Which University Should I Choose for Computer Science?

Welcome to your go-to guide for studying Computer Science in the UK! where we analyse top universities, from elite programs to more accessible options.

When we think about choosing a University we always compare different Universities with all kinds of different indexes such as student satisfaction, ranking, graduate prospect, or other index. 

These index scores definitely help to give you an idea of which university you’re interested but sometimes it can be hard to decide between 2 universities when both their index’s values are very similar and here is when this blog comes into play!

In this blog, I will try to provide some insight into my suggested universities as a current student myself so you can better understand the decision you need to make before the deadline.

Using this Guide To Help Your Search

To make it easy we will break down the Universities into three different tiers as Elite, Highly Competitive and Accessible, from the best of the best to a more accessible choice.

We’ve done the research so you don't have to! Two Universities will be suggested from each tier so it’s easier for you to decide on your 5 choices in UCAS and possibly decide your Firm and Insurance Choice. After comparing you can gain some insight on this blog on some of the universities suggested. Enjoy!

Elite Universities

1. Imperial College London

Entry Standards: 100% 

Student Satisfaction: 79%

Research Quality: 98%

Graduate Prospects: 97%

Imperial College London has always been a firm choice for many students considering pursuing STEM majors in university. It is a competitive university that provides students with the best resources and facilities.

For example, Imperial owned a supercomputer cluster that students could use for topics like machine learning, algorithm training, and more. There are also good quality labs in Imperial which could potentially help student that doesn't has a laptop or pc. Imperial is one of the very few universities that has an exchange program with a university like MIT.

Imperial is located in central London which provides its students with a lot more opportunities due to its strategic location and thanks to its reputation in many industries, it is now considered as one of the best-targeted schools by many companies as it has successfully produced many promising students in the past. Not to mention Imperial tends to have more practical projects compared to other universities which helps keep students competitive in the job market.

Its Computer Science course may be too intense for some people due to its huge workload and steep learning curve. This could mean longer hours spent studying and doing coursework which may cause more mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and more and some aspects of social life might be sacrificed as well to keep up academically.

However, this depends on how students manage their time and study efficiently.

To add on it is very easy to have Imposter Syndrome as you will be surrounded by some of the brightest minds and a lot of time it can feel rather overwhelming.

Imperial is located in South Kensington, one of the most expensive areas in the whole United Kingdom. This could translate to higher costs from outings to food and rent.

2. University of Cambridge

Entry Standards: 98% 

Student Satisfaction: (n/a)%

Research Quality: 90%

Graduate Prospects: 97%

Cambridge has always been one of the most prestige universities in the UK and there is definitely something that differentiates Cambridge from the others.

One of the unique features that Cambridge has that helps differentiate itself is their supervision system, where multiple students (2-3 students) will meet in a small group with a faculty member and discuss on things like course material, problem set or any question they have in mind. The faculty member will provide students with more personalised feedback and give them the necessary guidance they need on their academic work. This supervision system helps students gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and reduces possible misunderstandings in the study material.

Cambridge has a strong reputation in terms of math and it is also reflected in its year 1 & year 2 curriculum which is considerably math intensive. This is particularly useful for students who are particularly interested in entering math-heavy industries such as machine learning, data science and more.

A huge part of a university is about its culture, Cambridge has a really strong entrepreneurial culture, with many successful tech startups originating from its computer science department. This helps create a startup Ecosystem which helps you meet like-minded people who are eager to start their journey in launching their own ventures. Not to mention Cambridge has the Silicon fen that could potentially provide more networking and career opportunities to students at Cambridge.

However, some students may find Cambridge’s traditional teaching methods, such as lectures and supervision, less engaging compared to more modern, interactive approaches used at other universities. Cambridge provides excellent theoretical knowledge for students which helps them further their studies(master/PhD) in their specific domain. However, this may come at the expense of the practical skills and hands-on experience of the students in some cases.

Alternative Options

The University Of St Andrews for a small-town experience.

• Entry Standards: 95% 
• Student Satisfaction: 82%
• Research Quality: 79%
• Graduate Prospects: 94%

The University Of Glasgow for a big city experience.

• Entry Standards: 94% 
• Student Satisfaction: 73%
• Research Quality: 90%
• Graduate Prospects: 94%

Highly Competitive Universities

3. University of Edinburgh

Entry Standards: 97% 

Student Satisfaction: 71%

Research Quality: 93%

Graduate Prospects: 93%

The University of Edinburgh is particularly distinguished in the field of robotics thanks to “The Edinburgh Centre for Robotics” that’s a centre that’s collaborated between the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-watt University. It mainly focuses on the creation of innovative robotic systems that can interact with complex and changing environments, for example, the research that's done on ANYmal robots to function in extreme environments.

