To study Computer Science at a UK university you almost always need A-level Maths, and the most selective courses want Further Maths too. Typical offers range from A*A*A at the very top to AAB to BBB at many strong universities. A-level Computer Science is not required. For 2027 entry, Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial's Department of Computing require the TMUA, and some Cambridge colleges also set the CSAT.
Computer Science is one of the most oversubscribed degrees in the UK, and the entry requirements are more mathematical than many applicants expect. The deciding subject is not Computer Science. It is Maths.
Required subjects
- A-level Maths: required by almost every UK Computer Science course, usually at A or A*.
- Further Maths: required or strongly expected at the most selective courses; welcome elsewhere. If your school does not offer it, universities take that into account, so mention it.
- Computer Science A-level: useful, never required.
- Physics is sometimes listed as helpful, rarely as required.
Choosing A-levels now? See the best A-levels for university.
Typical offers
| Type of university | Typical A-level offer |
|---|---|
| Most selective (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial and similar) | A*A*A to A*AA, with A* in Maths, often Further Maths too |
| Other highly selective universities | A*AA to AAA |
| Many strong universities | AAB to BBB |
Offers change each year and differ by course, so treat these as ranges and check each course page. Contextual offers can be a grade or two lower.
Is your personal statement strong enough?
Get a score out of 100, line-by-line feedback, before & after rewrites, and a 10-step improvement plan — in under 10 minutes.
Review my statement → From £7.49 · Results in under 10 minGet a free personal statement preview in September
Most applicants leave their statement until January and rush it. Leave your email and we’ll send you one reminder when the writing season opens, with a free preview of your statement — score, strengths, and what to fix.
One email in September. Unsubscribe any time — we never share your address.
Admissions tests for 2027 entry
| University | Test | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford | TMUA | Computer Science; Computer Science and Philosophy; Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Cambridge | TMUA (plus the CSAT at some colleges) | Computer Science |
| Imperial | TMUA | All Department of Computing courses, including joint Maths and Computer Science |
Oxford and Cambridge applicants must sit the TMUA in the October sitting (12 to 16 October 2026). Imperial also runs a January window (4 to 8 January 2027). How the test works: STEP and TMUA explained; every date: admissions tests for 2027 entry.
What makes a Computer Science application stand out
Most applicants have good grades and have done some programming. What separates strong applications is depth and thinking:
- A project you built and can explain: what problem it solved, what you tried that failed, what you would change. A small project understood deeply beats a list of languages.
- Mathematical curiosity: algorithms, complexity, logic, cryptography, or a maths competition, with something specific you learned.
- Reading beyond the syllabus, with a view on it.
The personal statement should show all three. Our Computer Science personal statement guide walks through each UCAS question.
Deadlines
Oxford and Cambridge closed at 18:00 on 15 October 2026. Most other Computer Science courses close at 18:00 on 13 January 2027. See UCAS deadlines for 2027 entry. Oxbridge applicants are interviewed in December: Oxford, Cambridge.
Check your Computer Science personal statement
Score yours with Statementory: a score out of 100, notes on every line and a 10-step plan, back in 5 to 10 minutes.
Related guides
- Computer Science personal statement guide
- STEP and TMUA explained
- Engineering entry requirements
- Economics entry requirements
Sources
- Imperial College London, TMUA
- University of Oxford, Admissions tests
- University of Cambridge, Admission assessments
- UAT-UK, ESAT and TMUA
Frequently asked questions
Do you need A-level Computer Science to study it at university?
No. Almost no UK university requires it. A-level Maths is the subject that matters, and Further Maths is required or strongly preferred at the most selective courses. Computer Science A-level is useful background but not an entry requirement.
Do I need Further Maths for Computer Science?
At the most selective courses (such as Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial) Further Maths is required or strongly expected. At most other universities it is welcome but not required. Check each course page, and if your school does not offer it, say so: universities take that into account.
Which universities need the TMUA for Computer Science?
For 2027 entry, Oxford (Computer Science and its joint courses), Cambridge (Computer Science) and Imperial (all Department of Computing courses, including Maths and Computer Science). Some Cambridge colleges also set the CSAT. Other universities may accept the TMUA without requiring it; check the course page.
What grades do you need for Computer Science?
Typical offers range from A*A*A at the most selective universities to AAB to BBB at many others, usually with a high grade required in Maths. Contextual offers can be lower.
Get your personal statement reviewed by AI — score, annotations, rewrites, and a 10-step plan in under 10 minutes.