
- UCAS course code
- G700
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- BSc
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades A*AA including A* in mathematics.
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
Grades AAA including Mathematics.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
37 points overall, with 7,6,6 in Higher Level subjects, including 7 in Mathematics.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.
- Number of places/applicants
The Department of Computer Science receives in the region of 3000 applications per year for 300 places across our undergraduate degree courses.
- How to apply
Apply through UCAS
This course is now closed to applications for 2021 entry. However, we may still consider your application if you meet our contextual data criteria. We use contextual data alongside your undergraduate application in order to build up a full and rounded view of your achievement and potential. Please use our online tool to check your eligibility. If your overall result is WP or WP Plus then you may submit an application. Please note that applications will still be considered against our published entry requirements and would not be guaranteed an offer. Applications from those who are not flagged as WP will not be considered and will be withdrawn.
- UCAS course code
- G700
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- A broad and flexible course that provides the freedom to choose from an extremely wide range of Computer Science topics
- Equips students with skills that are in high demand from industry
- World's first stored-program computer developed here in 1948
Open days
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages .
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Computer Science
- Contact name
- Undergraduate Admissions Officer
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4017
- ug-compsci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way. Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades A*AA including A* in mathematics. This should include Mathematics with a significant pure element (the Use of Mathematics or Core Mathematics does not satisfy this requirement). General Studies is welcome, but is not normally included as part of the standard offer.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including:
5 GCSES at Grade A/7 or B/6 (both numeric and letter grade) including:
- mathematics (please note we do not accept Applied GCSE Mathematics courses e.g. WJEC Mathematics - Numeracy)
- two science subjects from computer science, physics, chemistry, biology or science and additional science
English Language is required at GCSE level with a minimum Grade of C / 4. GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.
International Baccalaureate
37 points overall, with 7,6,6 in Higher Level subjects, including 7 in Mathematics.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. Detailed information on our international entry criteria is available on the Department of Computer Science website
For general requirements not listed above see Accepted entry qualifications from your country
Scottish requirements
Or:
Three Advanced Highers at grades AAB, including Advanced Highers Mathematics with grade A. Two Highers in different subjects can replace one of the other two Advanced Higher subjects.
We also require grade 1 in five academic Intermediate 2 subjects, or grade A in five National 5 subjects, including mathematics and a physical science subject. If a physical science has not been taken at Higher/Advanced Higher we require two science subjects at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grades AB / Intermediate 2 grades AB / Standard Grade Credit level).
English Language not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade 3).
Welsh Baccalaureate
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We require an average of 85% including a minimum of 85% in mathematics studied for at least 5 periods per week and assessed by a final written examination. A scientific bias to the specialist subjects studied.
AQA Baccalaureate
Foundation year
Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering in 2020 , are required to achieve A*A* A with grade A* in Mathematics and grades A* A including Further Mathematics or Physics, and an EAP score of B. A good performance in local examinations before starting the foundation year, particularly in mathematics and physical science, is also required.
- Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic Department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DDM in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade M plus two A levels at grades A*A including A* in Mathematics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two GCE A levels including Mathematics. Our A level entry requirements are grades A*AA including A* in mathematics and the full National Extended Certificate can be used to replace one of the other two A levels.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DDM in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM plus two A levels at grades A*A including A* in Mathematics.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics. Our A level entry requirements are grades A*AA including A* in mathematics and the full Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate can be used to replace one of the other two A levels.
Access to HE Diploma
Cambridge Pre-U
Conditional offers will be set on an individual basis but are likely to include achieving grade D1-D3 in three Principal Subjects including a D2 in mathematics.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
A Core Maths qualification does not satisfy the requirement of achieving A level Mathematics for Department of Computer Science courses.
Home-schooled applicants
If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines
Non-standard educational routes
Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family. The University understands that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.
The University recognises that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course. Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
- IELTS Overall 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each component) , or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
This course is now closed to applications for 2021 entry. However, we may still consider your application if you meet our contextual data criteria. We use contextual data alongside your undergraduate application in order to build up a full and rounded view of your achievement and potential. Please use our online tool to check your eligibility. If your overall result is WP or WP Plus then you may submit an application. Please note that applications will still be considered against our published entry requirements and would not be guaranteed an offer. Applications from those who are not flagged as WP will not be considered and will be withdrawn.
Advice to applicants
Factors contributing to a successful application include:
- past academic performance;
- predicted academic performance;
- enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
- evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.
How your application is considered
Applicants applying from outside the UK will be sent a link to access Virtual Visit Day content after you have received your offer.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
One of the challenges in computing is to make computers demonstrate intelligent behaviour, so that they can solve new problems or cope with the unknown. Current achievements include image and voice recognition, and NASA's Mars Rovers. By combining the study of artificial intelligence and traditional computing techniques with an understanding from psychology of how humans learn, these degree programmes prepare you for a career applying computing in challenging applications.
Artificial intelligence related topics covered include techniques for representing and reasoning about knowledge, including approaches in machine learning in which general patterns are learned from examples. These programmes give you the opportunity to study these techniques, and their application in areas such as computer vision, games, natural language processing and the semantic web.
Detailed programme and course unit information is available here
Special features

