How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of Birmingham: A*AA With A in Maths, IB 32 and 80% in Both Gaokao Total and Maths, with Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

Computer Science at the University of Birmingham is taught in person on the Edgbaston campus. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on Birmingham’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

• Computer Science BSc (G400): three years, starting in September, accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
• With a Year in Industry BSc (G401): four years.
• Computer Science MSci (I101): an integrated four-year master’s; versions with a year in industry or study abroad are also offered.
• Related courses: Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science BSc, Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng and others, each with its own requirements.
• Content: Year 1 builds foundations including the mathematical and logical foundations of computer science; Year 2 covers databases and the formal basis of programming languages. Modules include object-oriented programming, databases and web programming, artificial intelligence, and data structures and algorithms. Students build software in teams, and Birmingham has industry links with companies including IBM and ARM.

2. Entry requirements: A-level and IB

• A-level: A*AA including A in A-level Mathematics, from three A-levels. BTEC is only accepted with other qualifications that include A-level Mathematics, and BTEC IT is not accepted with A-level Computer Science.
• IB: 7, 6, 6 at Higher Level including 6 in Mathematics, with at least 32 points, plus 5 in Standard Level English.
• One-grade-lower alternative offers: STEP at grade 2, or an EPQ, grade 8 music or county-level sport, can bring a one-grade-lower alternative offer if Birmingham is your firm choice, with A in Mathematics still required.
• Contextual offers: eligible UK students automatically receive an offer one grade lower: AAA including A in Maths or Further Maths.
• Foundation: UK students without A-level Mathematics can take a foundation year, and international foundation programmes are available.

3. Students at high schools in China

• Gaokao: Birmingham accepts the Gaokao for direct entry, requiring at least 80% overall, and 80% in Gaokao Mathematics where A-level Maths is required, as it is for Computer Science. For a province with a 750 total and 150 for maths, that means 600 overall and 120 in maths; a provincial table is on the Gaokao page.
• Senior high school: alternatively, the graduation certificate with an 85% average in Years 11 and 12, including 85% in subjects required at A-level (here, Mathematics).
• International school students: apply with A-levels or the IB as above.
• Foundation: Birmingham runs its own international foundation programmes with progression to its degrees.

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

• British Columbia: the Grade 12 Senior Secondary Diploma with an 87% average in five Grade 12 subjects for A*AA (85% for AAA).
• Ontario: six Grade 12 U, U/C or M courses averaging 87% for A*AA; A-level subject requirements must be met at U, U/C or M level.
• Mathematics: Computer Science requires maths, so take Grade 12 maths; the Canada page does not state a subject grade, so confirm with Birmingham.

5. Transfer students

• The course page does not describe entry into Year 2 from another university, and Birmingham publishes no rules for it. Contact the admissions team before applying.

6. English requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5.
• TOEFL: tests before January 2026, 80 overall (Reading 19, Listening 19, Speaking 21, Writing 19); tests from January 2026, 4.5 overall with at least 4 in each skill.
• Offer holders who have not met the English requirement can take a Presessional English course instead of resitting.

7. Fees

• International students: £33,300 a year for 2027/28 (the same for the BSc, Year in Industry and MSci). The first-year fee stays the same for the whole degree, and a year in industry or abroad is charged at 50%.
• UK students: £10,050 for 2027/28.
• Scholarships: Birmingham offers scholarships for international students; see its scholarship pages for current awards.

8. UCAS application and timeline

• International and UK students both apply through UCAS.
• Deadline: 13 January 2027, 18:00 GMT.
• Personal statement: from 2026 entry, three questions with 4,000 characters in total.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Gaokao 80% overall and 80% in Maths; or an 85% average in Years 11 and 12 with 85% in Maths
• International school students: A*AA with A in Maths, or IB 32 (HL 7, 6, 6 with 6 in Maths, and 5 in SL English)
• IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each band) or TOEFL 4.5
• Submit to UCAS by 13 January 2027 with code G400, G401 or I101

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

• An 87% average across five Grade 12 courses, including Grade 12 maths

Transfer students:

• No transfer conditions are published; contact admissions before applying

Sources: University of Birmingham, Computer Science courses; Computer Science BSc; Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc; Computer Science MSci; Gaokao entry requirements; Canada entry requirements; Tuition fees; UCAS 2027 entry dates and deadlines, personal statement format. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check Birmingham for the latest details.