How to Apply to Computer Science at the University of Southampton: The Three-Year BSc and Four-Year MEng, A-Level Mathematics, No Direct Gaokao Entry, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At the University of Southampton, computer science is taught by the School of Electronics and Computer Science within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, on the Highfield campus. UK undergraduate applications are made directly to a course through UCAS, and Southampton’s institution code is S27. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on Southampton’s official information, for students at high schools in China (Gaokao, A-level and IB), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Courses

• Computer Science BSc (UCAS code G400): three years full time, covering algorithmics, data management, software design and modelling, interaction design and cyber security, with recent advances such as machine learning and computer vision. Southampton says no previous computing experience is needed; you choose your own level for the first programming module.
• Computer Science MEng (UCAS code G401): a four-year integrated master’s that covers the main areas of computer science before advanced topics.
• Year in industry: the MEng page lists Computer Science with Industrial Studies (UCAS code 10II), with a paid placement year at a partner company; the placement-year fee is 20% of the standard annual fee.
• Switching: all computer science courses share the same compulsory modules in years 1 and 2, making it easy to switch between them. The same subject area also includes Artificial Intelligence (BEng I400 / MEng I401) and Computer Engineering (BEng I800 / MEng I801).
• Accreditation: the BSc is accredited by the BCS and the IET; the MEng is accredited by the BCS and by the IET as fully meeting the academic requirement for Chartered Engineer registration.

2. Academic requirements: students at high schools in China

• A-level (2027/28): the BSc requires AAB including Mathematics at grade A; the MEng requires AAA including Mathematics at grade A. With an EPQ, the BSc offer can be ABB (Mathematics A) plus an A in the EPQ. Southampton also asks for GCSE English and Mathematics at 4/C or an equivalent.
• IB: the BSc requires 34 points with 17 at Higher Level, including 6 in HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 in HL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation; the MEng requires 36 points with 18 at HL and the same mathematics.
• Gaokao: Southampton accepts the Gaokao for many degrees, but states that none of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences undergraduate degrees accept it. Computer science is in this faculty, so direct entry with the Gaokao is not possible.
• Foundation routes:
  • Southampton’s foundation year for engineering, maths or physics leads to 19 engineering, maths or physics degrees. Chinese applicants need a Senior High School Certificate (2 or 3 years) with at least 85% overall and 85% in maths and physics. The course page says applicants without A-level mathematics can apply for this foundation year; check with Southampton which computing courses it leads to.
  • OnCampus undergraduate foundation programmes include an engineering and physical sciences route; you need completed senior secondary education and IELTS 4.0 (no element below 4.5), and successful completion secures a place on your degree.
• AP: the China page does not say how AP is used; ask Southampton.

3. Academic requirements: students at Canadian high schools

• Equivalencies: provincial diplomas typically need at least 81% across 5 or 6 grade 12 subjects. Southampton lists AAB (BSc) as an 83% average in five academic subjects and AAA (MEng) as 85%; BC uses five subjects, while the OSSD and New Brunswick use six.
• Mathematics: the course needs at least an A in A-level Mathematics; Southampton does not say how Canadian courses meet this, so take grade 12 mathematics (calculus) and confirm with the university.
• IB: Southampton says Canadian IB applicants typically need 30 to 36 points; computer science follows the course page’s score and HL mathematics requirement.

4. English requirements

• IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening (2027/28 course pages).
• If you fall short, pre-sessional English courses are available before your degree starts.

5. How and when to apply

• Apply through UCAS with institution code S27: BSc G400 or MEng G401. Southampton aims to process applications in 2 to 6 weeks, though January applications near the deadline may take substantially longer.
• UCAS equal consideration date: for most 2027 courses, 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time.

6. Transfer students

• The course pages do not give conditions for entering year 2 from another university. Contact enquiries@southampton.ac.uk before applying.

7. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: the BSc and MEng pages list annual fees of £33,000 for EU and international students and £10,050 for UK students. The pages do not state the academic year, so check the latest figures. Accommodation and living costs are extra.
• 75th Anniversary Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships: for new international undergraduates from eligible countries; China is eligible (Canada is not).
  • Value: £3,000 off tuition each year for up to 4 years, up to £12,000.
  • Awarded automatically with a conditional or unconditional offer for any full-time on-campus undergraduate programme except Medicine.
  • You must pay overseas fees and be a permanent resident of an eligible country.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• A-level: AAB for the BSc or AAA for the MEng, with Mathematics at A
• IB: 34 points (BSc) or 36 (MEng) with the required HL mathematics
• Gaokao students cannot apply directly; consider the engineering, maths or physics foundation year (85% overall and in maths and physics) or an OnCampus foundation
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each band); submit through UCAS by 13 January 2027

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

• An 83% average in five grade 12 academic courses for the BSc, 85% for the MEng
• Take grade 12 mathematics and confirm how it meets the A-level Mathematics A requirement
• Prepare IELTS 6.5 if English is not your first language

Transfer students:

• Year 2 entry conditions are not published; email Southampton first

Sources: University of Southampton, Computer Science BSc; Computer Science MEng; Entry equivalencies: China; Entry equivalencies: Canada; 75th Anniversary Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships; UCAS dates and deadlines. Information is for September 2027 entry. Check Southampton and UCAS for the latest details.