For me, when a student develops a confidence in their own abilities is a good measure of success. I hope we instil the ability to learn new skills, and a confidence going out into the real world with them.
Knowing what you know, thus knowing where you would best fit in a job role, is a very important skill.
Gavin Brown / Professor in Machine Learning
- Allows you to design and develop all aspects of artificial intelligence systems.
- All topics are taught by experts in their field.
- Students can make course unit choices that allow them to change between the Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Distributed Computing programmes at the end of the first year.
-
Course units and themes of relevance to Artificial Intelligence include:
- Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence.
- Artificial Intelligence Programming.
- Machine Learning and Games.
- Natural Language, Representation and Reasoning.
- Visual Computing.
Teaching and learning
At Manchester we aim to provide a unique experience. Studying Computer Science with us will give you the chance to follow your academic curiosity and explore a fascinating subject.
A significant amount of your work will be project-based team work, tackling real problems. You will see how computer science is directly applicable to solving problems, across a broad range of areas.
The emphasis throughout is on independent learning, supported by regular meetings in small groups with personal tutors. You receive practical help and support from experienced staff and postgraduates, with leading experts guiding your learning and stimulating your interest. This approach is supported by conventional lectures and comprehensive on-line learning resources. We also provide excellent facilities, including specialist laboratories to support areas such as engineering and robotics.
Coursework and assessment
Unseen examinations account for about 60% of the assessment. These assess your abilities in the selection and application of knowledge, problem solving, and the design and evaluation of software or electronics. Other assessment is mainly through laboratory-based coursework that provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of computer science of electronic principles by tackling specific problems on a more realistic scale, both individually and in groups.
The remaining assessment is through presentations and essays where, in particular, you demonstrate the transferable skills you have acquired. In the third and final year, the non-examination assessment is mainly made up of the practical project.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
First Year Team Project | COMP10120 | 20 | Mandatory |
Mathematical Techniques for Computer Science | COMP11120 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Computation | COMP11212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Computer Engineering | COMP12111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Data Science | COMP13212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Computer Architecture | COMP15111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Operating Systems | COMP15212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Programming 1 | COMP16321 | 20 | Mandatory |
Programming 2 | COMP16412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Software Engineering 1 | COMP23311 | 10 | Mandatory |
Software Engineering 2 | COMP23412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to AI | COMP24011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Machine Learning | COMP24112 | 10 | Mandatory |
Knowledge Based AI | COMP24412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Programming Languages & Paradigms | COMP26020 | 20 | Mandatory |
Algorithms and Data Structures | COMP26120 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Management | BMAN10011 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Technological Change | BMAN10252 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Third Year Project Laboratory | COMP30040 | 40 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Corporate Finance and Financial Instruments | BMAN20242 | 10 | Optional |
Technology, Strategy and Innovation | BMAN20792 | 10 | Optional |
Managing Business Operations | BMAN20811 | 10 | Optional |
New Product Development and Innovation | BMAN20821 | 10 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN20832 | 10 | Optional |
Global Contexts of Business and Management | BMAN21012 | 10 | Optional |
Chinese Business | BMAN24501 | 10 | Optional |
Organisations and Employment | BMAN24521 | 10 | Optional |
Management of Knowledge and Innovation | BMAN30010 | 20 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages .
What our students say
I always has the mind-set in my degree that I was learning how to learn. I feel like the BSc in Computer Science gives you a very holistic view of the subject, all the way from logic gates to high-level modules like Computer Vision.
Seb Masaru, BSc Computer Science
The community, the Department, the University, and the city itself are so vibrant in Manchester. You get the sensation that the people here are all extremely approachable.
Facilities

As you would expect from leaders in the field, we offer some of the most up to date facilities in the world. Amongst the wide range of facilities available to you are:
- Newly refurbished computing labs furnished with modern desktop computers, available with Linux and Windows
- Access to world leading academic staff
- Collaborative working labs complete with specialist computing and audio visual equipment to support group working.
- Over 300 Computers in the department dedicated exclusively for the use of our students.
- Access to a hardware library, with top of the range equipment, including drones, robots and oculus rifts.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

Here at Manchester, we encourage and support all our students to gaining industrial experience during their study.
This not only enables them to broaden and deepen their skills by combining academic knowledge with practical experience in the workplace, but also connects them with potential employers to help shape their future career.
Dr Duncan Hull / Lecturer & Employability Tutor
Employers, from large multinational firms such as EA Electronic Arts , IBM and Microsoft to small local organisations, actively target our students, recognising that Manchester Computer Science graduates are equipped with the skills that enable them to excel in a whole host of positions, including many that are not traditionally associated with computing graduates.