A degree in computer science opens up a variety of opportunities in the IT and tech sectors, from web development to artificial intelligence. Recent data shows that graduate salaries vary widely depending on location, specialisation, employer, university, and experience. Below is an overview of what computer science graduates in the UK can expect, the highest-paying roles, and some tips to maximise earning potential.
Starting Salaries: What Graduates Can Expect
- In London, as of April 2025, the average salary for a computer science graduate is approximately £42,314, with the middle 50% ranging from about £39,000 to £48,000.
- Outside London, the median salary tends to be much lower. For example, salaries in the UK, excluding London, have a median of around £35,000 for graduates.
- According to Coursera’s UK guide, many entry-level computer science roles start between £30,000–£40,000, depending on specialisation and location.
These figures suggest that while London still commands a premium, graduates elsewhere can expect salaries significantly lower unless they specialise or join high-paying employers.
Top 5 High-Paying Computer Science Jobs in the UK
Not all computer science jobs are equivalent in pay. Specialising in hot fields or roles with high demand can lead to significantly higher salaries. Below are five of the highest-paying computer science job roles in the UK for graduates (or early-career professionals), along with what they typically pay and what skills are needed.
| Job Title | What the Role Involves / Why It Pays Well | Typical Salary* | Skills Needed |
| Cloud Solutions Architect | Designing and overseeing the infrastructure and services in cloud environments. Highly in demand due to cloud migration in nearly all major organisations. | £60,000 or more for early-mid career roles. | Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), infrastructure as code, networking, security, scalability. |
| Machine Learning / AI Engineer | Working with AI/ML models, data processing, model deployment, possibly research-based. Organisations pay well for talents who can improve products or build new capabilities. | £60,000–£100,000+ for experienced roles; early-career positions generally lower. | Strong programming (Python, etc.), statistics, data science, ML frameworks, possibly research experience. |
| Cybersecurity Specialist / Information Security Analyst | Protecting systems from threats, incident response, risk assessment. As cyber threats rise, demand for these roles remains high. | £50,000–£95,000 depending on seniority. For graduates, more like £40,000–£50,000+ in London. | Security fundamentals, network security, cryptography, certifications (e.g. CISSP, CeH), incident response. |
| Data Scientist | Analysing large datasets, drawing insights, building predictive models. Companies in finance, tech, healthcare, etc., pay well for these skills. | Early-career: £50,000; higher levels £70,000+. | Statistical and machine learning skills, data wrangling, programming (Python, R), data visualisation, domain knowledge. |
| IT Director / Head of Engineering | (Though not usually a graduate role, aspirational/management track). Overseeing technical strategy, team leadership, large-scale systems. High responsibility leads to high pay. | Often £70,000–£80,000+ at organisations of scale. | Leadership, broad technical knowledge, project management, communication, budgeting, strategy. |
*Salaries vary significantly by region, employer, and individual negotiation. Early-career salaries are lower; these figures are often for roles when slightly more experience or strong internships/placements are involved.
Graduate Employability Rate for a Computer Science Degree
According to the Guardian University Guide 2026 subject rankings for computer science, the universities with the highest rates of graduates in professional or further study within 15 months are:
- Imperial College London (98%)
- University of St Andrews (97%)
- University of Oxford (95%)
- University of Edinburgh (95%)
- Durham University (95%)
Graduates from institutions like Imperial often have higher early-career salaries, in some cases reaching £50,000 within six months of graduating.
Key Factors that Affect Early-Career Pay
Several variables influence how much a graduate in computer science can expect to earn:
- Location: Working in London or Southeast England generally yields higher salaries, often significantly more than in northern England, Wales, or Scotland.
- Specialisation / Skills: Proficiency in in-demand technologies (machine learning, cloud, cybersecurity, data infrastructure) can boost earning potential.
- University / Internship / Placement Experience: Graduates from top universities or those with relevant work or project experience tend to command better offers.
- Employer type: Big tech firms, finance, or specialised startups often pay more than smaller companies or public sector roles.
- Negotiation & Additional compensation: Stock options, bonuses, or other benefits can change total compensation substantially.
Suggestions to Maximise Salary Early On
- Seek internships, placements, and summer projects; these not only build skills, but often lead to graduate roles.
- Choose modules/electives in growing subfields (e.g. AI, security, data engineering).
- Develop strong programming, data, and cloud skills; contribute to open-source or personal projects to show practical ability.
- Consider studying in a high-signal university if feasible. It tends to help.
- Be ready to relocate; even moving to London for the first few years can make a difference.
Top Employers and Sectors Offering High Salaries
Certain employers and sectors tend to pay more, especially those with high technical demands or rapid growth (fintech, AI, cloud, cybersecurity). Some companies often cited as offering competitive salaries for computer science graduates include:
- Google and other big tech firms.
- Deliveroo — with reported average salaries for computer science-related roles around £67,980 in some cases.
- Revolut, BenevolentAI, etc. where specialist roles (e.g. machine learning, data engineering) are especially well-paid.
Sectors where demand is strong and pay is generally higher:
- Finance / Fintech
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud infrastructure & DevOps
- Big Data / Data Analytics
Top 10 Universities in the UK for Computer Science
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University of St Andrews
- Imperial College London
- University of Birmingham
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Dundee
- Durham University
- University College London
- University of Bristol
Eligibility to Study Computer Science
International students interested in pursuing a computer science degree in the UK must meet a range of academic and English language requirements. While entry standards vary between universities, typical requirements include:
Undergraduate level
- Successful completion of secondary education equivalent to UK A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB).
- Strong grades in mathematics, with some universities also requiring physics or further mathematics.
- Minimum IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall (with no component below 5.5–6.0), or an equivalent English language qualification.
Postgraduate level
- A good honours degree (2:1 or above) in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
- Professional experience in computing or IT may be considered for applicants without a directly related degree.
- Minimum IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall, with higher scores sometimes required for research-intensive programmes.
Some universities may also request a portfolio of coding projects, evidence of programming experience, or a personal statement highlighting motivation for studying computer science.
How to Apply to Study Computer Science
Applying to study computer science in the UK involves several key steps:
- Research universities and courses – Explore course content, entry requirements, tuition fees, and graduate prospects.
- Prepare supporting documents – Academic transcripts, proof of English language ability, references, and a strong personal statement are required.
- Submit an application – Applications for undergraduate study are made through UCAS, while postgraduate applications are submitted directly to universities.
- Attend interviews or tests (if required) – Some universities may conduct admissions interviews or require applicants to complete subject-specific assessments.
- Receive and accept offers – Offers may be conditional (based on achieving certain results) or unconditional.
- Arrange funding and visas – Secure scholarships or student loans where applicable, and apply for a UK Student visa.
Using our services: StudyIn provides free, expert guidance throughout the application process. Our consultants help students select suitable universities, edit personal statements, and prepare visa applications to maximise the chances of success.
Study Computer Science in the UK
Do you want to learn more about studying computer science in the UK? Arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today. Our experienced team will guide you through choosing the right course and university, supporting your application, and preparing you for life in the UK.
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