Study computing at the world's #2 university (QS 2025). Imperial's Department of Computing sits at the heart of London's tech industry, with specialist pathways in AI, machine learning, software engineering and security — and direct pipelines into the UK's biggest employers.
1 year
Full-time duration
£46,000
Tuition (international)
September 2026
Next intake
IELTS 7.0
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a university ranked 2nd in the world (and top-10 for computer science) (QS 2026)
✓ Join Imperial's Department of Computing — one of Europe's leading centres for AI research (High Fliers 2026)
✓ Qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa
This MSc gives you an advanced, research-led foundation in modern computing — from algorithms and distributed systems to machine learning, computer vision and security. You choose specialist modules and complete an individual project supervised by world-leading researchers.
Graduates move into software engineering, AI/ML and research roles at top firms — and qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa.
Compare options
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with computer science master’s at other universities we work with.
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
Entry requirements
What you'll need
Academic
Bachelor's (first-class / 2:1) in computing, mathematics or a related quantitative subject (GPA 3.3+)
English
IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5) or TOEFL 100
Documents
Transcripts, SOP, two references, passport
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Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pre-master's pathways — your counsellor will find the right route.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 Algorithms & Complexity
02 Machine Learning
03 Distributed Systems
04 Computer Vision & Deep Learning
05 Software Security
06 Individual MSc Project
After you graduate
Career outcomes
£48,000
Median starting salary for Imperial computing graduates
2-year visa
UK Graduate Route post-study work visa
95%
Employed or in further study within 6 months
Top employers
Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Bloomberg
How to apply
Application timeline
October – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, IELTS score, personal statement, and two references. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January – March 2026
Submit via Imperial portal
Apply through Imperial's online admissions system. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — Imperial computing is highly competitive, so early application is strongly recommended.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
Imperial typically responds within 4–8 weeks. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf and helps you accept your offer.
May – August 2026
Visa & accommodation
Pay your deposit, receive your CAS, apply for your Student Route visa, and arrange accommodation in London.
September 2026
Welcome week & start
Arrive in London for orientation and begin your MSc Computing programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & deposit
Tuition (international)
Per annum
£46,000
Deposit
Required before CAS / visa
£2,500
IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
Per year
£776
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Imperial and the UK government offer strong scholarship options for international students. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
Imperial Master's Scholarships
Imperial College London · Merit-based
£5,000–£10,000
Coverage: Partial tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International master's applicants with an outstanding academic record
Duration: Full programme length
Deadline: Varies — typically March for September entry
Source: imperial.ac.uk scholarships pages, 2026
Chevening Scholarship
UK Government · Fully funded
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + flights + visa
Eligibility: 2+ years work experience, return to home country
Duration: 1-year master's programmes
Deadline: November (for September start next year)
Source: chevening.org, 2026
Great Scholarships
British Council · Country-specific
£10,000
Coverage: £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Citizens of 15 eligible countries incl. Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Duration: 1-year postgraduate programmes
Deadline: Varies by university — typically March–May
Source: study-uk.britishcouncil.org, 2026
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Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International student loan · No collateral
Varies
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
Part-time work
Earn while you study in London
Up to 20 hrs/week
Student Route visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. London is the UK's tech capital — big tech, fintech, and hundreds of startups offer internships and part-time roles for students.
Living costs
Monthly budget in London
London has higher living costs than the rest of the UK, but puts you at the centre of the tech and finance industries — with unmatched access to employers, internships and networks.
Rent (student housing)£800–£1,400
Food & groceries£200–£320
Transport (Oyster)£90–£160
Mobile & internet£20–£35
Books & supplies£20–£40
Personal & leisure£130–£260
Estimated total£1,265–£2,220/month
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,483/month (in London) for 9 months — you must show this in your bank statements for the visa.
Student visa
Visa requirements for the UK
Visa type
Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4)
CAS required
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from Imperial
Financial proof
£1,483/month × 9 months = £13,347 (in London)
Health surcharge (IHS)
£776/year — covers NHS access
Visa fee
£490 (standard processing)
Post-graduation
2-year Graduate Route visa — work in any role
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Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Imperial's Computing MSc is intense but world-class — the individual project let me work on real AI research, and I had offers from two big tech firms before graduating. My counsellor guided the whole application."
AH
Ahmed H.
MSc Computing, Imperial — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"Studying at Imperial in the heart of London opened doors I never imagined — internships, meetups, employers all within reach. It's competitive, but my counsellor made the application and visa completely stress-free."
SF
Sara F.
MSc Computing, Imperial — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What background do I need for the Imperial Computing MSc?
You need a strong undergraduate degree (first-class or high 2:1, GPA 3.3+) in computing, mathematics, or a closely related quantitative subject, with solid programming experience. Imperial computing is highly selective, so a competitive academic record matters.
Can I stay and work in the UK after graduating?
Yes. The 2-year Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in any role — no job offer needed to apply. After that, your employer can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa. Software and AI roles are in very high demand across the UK, especially in London.
How much does it cost to live in London as a student?
Budget roughly £1,265–£2,220/month depending on accommodation and lifestyle. Rent is the biggest cost in London. The UKVI maintenance requirement for a London university is £1,483/month for up to 9 months, which you must show in your bank statements for the visa.
Does the programme include a project or placement?
The MSc includes a substantial individual project supervised by Imperial researchers, often in collaboration with industry. Ask your counsellor how to position your application towards research or industry-focused projects.
What is the IHS and do I have to pay it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year and gives you access to the NHS (UK's public healthcare). It's paid as part of your visa application — not optional for Student Route visa holders.
