How to Apply to Computer Science at Lancaster University: The Three-Year BSc and Four-Year MSci With Industrial Experience, Foundation Entry for Gaokao Students, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

At Lancaster University, computer science is taught by the School of Computing and Communications on the main Lancaster campus. UK undergraduate applications are made directly to a course through UCAS. Here is what you need to know for September 2027 entry, based on Lancaster’s official information, for students at high schools in China (Gaokao, A-level, IB and AP), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. Courses

• Computer Science BSc Hons (UCAS code G400): three years. Year 1 covers software development, digital hardware, the foundations of computer science and professional practice, plus mathematics such as logic, linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics. From year 2 you can specialise with options including concurrent and parallel systems, extended reality, internet applications and artificial intelligence.
• Computer Science (with Industrial Experience) MSci Hons (UCAS code G404): a four-year integrated master’s. Year 3 includes a long individual project, and year 4 includes 10–15 weeks in industry, arranged by Lancaster.
• Related courses: the course page also lists Computer Science (Study Abroad) BSc (G403), Computer Science with a Foundation Year BSc (G40F, which Lancaster describes as for Home students), and Mathematics with Computer Science.

2. Academic requirements: students at high schools in China

• A-level: AAB for the BSc and AAA for the MSci. Mathematics is not required, but Lancaster says applicants with A-level Computing, Computer Science or Mathematics will be considered for a lower offer. GCSE Mathematics 6/B and English Language 4/C are also required, with some flexibility.
• IB: the BSc requires 35 points with 16 from the best three HL subjects; the MSci requires 36 points with 16 at HL. HL Mathematics or Computer Science may earn a lower offer.
• Gaokao and High School Diploma: Lancaster states that the Chinese High School Diploma and Gaokao are not sufficient for entry; you need an additional qualification such as a foundation year. Lancaster names the partner differently: the course page refers to the Lancaster University International Study Centre, while the China page refers to INTO Lancaster University. Confirm before applying.
• AP: Lancaster’s published standard is for the US High School Graduation Diploma: GPA 3.2 to 3.4 plus three APs at 5,4,4 to 5,5,5 depending on the course. How AP is treated without a US diploma is not published; ask Admissions.

3. Academic requirements: students at Canadian high schools

• BC, Alberta, Manitoba and others: a high school diploma with a 70–87% average in five grade 12 academic courses, depending on the course.
• Ontario: a 70–87% average in six grade 12 U or M courses.
• Lancaster marks these equivalencies as 2026-entry guidance. The exact figure for computer science is not published; ask Admissions with reference to AAB (BSc) or AAA (MSci).

4. English requirements

• If English is not your first language, both the BSc and MSci require IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component.

5. How and when to apply

• All full-time undergraduate applications go through UCAS: G400 for the BSc, G404 for the MSci.
• Deadline: UCAS lists 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time as the equal consideration date for most 2027 courses. Lancaster’s own page says the 2027 deadline has not yet been confirmed, so rely on UCAS. Lancaster still accepts applications for most courses after this date, though some may close.

6. Transfer students

• Year 2 entry: considered for some courses case by case, through UCAS. Lancaster asks for:
  • your pre-degree qualifications, which should typically meet the year 1 requirements;
  • a list of your completed and current university modules, to check they cover Lancaster’s year 1 content;
  • passing your current year with upper second class marks;
  • a reference from a university teacher.
  If you do not meet these, you may be considered for year 1.
• No entry into year 3 or higher.
• Students on an integrated foundation year elsewhere may apply to start year 1 at Lancaster after the foundation year.

7. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: 2027/28 undergraduate fees are £31,700 a year for international students and £10,050 for Home students. International fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for your studies. There is also a £40 college fee. Study abroad and placement years are charged at 15% and 20% of the standard fee.
• Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship: £3,000 off tuition each year for international applicants who achieve A*AA or above (or equivalent) and make Lancaster their UCAS firm choice; awarded automatically.
• Undergraduate International Regional Scholarship: for international students from 12 countries and regions, including Canada (mainland China is not on the list); £3,000 off each year, assessed automatically on nationality or domicile and entry grades, and combinable with the Excellence Scholarship.
• Neither scholarship covers time away from Lancaster, such as study abroad or placement years.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• A-level: AAB for the BSc or AAA for the MSci; Mathematics or Computing may lower the offer; A*AA plus a firm choice earns the Excellence Scholarship
• IB: 35 points (BSc) or 36 (MSci)
• Gaokao students: take a foundation year first and confirm the partner with Lancaster
• IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each component); submit through UCAS by 13 January 2027

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

• A 70–87% average in five grade 12 academic courses; confirm the figure for computer science
• You are automatically considered for the £3,000-a-year Regional Scholarship

Transfer students:

• Year 2 entry needs upper-second marks, coverage of Lancaster’s year 1 content and a university reference; year 3 entry is not possible

Sources: Lancaster University, Computer Science BSc; Computer Science (with Industrial Experience) MSci; Undergraduate qualifications, including international equivalents; Students from China; How to apply and transfers; Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship; Undergraduate International Regional Scholarship; UCAS dates and deadlines. Information is for September 2027 entry; international equivalencies are marked by Lancaster as 2026-entry guidance. Check Lancaster and UCAS for the latest details.