Course starts: September 2027 Location: London, Bloomsbury

Computer Science MEng

Are you ready for a career in tech? With a strong emphasis on independent research, the four-year integrated Computer Science MEng at UCL provides you with the engineering expertise, practical computing skills, and academic discipline to help shape the next wave of computing innovation. This course has a Year in Industry and Study Abroad option available.

Key information

Full-time

4 academic years full time

UK: £9,790 per year
International: £46,700 per year

13 January 2027. Applications close at 6pm UK time.
Applications may stay open after this UCAS Equal Consideration deadline, please check UCAS for details.

Entry requirements

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

Grades: A*AB
Subjects: A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics required.
GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4

At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.

Select a UK qualification

Select your country

JavaScript is required to view international equivalencies. Visit UCL International for more information.

Additional entry tests

Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA)

For the 2027 cycle, alongside the UCAS application, UCL will require all applicants to the above programme to sit the TARA (The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) run by University Admissions Tests UK. TARA 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 including deadlines for when to register for the test can be found on University Admissions Tests UK website.

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 and International Education.

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.

About this course

The comprehensive Computer Science MEng at UCL allows you to build the broad base of technical skills and knowledge needed for a tech 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 result, you’ll develop a solid foundation in the fundamentals of modern 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 artificial intelligence, information security or software engineering.

With the opportunity to apply for five-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.

This course is for highly motivated students with a strong interest in computing, programming, and rigorous problem-solving. You should enjoy mathematics and want to develop advanced technical skills, undertake research, and apply computing to complex real-world challenges. It suits those aiming for careers in technical leadership, innovation or further postgraduate study in computer science and related fields.

Course structure

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 four-year course.

Year One:

In your first year, you’ll focus on developing a strong foundation in computer science. Through compulsory modules, you’ll explore key areas of computer science, including the theory of computation, principles of programming, algorithms, and mathematics.

Year Two:

Building upon your strong foundation, you’ll begin to explore more advanced areas of computer science with compulsory modules in areas including computer architecture, logic and database theory, software and systems engineering, and further mathematics. You’ll also complete a team project set by one of our industry partners as part of the Industry Exchange Network (IXN). If you choose to incorporate the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) into your studies, you will also begin your minor pathway in Year Two.

Year Three:

In your third year of study, your core modules will explore computation, complexity, emerging technologies and research methods. If participating in the IEP, you will continue with your IEP minor pathway. You’ll also choose from a broad selection of optional modules in computer science in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, cryptography and quantum computing.

Year Four:

In your final year of study, you’ll undertake a supervised research project/dissertation. Subject to availability, the final project may be carried out in collaboration with an approved industry partner through the Industry Exchange Network (IXN). You will also take a selection of optional modules, grouped into thematic areas of study, such as artificial intelligence, graphics and vision, information security and software engineering.

Modules

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).

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.

Compulsory modules

Introductory Computer Science Mathematics (COMP0276)
Algorithms and Theory of Computation (COMP0277)
Programming and Software Development (COMP0278)
Programming Language Concepts (COMP0279)

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 to practical activities such as workshops, demonstrations and visits, and work 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 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.

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 produce a substantive project or dissertation.

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

You should expect to have, on average, 12 to 15 contact hours per week during teaching term time.

Contact hours may vary depending on your 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, you are expected to dedicate approximately 15 hours per week to independent study. This may involve preparing for classes, completing assignments, and engaging in required reading or practical activities.

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fee comparison by study mode and student status.
Study mode	UK fee (2026/27)	Overseas fee (2026/27)
Full time	£9,790	£46,700

UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval 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. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.

International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.

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 need a modern computer (PC or Mac) with a camera and microphone. The minimum specification is 8GB of RAM and 500GB SSD storage (approximate cost £1200). The recommended specification is at least 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage (approximate cost £1700). If you undertake project work that is computationally demanding, UCL Computer Science will provide computational resources. However, you may find it helpful to have a modern Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) for local use (approximate cost £800 to £2000).

If you decide to do your dissertation/research project in collaboration with an industry partner, there may be additional costs associated with travel to the partner site. These costs will vary depending on the location of the industry partner and the frequency of visits required. However, most of our partners are in London, so you can refer to the TfL website for information on costs.

For students who take an optional industrial placement year, there may be additional costs associated with travel to the industry partner site. These costs will vary depending on the location of the industry partner.

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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. 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).

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.

Why study this course at UCL?

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 consistently ranked in the top-three cities for students in the world (QS Best Student Cities 2022-26).
Graduate from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.

Discover Uni

To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.

What this course will give you

Successful completion of this course ensures you are a well-rounded computer science professional. You’ll graduate with an advanced technical skillset, ideal for solving complex problems across a wide range of industries such as tech, finance, healthcare, research, the creative industries and much more.

You’ll also develop a strong foundational understanding of the advanced mathematics that underpins modern computer science. Together with strong analytical, practical, and research skills, you’ll have the knowledge and tools needed to thrive and adapt in this fast-paced and evolving sector.

This four-year, integrated Master’s degree is designed to provide you with significant research experience and understanding of research methods and approaches, making it the ideal preparation for further postgraduate and doctoral study.

Students from this course have gone on to highly skilled roles at Amazon, Bloomberg, Cisco, Google, Goldman Sachs Group, JP Morgan Chase and co., the NHS, and TikTok. Graduates earn a mean average salary of £53,840 within 15 months of graduating (UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2017–2023).

Banking and investment
Manufacturing
IT, technology and telecommunications
Retail and wholesale activities
Accountancy and financial services

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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.

Once an offer has been made, applicants are invited to attend an offer-holder open day in person or online 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 course.

The UCAS application is assessed by a central UCL team against the published entry criteria. Applicants with non-standard qualifications are referred onto the computer science admissions tutor for review.

Selection

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

Apply for this course

You are applying for the Computer Science MEng course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.

Course starts: September 2027

UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.

Got questions? Get in touch

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Computer Science

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Computer Science MEng

Key information