How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of Bristol: A*AA With A* in Maths, IB 38 and Score-Ranked Selection, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

Computer Science at the University of Bristol is taught on the Clifton campus. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on Bristol’s official information, for students at high schools in China (including A-level/IB students at international schools), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. The courses

• BSc Computer Science (G400): three years full-time; part-time study is not available.
• MEng Computer Science (G403): an integrated four-year master’s with the same entry requirements.
• Also in the admissions statement: MEng Computer Science with Innovation (G404) and MEng Computer Science with Study Abroad (entry by transfer only). The subject page also lists Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics and Computer Science.
• Content: early years cover algorithms, programming paradigms, the mathematics and statistics behind computer science, computer architecture, concurrent and networked computing, human-computer interaction and software development tools; Year 2 includes a team software project for a real organisation; the final year has options and an individual project. Topics mentioned include high-performance computing, machine learning, cryptography, artificial intelligence and algorithms.
• Accreditation: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

2. Entry requirements: A-level and IB

• A-level: standard offer A*AA including A* in Mathematics; contextual offer AAB including A in Mathematics.
• IB: 38 points with 18 at Higher Level, including 7 in HL Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation); contextual offer 34 with 17 at HL and 6 in HL Mathematics.
• GCSE: no specific subjects, but GCSEs count toward your score.
• Selection: applications are scored and ranked on academic record, 20% GCSE and 80% A-level (or equivalent). Personal statements and references are not normally considered; if many applicants share a score, the personal statement may be used, looking at additional academic preparation, mathematics or computer science competitions and activities, and personal factors. Interviews are not routine.
• Preferred subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computing, Engineering, IT, Further Mathematics, Physics, Psychology.
• Applicants with results: those who have not met the published A-level Mathematics requirement will not be considered under any circumstances and must resit or take another suitable qualification.
• Other: deferred applications and resits are considered; applicants unsuitable for the course may be offered a related course.

3. Students at high schools in China

• Diploma plus AP: applicants with the Senior High School Graduation Diploma (or a US-accredited school diploma) and at least three AP tests are considered, normally with 5s and a strong transcript. Required subjects must be met with AP, and any course asking for maths needs AP Calculus BC at 5, which applies to Computer Science. Bristol’s China page does not mention direct Gaokao entry.
• International Foundation Programme: students who complete Bristol’s IFP or a suitable partner foundation and meet the degree requirements will be considered. The IFP’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics pathway leads to degrees including computer science.
• International school students: apply with A-levels or the IB as above.
• University students: one year at an acceptable Chinese university is considered for Year 1 entry.

4. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• British Columbia, Yukon and Nunavut: the Grade 12 Senior Secondary Diploma with an 85%–90% average in five Grade 12 subjects.
• Ontario: six Grade 12 U/M courses at 80%–90%, studied in person; online or distance study is not accepted.
• Mathematics: Bristol’s Canada page does not state a maths grade for Computer Science, only that some courses set grades in relevant subjects. Since an A* in Maths is required, take Grade 12 maths (such as Calculus) to the highest level and confirm with Bristol.

5. Transfer students

• The admissions statement says transfers into Year 2 or 3 are not considered under any circumstances. Students with university study apply for Year 1 and must meet the entry requirements.

6. English requirements (Profile E)

• If English is not your first language, you need one of: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills; GCSE English Language C/4; or another qualification in Bristol’s Profile level E.

7. Fees and scholarships

• Fees (first year, 2027 entry): £10,050 for Home students; £34,700 for international students. Fees are reviewed annually and may rise each year.
• Think Big scholarships: Bristol’s flagship scheme, worth £6,500 or £13,000 for up to four years for undergraduates. The 2026 round closed on 10 April 2026; check Bristol for 2027 arrangements.

8. UCAS application and timeline

• 1 September 2026: UCAS applications can be submitted.
• 13 January 2027: UCAS January deadline; applications before it are guaranteed equal consideration.
• Because of demand, Bristol may hold some applications until May; applicants who meet the January deadline hear by the UCAS May deadline, most much earlier.
• Personal statement: from 2026 entry, three questions with 4,000 characters in total.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• International school students: A*AA with A* in Maths, or IB 38 (18 at HL, 7 in HL Maths); GCSEs are 20% of your score
• Senior high school students: diploma plus three APs, normally 5s, including AP Calculus BC at 5; or Bristol’s IFP STEM pathway
• IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in all skills
• Submit to UCAS by 13 January

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• BC: an 85%–90% average across five Grade 12 courses; take maths to the highest level and confirm the maths requirement
• Submit to UCAS by 13 January and watch for Think Big scholarships

Transfer students:

• No entry into Year 2 or 3; students with university study apply for Year 1

Sources: University of Bristol, Computer Science subject page; BSc Computer Science; MEng Computer Science; 2027 Computer Science admissions statement (PDF); China entry information; Canada entry information; International Foundation Programme pathways; International scholarships; UCAS 2027 entry dates and deadlines, personal statement format. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check Bristol for the latest details.