MSc Computing
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.
- ✓ 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.
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with computer science master’s at other universities we work with.
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial ★ This programme | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £46,000 |
| Edinburgh QS #27 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £31,200 |
| King's College London QS #31 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £33,000 |
| TU Munich QS #28 | 🇩🇪 Germany | Master's | 2 years | €0 |
| Manchester QS #35 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £29,500 |
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
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 | |
Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pre-master's pathways — your counsellor will find the right route.
Core modules
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
Application timeline
Tuition fees & deposit
| Tuition (international) | Per annum | £46,000 |
| Deposit | Required before CAS / visa | £2,500 |
| IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) | Per year | £776 |
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.
Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Alternative funding options
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
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.
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.
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,483/month (in London) for 9 months — you must show this in your bank statements for the 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 | |
Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply to Imperial?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows this programme inside out.