London is among the best cities to study, where you can find the top universities in computer science. Some of its institutions were ranked within the top 100 Computer Science and Information Systems Universities of QS World University Rankings in 2021. Besides these schools and their top-caliber education, you can also have a fulfilling campus life in London. From academic events to extra-curricular activities to endlessly fun social life, you’ll never run out of experiences in the home of Big Ben.
That’s why we will discuss some of London’s best computer science universities. Make sure to review the list below and choose which best suits you!
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in London
1. Imperial College London
Imperial College London, a public research university, was established in 1907 through Prince Albert’s vision of building a cultural area in South Kensington. Its focus fields are business, medicine, science, and technology through its three faculties and one school. More than 23,000 students from around 145 countries are enrolled at the institution, including over 8,000 staff.
With its focus on science and technology, Imperial College London is one of the best universities for computer science in London. It also offers computer science in conjunction with engineering. Its program is called Bachelor of Engineering in Computing. For three years of study, students in this program undergo training through the completion of core modules. The program requires completing an individual project and a software engineering project.
Similarly, the master’s program is offered through the engineering discipline and takes four years to complete if taken along with the bachelor’s program. Most of the advanced courses are taken during the fourth year, and industrial placement and an individual project are required. After that, students can proceed to a Ph.D. studentship, a research-driven, fully-funded program. Note that Ph.D. admission is highly competitive and requires a distinction between a master’s or first-class degree.
2. University College London
The University College London, commonly called UCL, is among the largest universities in the United Kingdom based on student enrolment. Established in 1826 under its former name, London University, it was London’s first higher institution. It was also the first to be secular in England, accepting students from varying religious backgrounds. The school’s main campus is located in Bloomsbury, but some facilities and buildings are in Central London. It has over 10 faculties, including the Faculty of Engineering, which offers computer science degree programs.
Its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science includes learning through a problem-based approach and team collaboration. Study duration lasts three years, with the first year being the most crucial as all courses offered are core subjects. To complete undergraduate studies, students at this top computer science school must submit individual projects during their third year.
Meanwhile, the master’s program in computer science at UCL offers advanced learning in computer science theory and software engineering. Students also learn about teamwork, which is an ideal competency in industry or research. When taken full-time, the program only takes one year to complete. From there, graduates can pursue higher industrial positions or proceed to a Ph.D. The university’s doctoral program may be full-time or part-time for at least five years.
3. King’s College London
King’s College London is among the top universities for computer science in London. Founded in 1829, the institution is among the oldest in England. It has five campuses across London, with the Strand campus being the founding campus. Degree programs are offered across nine faculties, including the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences, which offers computer science courses.
KCL offers a three-year bachelor’s degree program in computer science. Students are required to take the program full-time. The first two years are dedicated to learning about programming, databases, artificial intelligence, and computer systems, among other topics. The last year is allotted to individual projects, where students are expected to create sophisticated software based on their interests.
King’s College London offers a four-year master’s degree program in computer science. The program includes undergraduate study in the first three years. The school makes it easier for students to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s in succession. Moreover, you can proceed to a postgraduate research or Ph.D. program at the university. This program is available for full-time and part-time studies and takes three to six years.
4. Queen Mary University of London
The Queen Mary University of London joins the list of the best for computer science in London. With a history dating back to 1785, it merged with several colleges before becoming the modern university known today. The institute has five campuses across London, further organized into faculty, departments, and schools. It is also home to more than 32,000 students.
Like other universities in the city, Queen Mary University of London offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degree programs. And like other universities, the bachelor’s program takes three years to complete and one year for the master’s. However, the institution also has a bachelor’s program that includes industrial experience and another that requires a year abroad.
5. Brunel University London
Brunel University London, named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a Victorian engineer, was established in 1966. It has three colleges and research institutes, with over 16,000 students and over 8,000 international students representing 153 countries. The Department of Computer Science has one of the largest undergraduate populations in the university.
It offers undergraduate degrees related to computer science that allow students to learn about developing software solutions and handling business-related problems. As such, its three-year bachelor’s program includes project-based activities, where students work with their hands first and individually in their last year.
The school also offers a more specific postgraduate program, the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. You can take it part-time, but full-time scheduling means you can complete the program in just one year. Compared to that, the Ph.D. programs can take up to three years after full-time study.
In conclusion, many institutions in London are among the best in offering excellent computer science programs. These schools combine an extensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse community to provide students with an exceptional educational experience. With the help of the universities listed above, students can get more valuable job opportunities in computer science and other related fields in the future.
We hope this article on London’s best computer science universities was helpful. Make sure to visit our Study in the UK and the Open Courses in the UK sections to learn more about studying opportunities and available programs in the United Kingdom!
