Computer Science in Liverpool 2026: Top Universities, Fees & Entry Requirements

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Quick Answer: Liverpool offers excellent Computer Science programs at University of Liverpool (£22,950/year international, AAB entry), Liverpool John Moores University (£17,400/year, BBC entry), and Liverpool Hope University (£14,500/year, CCC entry). The city provides affordable living costs (£800-1,200/month) and strong tech job prospects with average graduate salaries of £28,000-35,000.

Liverpool has emerged as a significant tech hub in the UK, making it an attractive destination for Computer Science students in 2026. The city combines world-class universities with affordable living costs and a vibrant student community, creating an ideal environment for pursuing technology education.

Whether you're interested in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, or data science, Liverpool's universities offer comprehensive Computer Science programs that prepare students for the rapidly evolving tech industry. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying Computer Science in Liverpool.

Top Universities for Computer Science in Liverpool

University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool's Computer Science department is ranked among the top 30 in the UK for 2026. Their BSc Computer Science program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, with strong industry connections.

Entry Requirements:

  • A-Levels: AAB including Mathematics
  • IELTS: 6.5 overall (no component below 6.0)
  • International Baccalaureate: 35 points

Tuition Fees (2026):

  • UK Students: £9,250 per year
  • International Students: £22,950 per year

Key Features:

  • Accredited by BCS (British Computer Society)
  • Optional year in industry placement
  • Access to high-performance computing facilities
  • Strong research focus in AI and machine learning

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)

LJMU's School of Computer Science and Mathematics offers practical, industry-focused programs with excellent graduate employment rates of 95% within six months of graduation.

Entry Requirements:

  • A-Levels: BBC including Mathematics or Computer Science
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)
  • BTEC: DDM in relevant subject

Tuition Fees (2026):

  • UK Students: £9,250 per year
  • International Students: £17,400 per year

Key Features:

  • Strong industry partnerships with local tech companies
  • Modern labs with latest software and hardware
  • Optional sandwich year placement
  • Specializations in cybersecurity and games development

Liverpool Hope University

A smaller institution offering personalized attention and competitive fees, Liverpool Hope provides a supportive environment for Computer Science students.

Entry Requirements:

  • A-Levels: CCC including Mathematics
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall
  • Access to HE: 30 credits at Merit

Tuition Fees (2026):

  • UK Students: £9,250 per year
  • International Students: £14,500 per year

Key Features:

  • Small class sizes for personalized learning
  • Combined honors options available
  • Strong pastoral care system
  • Focus on ethical computing and social responsibility

Computer Science Course Structure and Specializations

Core Modules (Years 1-2)

  • Programming Fundamentals (Java, Python, C++)
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computer Systems Architecture
  • Database Design and Management
  • Software Engineering Principles
  • Mathematics for Computer Science
  • Web Technologies
  • Human-Computer Interaction

Specialization Options (Year 3)

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Cybersecurity and Network Security
  • Software Engineering and Development
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Games Development and Graphics
  • Mobile and Web Applications

Assessment Methods

  • Coursework: 60-70%
  • Examinations: 30-40%
  • Final year project: 20-30% of final year grade

Most universities offer opportunities to explore courses in related fields like Mathematics, Engineering, or Business as combined degrees.

Career Prospects and Graduate Outcomes

Computer Science graduates from Liverpool universities enjoy strong career prospects in 2026. The North West region has seen significant growth in tech employment, with Liverpool leading the way.

Graduate Employment Statistics

  • 94% of Computer Science graduates employed or in further study within 15 months
  • Average starting salary: £28,000-35,000
  • 78% work in professional or managerial roles
  • Top employers: IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, BT, Accenture, local startups
  1. Software Developer/Engineer (£25,000-45,000)
  2. Data Scientist (£30,000-55,000)
  3. Cybersecurity Analyst (£28,000-50,000)
  4. Web Developer (£22,000-40,000)
  5. AI/Machine Learning Engineer (£35,000-65,000)
  6. IT Project Manager (£32,000-60,000)

Living in Liverpool as a Computer Science Student

Cost of Living (2026 Estimates)

  • Student Accommodation: £400-600 per month
  • Private Rent: £300-500 per month (shared house)
  • Food and Groceries: £200-300 per month
  • Transport: £50-80 per month (student discount)
  • Entertainment/Social: £150-250 per month
  • Total Monthly Budget: £800-1,200

Student Life and Technology Scene

Liverpool offers an excellent quality of life for Computer Science students. The city hosts numerous tech meetups, hackathons, and networking events throughout the year.

