How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of Manchester: The Three-Year BSc and the Four-Year Programme with Industrial Experience, with Requirements and Timelines for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At the University of Manchester, undergraduate computer science is taught by the Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering. Degrees in England usually take three years. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on Manchester’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Programmes

• BSc Computer Science: UCAS code G400, three years. Manchester calls it the Department’s most flexible programme, with themes to specialise in during Years 2 and 3.
• BSc Computer Science with Industrial Experience: UCAS code G405, four years, with a year-long industry placement between Years 2 and 3 and the same entry requirements.
• Related programmes: Computer Science and Mathematics (with or without industrial experience) and Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year.
• Only one course: you can hold an offer for only one course in the Department of Computer Science for Year 1 entry. Applying to more than one uses up UCAS choices and will not be considered. Applying for Year 1 and the Integrated Foundation Year counts as two separate UCAS choices.
• No admissions test: there is currently no additional aptitude test.

2. Entry requirements

• A-levels: typically A*AA with A* in Mathematics (with a significant pure element) and one science from Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics; science practical elements must be passed.
• IB: 37 points with 7,6,6 at HL, including 7 in HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (the only maths accepted) and at least one HL science (Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry or Biology).
• GCSEs: typically five, including Mathematics at B/6, English Language at C/4 and three further academic subjects at C/4.
• Foundation: NCUK International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering students need A*AA with A* in Technical Mathematics plus Physics or Further Mathematics.
• Selection: mainly strong past and predicted results, plus enthusiasm for and understanding of the degree, interpersonal skills and achievements outside study.

3. Students at high schools in China

• Senior High School Diploma holders must complete a foundation year or Year 1 of university study to be considered for first-year entry, with a 90% average in Grade 12 and foundation or university studies with a significant maths component from a recognised institution, assessed case by case.
• With APs: the diploma may be considered without foundation study if taken with APs: GPA 3.6 or 90%, 5 in AP Calculus BC or AB (subscores not accepted), 5 in AP Physics or Computer Science, and 5 and 4 in two further APs.
• A-level or IB students apply directly using the requirements above.
• Check the year: the Department’s country page states its requirements are for September 2026 entry and reviewed each year, so confirm before applying.

4. Students at Canadian high schools

• British Columbia: the Certificate of Graduation with at least five Grade 12 subjects: 90% in Grade 12 mathematics or calculus (including Grade 12 AP Calculus AB), 90% in a Grade 12 science and 90% in three further academic subjects.
• Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia: the same 90% pattern. For Ontario, see Manchester’s Canada country page.
• English: 70% or B in the diploma meets the English requirement if Grades 10–12 were studied in Canada.

5. Transfer students

• No second-year entry, except through advanced entry programmes with partner institutions.
• No third-year transfers.
• Students transferring into Year 1 from another university need high grades in their most recent relevant studies as well as the Level 3 entry requirements.

6. English requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no subskill below 6.5.
• TOEFL iBT: 90 overall with no subskill below 22; on the 1–6 scale, 4.5 overall with at least 4.5 in all subskills.
• GCSE/IGCSE English Language at C/4 is also accepted; some IGCSE English as a Second Language boards require grade 8. Your test must be valid on the first day of Welcome Week.

7. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: £39,700 a year for international students starting in September 2027 (the industrial experience page lists the same figure). The fee for the placement year is not stated on the course page.
• Global Futures Scholarships: for students from listed countries starting in September 2027, £36,000 per undergraduate award (£12,000 a year for three years, with a 60% average required in Years 2 and 3), deducted from tuition. Canadian students are eligible; mainland China is not on the list. Canadian students who apply by the UCAS deadline receive a scholarship application form.

8. Timeline (September 2027 entry)

• 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time: equal consideration deadline. Courses with places left accept applications until 30 June 2027.
• Apply through UCAS.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• A-levels: A*AA with A* in Mathematics plus a science; IB: 37 with 7 in HL Maths AA
• Senior high school only: complete a foundation year or Year 1 of university (90% Grade 12 average), or apply with a 3.6 GPA plus four APs (Calculus 5, Physics or Computer Science 5, two more at 5 and 4)
• IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in every component, or TOEFL 90 (22 in each)
• Apply to only one Computer Science course through UCAS by 13 January 2027

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

• BC Certificate of Graduation with 90% in Grade 12 mathematics or calculus, a science and three further academic courses
• Apply by 13 January and look out for the Global Futures Scholarship form

Transfer students:

• No Year 2 or Year 3 entry; apply for Year 1 with high recent grades and the Level 3 requirements

Sources: The University of Manchester, BSc Computer Science; BSc Computer Science with Industrial Experience; BSc Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year; Undergraduate courses 2027; Department of Computer Science country-specific information; How to apply; Global Futures Scholarships. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check Manchester for the latest details.