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Computer Science MEng

London, Bloomsbury

Are you ready to become a computer scientist? With a strong emphasis on independent research, the 4-year integrated MEng Computer Science at UCL provides you with the engineering expertise, practical computing skills and academic discipline to help shape the next wave of computing innovation. 

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£43,500
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
G402
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
A*A*A
Subjects
A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics required.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
A*AB more about contextual offers
Subjects
A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics required.To be confirmed.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
40
Subjects
A total of 20 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level. 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' is preferred.

Contextual offer

Points
38 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D2,D2,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, to include either Mathematics or Further Mathematics at D2

A1,A1,A at Advanced Highers (or A1,A1 at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher), to include Mathematics at Advanced Higher A1.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this undergraduate programme, you may be eligible to apply for the Engineering Foundation Year at UCL. Designed for individuals from non-traditional educational backgrounds who do not meet standard entry requirements for UCL's undergraduate engineering degrees, this pre-degree programme helps you develop confidence, academic and study skills, and subject specific knowledge. On successful completion of the Engineering Foundation Year, you can gain access to a selection of the engineering undergraduate degree programmes at UCL. Find out more about the Engineering Foundation Year.

 

Additional tests

TARA Admissions Test

For the 2026 cycle, alongside the UCAS application, UCL will require all applicants to sit the TARA (The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) run by University Admissions Tests UK.

TARA is a new test available from 2026. It is a non-subject-specific test designed to assess essential skills required for undergraduate study. There will be an entry fee for the test. More information about the test will be shortly available on University Admissions Tests UK website.


Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

The comprehensive MEng Computer Science at UCL allows you to build the broad base of technical skills and knowledge needed for a computing career. What's more, you'll gain significant research experience and expertise by working with active researchers and research groups at one of the world’s leading computer science departments (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

You’ll acquire the skillset of a well-rounded computer science professional, through problem-based learning activities that challenge you to apply what you’ve learned to a range of real-world challenges and interdisciplinary contexts.  

As a consequence, you’ll develop a strong grasp of the fundamentals of computer science, along with significant teamwork experience, and a broad understanding of how engineering principles are used to develop, maintain and improve complex systems. 

You’ll then go further – honing your research methods, collaborating with active researchers, and completing a self-directed Master’s-level research project or dissertation. To support this independent study in your final year, you’ll select a set of optional Master’s-level modules to build relevant specialist expertise in areas such as cryptography or machine vision. 

With the opportunity to apply for 5-year options that include either a year studying abroad or on placement with one of our approved industrial partners, this challenging, intensive course gives you everything you need to define and achieve your ambitions in computer science. 

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

  • Thrive under the mentorship and guidance of active researchers, as you complete your self-directed project at one of the world’s most influential computer science research institutions. UCL is ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in computer science and informatics (Research Excellence Framework 2021). 
  • You’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world projects with industry partners such as Microsoft, Intel, Cisco and the NHS, through the department’s Industry Exchange Network (IXN) 
  • Customise your degree by selecting modules from across the UCL Faculty of Engineering, with the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP).
  • Gain valuable industry experience by taking an optional additional placement year. To secure a place, you’ll need to apply and be accepted to work and study with one of our approved industry partners. 
  • Study at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, in the heart of a London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions. London is the world's best city for university students (QS Best Student Cities 2025).
  • Learn from leading academics and absorb perspectives from globally-recognised researchers. UCL was named The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024 and is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025).

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MEng (Hons) in Computer Science.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

In each year of your degree, you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). 

The Computer Science MEng is a 4-year course. 

Year 1: 

You'll gain a firm foundation in computer science. You will take compulsory modules that address all the main strands of computer science, which include the theory of computation, principles of programming, algorithms, and discrete mathematics. 

Year 2: 

You'll take compulsory modules, including computer architecture, logic and database theory, software and systems engineering, and further mathematics. You will also begin your chosen IEP minor pathway. 

Year 3: 

You'll study computability and complexity theory, compilers, focus on research in computer science, and continue your IEP minor pathway, and choose from a selection of specialist optional modules. 

Alternatively, if you have been approved to take an optional Study Abroad Year, you will study an appropriate curriculum at your partner institution. 

