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Your questions answered

Applying to study Computer Science at York

What entry requirements do I need?

Our standard A level entry requirements for 2023 are:

  • MEng courses: A*AA including Mathematics
  • BEng/BSc Computer Science courses: AAA including Mathematics
  • MMath/BSc joint Computer Science and Mathematics courses: AAA including Mathematics

An A level in Mathematics (or equivalent qualification) is an essential requirement. This must be equivalent to at least a grade B or above for our single subject courses, and at least a grade A for our joint Computer Science and Mathematics courses. 

We accept other qualifications that are considered equivalent to A level standard. For applicants studying International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, Cambridge Pre-U, BTEC and other UK qualifications, please visit our course pages for more information.

If you are an international student, visit our guide to equivalent overseas qualifications for more information about qualifications from your country.

If we receive your application form and are impressed by your grades, personal statement and references, we will recommend you for an offer.

Can I visit York before applying?

Yes - the University holds a number of Open Days each year, giving you a chance to meet members of academic staff, admissions staff and current students.

This is a great opportunity to see where you might spend the next few years studying, ask any questions about the course or applying, and quiz current students on what life is really like at York!

Find out more about our virtual events, dates of upcoming events and register for email updates

Will I be invited for interview?

If we receive your application form and are impressed by your grades, personal statement and references, we will recommend that the University makes you an offer.

If you receive an offer from us, you will be invited to a Visit Day for offer holders, which is a great opportunity for you to find out more about us. You'll come and visit us in Computer Science, meet our academic staff, and chat with some of our students so that you can find out what it's really like to study at York.

Find out more about Visit days for offer holders

What are the benefits of a year in industry?

Our Year in Industry scheme gives you the opportunity to put what you have learnt into practice in a commercial environment, and provides you with invaluable experience which further enhances your study. The experience can also enhance your career opportunities on graduation, giving you an advantage in the job market. 

You will be paid a salary while on your year in industry: typical salaries are between £18-25k per annum outside of London, and £23-35k in London (1). In addition, you'll also pay a reduced tuition fee - for more information about this, visit the University's fees and funding page.

Read about how a year in industry enhances your employability

(1) Salary information extracted from department records.

Are international exchange schemes available?

The Global Programmes team offers a range of exciting opportunities through its links with top universities and employers all over the world. These opportunities help you prepare for your future career by studying, working or volunteering abroad.

Your time abroad can range from a short term cultural experience at one of our partner universities abroad, through to a study placement for a full academic year.

Find out more about global opportunities

Financing your study

What tuition fees do I need to pay?

You can find out about the University's tuition fees on our webpage about Fees and Funding.

What scholarships are available?

The University has a number of bursaries and awards available for new students – you can find out more on the University's Fees and Funding page.

You may also find our 'Living Costs' guide helpful if you are starting to plan your finances for university study.

Computer Science at York

How do I find the Department and the University?

The University of York is in the south-east of York, within a short bus ride of the city centre. The Department of Computer Science is located on Campus East.

York is easily accessible: situated almost halfway between London and Edinburgh, trains from London take under 2 hours; 2½ from Edinburgh. York is also well served by road links, being easily accessible from the A1, M1 and the M62.

Maps and directions

How far is Campus East from Campus West?

The Department of Computer Science is located on Campus East.

Campus East is approximately a ten minutes' walk away from Campus West. Traffic-free cyclepaths, footpaths and a free and frequent bus service across the University allow students to move easily between Campus East and Campus West.

What computer facilities do you have in the Department?

Our modern, purpose-built building is home to dedicated undergraduate software and hardware laboratories, with the software labs open to students 24/7. The Department also has its own social learning space, The Pod, with comfortable seating and plenty of desk space with power sockets.

All staff and students in the Department of Computer Science have access to the University's IT Services. This includes the provision of wifi connection on campus, advice on how to access services off campus, and printing, copying and scanning facilities. 

The Department of Computer Science provides comprehensive computing facilities for its staff (including Research students) and taught students. If you would like further technical information about these, please contact us.

What is York's approach regarding Covid-19?

As a prospective student or offer holder, we understand you may have concerns about Covid-19 and the impact this may have on your studies. We’d like to reassure you that we’re here to provide the support and advice you need.

Read more about the University's approach to Covid19 and how we keep our campus safe

Our courses

Do I need to have previously studied Computer Science?

You do not need to have previously studied Computer Science before you join us at York. The first year lays the foundation for the study of Computer Science, and will help to bring everyone to the same level.

We are, however, aware that many new undergraduate students come to us having previously studied Computer Science. If this applies to you, you can rest assured that you will learn something new and we're sure you will enjoy the new challenge that this will bring!

To help you make the transition to university, we've put together some resources which we hope you will find useful. These include links to free courses, tips on brushing up your skills and recommended reading.

Can I transfer between courses?

All our single-subject courses in Computer Science share a common first year, which provides you with the flexibility to transfer to another course, if you wish.

If you are looking to transfer from one of our Bachelors courses (BSc/BEng) to an Integrated Masters course (MEng), then we recommend that you contact the Computer Science Admissions Team in the first instance. Depending on your A level grades (or international equivalent), we may advise you to wait until you have completed your first set of end-of-module assessments.

Transfers from our combined courses in Computer Science & Mathematics (BSc / MMath) to one of our single subject courses in Computer Science (or vice versa) is not always possible, unless it is done at the very start of your first year. This is because you are likely to have missed too much teaching and it can be difficult to catch up. In these cases, we recommend that you speak to the Computer Science Admissions Team or your supervisor in the first instance. 

What will my workload be like?

The number of hours scheduled for lectures, programming classes, laboratory periods and tutorials is between 15 and 20 hours a week. However, much of the required learning is achieved outside the scheduled timetable. This means that will be need to be self-motivated, self-disciplined and willing to learn outside your contact hours. You will be supported by your supervisor, who can provide pastoral and academic guidance to support your studies.

Life at York

What accommodation is available?

Whether you live on or off campus, every student at York is a member of one of our eleven colleges. Colleges make the transition to university life smoother by providing a smaller community within the larger university, in which to make new friends and get involved in university life.

Your college is where you are likely to live for your first year at York, and you will remain part of the college community throughout your time at York. With a team of staff and student volunteers, colleges are your first point of support and guidance.

Find out more about the colleges at York and why they are the hub of support and social activities on campus.

What facilities are there for students at the University?

The University has many facilities for students, including sports and fitness amenities; shops, bars and restaurants on campus; a health centre and a student’s union. Find out more about what the University can offer.

The city of York

Where can I find out more about the city of York?

Looking for more information about the city of York and Yorkshire? Here are some links to external webpages that you might find useful:

After you graduate

What can you do with a degree in Computer Science?

As a graduate of Computer Science from York, you will develop a range of skills that are attractive to a wide range of employers. 

A Computer Science degree requires creative thinking, logical problem solving and tenacious persistence. It will equip you with the technical skills to enable you to contribute to the development of exciting new technologies, and the transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers.

Most of our graduates go into the field of IT/Computing, followed by Financial Services. Others go straight into industry, and some undertake further study such as a PhD.  

Find out more about where our graduates go after they have graduated.

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