To add on, the University of Edinburgh also has the “Bayes Centre” which is an innovation hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Named after Thomas Bayes, a statistician and philosopher known for Bayes' Theorem. The research at Bayes Centre focuses on developing new methods in analytics, machine learning and AI. Students will also get to work with start-ups, spin-out companies and industrial collaborators in the fields of Data technology, Design Informatics, Maths and Robotics. 

The computer Science program has always been a popular choice at the University of Edinburgh, particularly in the past decade. This may have increased the class size for the program which may impact the level of individual attention and support students receive from instructors.

4. University of Warwick 

Entry Standards: 90% 

Student Satisfaction: 75%

Research Quality: 94%

Graduate Prospects: 93%

The University of Warwick has an impressive Computer Science course that covers topics in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field. Warwick is renowned for its great reputation in Math & STEM subjects and strong interdisciplinary ethos. The university encourages collaboration across departments so computer science students can easily engage in interdisciplinary projects and studies. This is facilitated through joint programs and elective courses that span multiple disciplines, such as the intersection of computer science with mathematics, engineering, and business​.

Warwick has been fostering a strong relationship with the tech industry for quite a while now. For example, Students and researchers at Warwick have the opportunity to work directly with Jaguar Land Rover on joint research initiatives, particularly in areas like electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI) for automotive applications, and advanced manufacturing techniques. This includes extensive industry partnerships, which could translate into numerous collaborative projects, internships, and placement opportunities for students. These relationships are nurtured through initiatives like the Warwick Ventures and the Warwick Science Park, which promote innovation and entrepreneurship​.

Coventry is a relatively small town compared to its neighbours like Nottingham or Birmingham, which may translate to a less lively atmosphere and more of a laid-back lifestyle. So, if you’re someone who’s looking into the vibrant social scene or perhaps a bustling nightlife you may need to consider the additional time and money spent to travel to other cities during the weekend. 

Alternative Options

The University Of Bath for a small-town experience.

• Entry Standards: 86% 
• Student Satisfaction: 77%
• Research Quality: 84%
• Graduate Prospects: 94%

The University Of Bristol for a big city experience.

• Entry Standards: 82% 
• Student Satisfaction: 74%
• Research Quality: 92%
• Graduate Prospects: 92%

Accessible Universities

5. University of Southampton

Entry Standards: 78% 

Student Satisfaction: 71%

Research Quality: 90%

Graduate Prospects: 91%

The University of Southampton is renowned for its research output and educational quality, particularly in the field of Computer Science. Student often has a lot of research opportunities such as undergraduate research experience placements and Interdisciplinary research. A lot of the faculties at the University of Southampton will offer Undergraduate research experience placements such as the placement offered by Ocean and Earth Science. Follow this link to check it out!

The Computer Science program at Southampton is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their degrees according to their interests and career goals. This flexibility enables students to specialise in niche areas within computer science, enhancing their expertise and Employability. However, with the university's strong focus on research, some undergraduates might feel that the research interests of the faculty overshadow the teaching aspects, which can sometimes result in less availability for student consultation and guidance.

6. University of Leeds 

Entry Standards: 76% 

Student Satisfaction: 66%

Research Quality: 91%

Graduate Prospects: 88%

The University of Leeds is famous for frequently incorporating new teaching methodologies and technologies into its curriculum. For instance, the use of virtual reality in some courses allows students to experience immersive learning environments, which can be particularly beneficial in fields like engineering and architecture.

Unlike many other institutions, Leeds places a strong emphasis on comprehensive student support. It doesn’t stop at just academic counselling but also extensive mental health support and financial advice. Moreover, it is also well known for its nightlife and societies which is a huge part of the whole “university experience”. 

Alternative Options

The University Of Dundee for a small-town experience.

• Entry Standards: 78% 
• Student Satisfaction: 81%
• Research Quality: 85%
• Graduate Prospects: 91%

The University Of Birmingham for a big city experience.

• Entry Standards: 74% 
• Student Satisfaction: 81%
• Research Quality: 94%
• Graduate Prospects: 96%

 References & Sources

• Index Scores for Computer Science Universities
• Imperial MIT Exchange Program
• Imperial Supercomputer cluster
• Cambridge Student Support
• Warwick Graduate Program with JLR
• Edinburgh University Robotics 
• Edinburgh Bayes AI Centre
• Southampton University Interdisciplinary Research
• Southampton Research Opportunities