If you are considering a career in technology, computer science can prepare you for work in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data systems, and computing research.
Europe is home to major technology companies, research centers, financial institutions, and universities offering computer science programs to domestic and international students.
The following list highlights five prominent European universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate study in computer science. Let’s take a look!
Top Computer Science Schools in Europe
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It offers undergraduate, taught postgraduate, and doctoral study in computer science.
Oxford’s Department of Computer Science developed from the Oxford University Computing Laboratory, which was established in 1957. The department describes itself as one of the longest-established departments of its kind in the United Kingdom and conducts research across computer science and related interdisciplinary fields.
The undergraduate Computer Science course can be completed as a three-year BA or a four-year integrated Master of Computer Science, known as the MCompSci. At the graduate level, Oxford offers programs including the MSc in Advanced Computer Science and the research-based DPhil in Computer Science.
2. University of Cambridge
Established in 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest universities. Its Department of Computer Science and Technology offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs covering theoretical and practical areas of modern computer science.
Cambridge’s undergraduate Computer Science course is available as a three-year BA honors degree. Students who meet the academic progression requirements may continue for a fourth year and earn both a BA and a Master of Engineering degree.
Postgraduate options include the nine-month MPhil in Advanced Computer Science, which is designed to develop advanced subject knowledge and research skills, and the PhD in Computer Science. The PhD normally takes three to four years of full-time study or five to seven years of part-time study.
3. EPFL – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, commonly known as EPFL, is a Swiss federal institute of technology specializing in education and research in science, engineering, computing, and related disciplines.
EPFL’s School of Computer and Communication Sciences offers a bachelor’s program in Computer Science. Its current master’s offerings include Computer Science, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Digital Humanities. The former master’s program in Communication Systems is no longer offered to new students from September 2025.
EPFL’s bachelor’s programs normally require 180 ECTS credits over three years. The Master’s in Computer Science requires 120 ECTS credits and offers specializations in AI and Data Science, Computer Systems, Foundations of Computing, and Cyber Security. Doctoral study is available through the Doctoral Program in Computer and Communication Sciences, which normally takes four to six years.
4. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a Swiss federal university specializing in science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and related fields. Its Department of Computer Science offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study.
The bachelor’s curriculum establishes foundations in mathematics, programming, algorithms, computer systems, and data processing. In the third year, students can select study areas including systems and software engineering, information and data processing, and theoretical computer science.
The Master’s in Computer Science is a two-year, 120-ECTS program taught in English. Its current specializations are Data Management Systems, Machine Intelligence, Secure and Reliable Systems, Visual and Interactive Computing, and Theoretical Computer Science. ETH Zurich also offers conventional doctoral study and a direct doctorate route for exceptionally qualified applicants.
5. Imperial College London
The Imperial College London focuses its education and research on science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business.
Imperial’s Department of Computing conducts research in areas including artificial intelligence, data science, programming languages, cybersecurity, software engineering, computer systems, and computing theory.
At the undergraduate level, Imperial offers a three-year BEng in Computing and several four-year integrated MEng programs. Postgraduate options include the MSc in Computing, MSc in Advanced Computing, specialist computing master’s programs, and research leading to a PhD.
We hope that this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in Europe was helpful. If you are interested, feel free to check out the Available Computer Science Programs for International Students!