Year 4: 

You'll choose from a wide selection of specialist optional modules that are also taken by postgraduate taught students on our MSc courses. You will also undertake an individual supervised substantive project / dissertation.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Compulsory modules










Compulsory modules








Compulsory modules








Compulsory modules



Optional modules


























Your learning

Through the core curriculum of the Computer Science MEng, you’ll engage in a range of learning activities, such as lectures, tutorials and lab classes. 

Throughout your degree, you’ll apply theoretical knowledge in practical activities such as workshops, demonstrations and visits, working with your peers to solve real and challenging problems. 

In your second year, you’ll have the option to apply for an additional Year in Industry. If your application is approved, you’ll transfer to the 5-year Computer Science (Year in Industry) MEng.  

This means you’ll pause your academic studies after your second or third year to spend a year working on placement with one of our approved industrial partners. During this year, you’ll gain valuable professional experience, applying your computing skills and knowledge in a real-world environment.  

After completing your Year in Industry, you’ll return to UCL to resume your studies and finish the curriculum over your remaining years. 

Students can typically expect to have 25 contact hours per week during teaching term time.

Contact hours may vary depending on the year of study, module selection, and timetable. You will be able to review each module’s indicative timetable in advance of making and confirming your module selections for each year.

In addition to contact hours, students are expected to dedicate approximately 15 hours per week to independent study. This may involve preparing for classes, completing assignments and engaging with required reading or practical activities.

Assessment

Your progress will be assessed through a broad range of methods, which typically include individual and group coursework, lab demonstrations and reports, individual and group projects, tests and written examinations, and oral assessments. In your final year, you’ll also be asked to produce a substantive Master's-level project or dissertation report.

Assessment methods used may vary, depending on the optional and elective modules you choose. 

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Computer Science Q&A (AM)

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Join us online for a live session with staff and students from UCL Computer Science. We will explore our programmes and support services, share admissions advice, and talk about the UCL student experience. We will have friendly staff and students on hand to answer your questions in real time. You will learn what makes UCL Computer Science unique and leave with useful advice for submitting a strong application.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Computer Science Q&A (PM)

—

Join us online for a live session with staff and students from UCL Computer Science. We will explore our programmes and support services, share admissions advice, and talk about the UCL student experience. We will have friendly staff and students on hand to answer your questions in real time. You will learn what makes UCL Computer Science unique and leave with useful advice for submitting a strong application.

Online - Open day

Computer Science information video

Watch this video to find out more about Computer Science at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

This 4-year degree is designed to provide you with significant research experience and understanding of research methods and approaches – making it the ideal preparation for anyone interested in pursuing further postgraduate and doctoral study. 

The course also gives you a robust foundation for a wide range of exciting roles across many industries. Students from this course have gone onto IT analyst roles at banks in the City of London, IT specialist roles with manufacturing industries, and global IT consultancies (UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2017-2021).

Employability

You'll graduate from this course as a computer science specialist, with substantial experience in solving complex problems that require skills and knowledge drawn from multiple disciplines. You’ll have acquired a strong foundational understanding of the advanced mathematics that underpins computer science, with the strong analytical and practical skills needed to thrive in this fast-moving field. 

You’ll also have developed a sophisticated set of research skills, and the ability to formulate and lead research investigations into complex challenges. As a result, you’ll be well positioned for roles in innovative enterprises, leading product development, and Research & Development projects. 

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £43,500

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Foundation Year fees for UK students are £6,000.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

You will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. However, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 0.5-1 TB SSD storage. Approximate costs may range from £800-£1500. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department, but you may nevertheless find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

In addition to academic requirements, we are looking for you to demonstrate a proven interest in computing and a clear understanding of what studying computer science entails. We are keen to see evidence of your interest in subjects that relate to applications of computer technology.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Once an offer has been made, applicants are invited to attend an Offer-holder Open Day (in person or virtual), where they can find out more about us and what it’s like to study Computer Science at UCL. Additionally, the Open Day gives you the opportunity to ask questions to the Admissions Tutor and students currently enrolled on the programme. 

The UCAS application is assessed by a central UCL team against the published entry criteria. Applicants with non-standard qualifications are referred to the Computer Science Admissions Tutor for review.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Computer Science
Computer Science

cs.undergraduate-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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