Get degree ideas using our A level explorer tool

Computer Science

Entry requirements


A level

A*,A*,A*

A*A*A* with an A* in Mathematics, and minimum of one Science subject in the remaining A-Levels at A*. This should include Mathematics with a significant pure element (the Use of Mathematics or Core Mathematics does not satisfy this requirement). Science subjects include Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive. Typical Contextual Offer: A*AA including A* in Mathematics, and a minimum of one Science subject in the remaining A-Levels. This should include Mathematics with a significant pure element (the Use of Mathematics or Core Mathematics does not satisfy this requirement). Science subjects include Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances. Our standard academic requirements include 60 credits in a science or engineering-related subject, with 45 credits at Level 3 with a Distinction grade. A minimum of 15 credits must be in Mathematics. Students are also required to have a grade A* in A Level Mathematics with a pure element.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D2,D2,D2

D2 in three Principal subjects, including Mathematics and a Science subject. Science subjects include Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. We also consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, in three distinct subjects. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including: 5 GCSES/iGCSES at Grade A/7 or B/6: 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 or Combined Science English Language is required at GCSE/iGCSE level with a minimum Grade of B/6. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language. Students eligible for a contextual offer will be required to evidence English language proficiency at GCSE English Language grade C/5.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

39

39 points overall with 7,7,7 in Higher Level subjects, including 7 in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Applicants should be studying a minimum of one Science subject at Higher Level. Science subjects include Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry or Biology. For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only. Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

D*D*

We consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering with grades D*D in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics and grade A* in a second A Level subject. OR The Cambridge Technical Diploma in any subject with grades D*D, in combination with a grade A* in A Level Mathematics and grade A* in A Level Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

D*

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry in any subject at grade D* provided it is in combination with two A levels at grades A*A* including A* in Mathematics and A* in a Science subject. Science subjects include Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic department(s) you plan to apply to.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

D*DD

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering with grades D*DD, in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics and grade A* in a second A Level subject. OR The Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in any subject with grades D*DD, in combination with a grade A* in A Level Mathematics and grade A* in A Level Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

D*D

We consider the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics and one Science subject. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma with grades D*D plus two A levels at grades A*A* including A* in Mathematics and A* in Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

D*D

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering with Grades D*D in combination with grade A* in A Level Mathematics and grade A* in a second A Level subject. OR The National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grades D*D in combination with grade A* in A Level Mathematics and grade A* in A Level Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D*

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry in any subject at D* provided it is in combination with two GCE A Levels at grades A*A* including A* in Mathematics and A* in a Science subject. Science subjects include Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic department(s) you plan to apply to.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

D*DD

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in Engineering with grades D*DD in combination with a grade A* in A Level Mathematics and grade A* in a second A Level subject. OR The National Extended Diploma in any subject with grades D*DD in combination with a grade A* in A Level Mathematics and grade A* in A Level Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

D*

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A Levels including Mathematics and one Science subject. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade D* plus two A levels at Grades A*A* including A* in Mathematics and A* in Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

We normally require grades AAAAA in Scottish Highers, including Mathematics and two science subjects. In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers AAA (including Advanced Highers Mathematics and an Advanced Highers Science subject). or Two Advanced Highers AA (including Advanced Highers Mathematics and an Advanced Highers Science subject) , plus two Highers with grades AA in two different academic subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade B/ Intermediate 2 grade B/ Standard Grade Credit level grade2). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.

We normally require grades AAAAA in Scottish Highers, including Mathematics and two science subjects. In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers AAA (including Advanced Highers Mathematics and an Advanced Highers Science subject). or Two Advanced Highers AA (including Advanced Highers Mathematics and an Advanced Highers Science subject) , plus two Highers with grades AA in two different academic subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade B/ Intermediate 2 grade B/ Standard Grade Credit level grade2). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic Department(s) you plan to apply to.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and requires two A Levels including Maths and one Science subject to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

UCAS Tariff

168

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

You may also need to…

Attend an interview

Perform an audition

About this course


Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Computer science

Through the development of new applications in science, engineering, and business, Computer Science is radically changing the way in which we experience our world. This programme equips students with the skills needed to contribute to this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Computer Science is our most flexible programme, allowing you to chose course units to reflect your developing and changing interests. Furthermore, a wide range of themes from across the discipline allow you to specialise in the second and third years.

You will gain not only knowledge and practical experience of the latest technologies, but also a grounding in the underlying principles of the subject. It is this combination of skills that enable our graduates to keep pace with this fast moving subject, and secure rewarding careers that can be pursued almost anywhere in the world.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

Extra funding

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.

The Uni


Course location:

University of Manchester

Department:

Department of Computer Science

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

66%
Computer science

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Computer science

Teaching and learning

59%
Staff make the subject interesting
72%
Staff are good at explaining things
70%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
82%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

66%
Library resources
72%
IT resources
84%
Course specific equipment and facilities
49%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

44%
UK students
56%
International students
80%
Male students
20%
Female students
91%
2:1 or above
9%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A*
A
A

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Computer science

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£27,000
med
Average annual salary
95%
med
Employed or in further education
87%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

82%
Information technology and telecommunications professionals
4%
Artistic, literary and media occupations
3%
Information technology technicians

This is a newly-classified subject area for this kind of data, so we don’t currently have very much information to display or analyse yet. The subject is linked to important and growing computing industries, and over time we can expect more students to study them — there could be opportunities that open up for graduates in these subjects as the economy develops over the next few years.

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Computer science

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£35k

£35k

£42k

£42k

£50k

£50k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

Share this page

This is what the university has told Ucas about the criteria they expect applicants to satisfy; some may be compulsory, others may be preferable.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Course location and department:

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here