UCL Computer Science is ranked 1st in England and 2nd in the UK for research power.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021Based in London – the world’s most AI-driven city – UCL Computer Science is at the heart of innovation.
TechRound
Through startups, spinouts and applied research projects, we work with a network of partners across industry, government and civil society. This means we can train our researchers, magnify our impact and apply our expertise to solve problems outside the scope of traditional academia.
Computer science research is a transformational force.
It opens up worlds of possibilities – from solving the protein folding problem and unlocking the human genome, to acoustic levitation that allows us to control and manipulate solids and even liquids in mid-air without even touching them.
Computational expertise is right at the heart of research across UCL, providing the tools to power progress across dozens of different disciplines. But we don’t stop there – the consequences of our research stretch far beyond our campus.
Our experts are shaping policy at both the national and international level. We’re helping to build a stronger and safer UK technology ecosystem and ensuring (through our work with UNESCO and other global organisations) that computer science is used to benefit people and communities worldwide.
What research themes are we exploring at UCL Computer Science?
Computational Economics and Finance
Our research uses advanced computing to model financial markets and societies.
Cybersecurity
From protecting privacy to fighting online harms, our research focuses on creating dependable systems – even when they’re under attack.
Human-Computer Interaction
Our projects are typically collaborative, working with experts from diverse fields, including medical clinicians, sociologists, economists and architects.
Immersive and Visual Computing
Our research brings together graphics, rendering and simulation to create richer digital experiences across areas like healthcare, education and entertainment.
Machine Learning
Our deep machine learning expertise is helping UK industry and academia pull together to fulfil the transformative potential of AI.
Robotics
By combining robotics with advances in machine learning and AI technologies, we’re discovering new ways to build, travel, farm, manufacture and extend life.
Software and Systems
Our research is transforming how software-intensive systems are built, maintained and evolved in an ever-more interconnected digital world.
Vision and Imaging
Our research is key to the next wave of computing technology that can analyse and interpret visual information, exploring and interacting with the physical world.
How is UCL Computer Science research being applied in the real world?
Artificial Intelligence
Our research in AI includes work across climate, health, robotics and ethics – helping create safer, smarter and more responsible technologies for society.
Disability Innovation
Harnessing computer science research, engineering and design to create disability innovation solutions that work better for everyone.
Global Challenges
As part of London’s global university, we are committed to narrowing the digital divide between the world’s high-and low-resource environments.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
We’re making extraordinary progress in healthcare and life sciences, changing the way we approach disease treatment and the fundamental workings of living systems.
Our research groups and centres
Research groups and centres
Explore all of UCL Computer Science's research groups and associated centres – world-leading teams driving innovation, real-world impact, and collaboration across academia and industry.
Partner with UCL Computer Science
Our Strategic Alliances Team (SAT) work closely with industry partners to further our current research and to address new problems and challenges.
Find out morePostgraduate Research
If you are interested in studying an MRes or PhD with us, please see our Study pages for further details.
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