programs with an average tuition fee of £21,500.
This university offers MSc in Advanced Computer Science program offered by the University of Sheffield’s Department of Computer Science. This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
Here are other details about this program:
- Duration: one year
- Entry requirements: Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.
- Tuition fee: £31,190
Reasons to Study MS in Computer Science in the UK
- Global Recognition: UK degrees are highly respected worldwide.
- Innovative Curriculum: Programs focus on AI, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity.
- Research Opportunities: Access to state-of-the-art labs and funding.
- Industry Links: Universities collaborate with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM.
- Shorter Duration: Most MS in Computer Science programs in the UK are completed in 1 year.
MS in CS programs in UK requirements
- Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related fields.
- English Proficiency: IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (90–110).
- GRE/GMAT: Not mandatory but beneficial for competitive programs.
Documents required
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Letters of Recommendation.
- Updated CV/Resume.
- Academic Transcripts.
Cost of Living in the UK
Tuition Fees:
Average MS in Computer Science in the UK fees: £20,000–£35,000 per year.
Living Costs:
- Accommodation: £500–£1,000 per month.
- Food and Groceries: £150–£250 per month.
- Transportation: £100–£200 per month.
- Miscellaneous: £100–£200 per month.
An Overall Snapshot to Pursue MS in CS in the UK
Pursuing an MS in Computer Science in the UK is an excellent choice for international students. The country offers world-class education, global recognition, and lucrative career opportunities in the tech industry.
Conclusion
With its innovative teaching methods, industry connections, and globally recognized universities, the UK is an ideal destination for pursuing a Master in Computer Science. Start your journey today by applying to one of these top universities.