Tech Communities and Events:

  • Liverpool Tech Meetup (monthly)
  • Ladies of Code Liverpool
  • Liverpool Startup Weekend
  • Digital City Festival (annual)
  • DoES Liverpool (maker space)

Transport and Connectivity

  • University Locations: All three universities are well-connected by public transport
  • City Center Access: 10-20 minutes from most campuses
  • Digital Infrastructure: High-speed internet across all student areas
  • Airport Connectivity: Liverpool John Lennon Airport with European connections

Part-time Work Opportunities

The growing tech sector provides numerous internship and part-time opportunities:

  • Junior developer roles: £8-12 per hour
  • Tech support positions: £7-10 per hour
  • University IT services: £8-11 per hour
  • Freelance web development projects

Application Process and Timeline

UCAS Application Timeline

  • September 2026: Applications open
  • January 15, 2027: Application deadline
  • March-May 2027: University decisions
  • May-August 2027: Results and confirmation

Required Documents

  • UCAS application form
  • Personal statement (highlighting programming experience, projects)
  • Academic transcripts
  • English language certificates (international students)
  • Portfolio of programming projects (recommended)

Tips for Strong Applications

  1. Demonstrate programming experience through personal projects
  2. Highlight mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills
  3. Show awareness of current technology trends
  4. Include any relevant work experience or volunteering
  5. Mention participation in coding competitions or hackathons

Financial Support and Scholarships

University-Specific Scholarships

  • University of Liverpool: International Excellence Scholarships (£5,000)
  • LJMU: Vice Chancellor's Scholarship (£3,000)
  • Liverpool Hope: International Bursaries (£2,000)

External Funding Options

  • British Council scholarships
  • Commonwealth scholarships (for eligible countries)
  • Chevening scholarships (postgraduate)
  • Industry-sponsored scholarships from tech companies

Liverpool represents an excellent choice for Computer Science students seeking quality education, affordable living, and strong career prospects. With multiple university options catering to different academic levels and financial situations, the city provides a comprehensive ecosystem for technology education and professional development.

Key Statistics

📊 94% of Computer Science graduates from Liverpool universities employed within 15 months of graduation

💰 Average starting salary ranges from £28,000-35,000 for Computer Science graduates in Liverpool

🎓 Liverpool hosts 3 universities offering Computer Science with fees from £14,500-22,950 for international students

📈 The North West tech sector grew by 23% in 2025-2026, creating over 15,000 new jobs

🏠 Student living costs in Liverpool average £800-1,200/month, 30% lower than London

🌐 Liverpool's digital sector employs over 45,000 people across 2,800+ companies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Computer Science courses in Liverpool universities?

Apply through UCAS by January 15, 2027, for September 2027 entry. You'll need to submit academic transcripts, personal statement highlighting programming experience, and English language certificates (for international students). Most universities also recommend including a portfolio of coding projects. The application process typically takes 6-8 weeks for decisions.

What are the entry requirements for Computer Science in Liverpool?

Entry requirements vary by university: University of Liverpool requires AAB including Mathematics with IELTS 6.5, Liverpool John Moores needs BBC with Mathematics or Computer Science and IELTS 6.0, while Liverpool Hope accepts CCC with Mathematics and IELTS 6.0. All universities value programming experience and mathematical aptitude.

How much does it cost to study Computer Science in Liverpool?

International tuition fees range from £14,500 at Liverpool Hope to £22,950 at University of Liverpool per year. UK students pay £9,250 annually at all institutions. Additional living costs average £800-1,200 monthly, including accommodation (£400-600), food (£200-300), and other expenses, making Liverpool 30% cheaper than London.

What career opportunities exist for Computer Science graduates in Liverpool?

Computer Science graduates enjoy excellent prospects with 94% employed within 15 months. Popular roles include Software Developer (£25,000-45,000), Data Scientist (£30,000-55,000), and Cybersecurity Analyst (£28,000-50,000). Major employers include IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, BT, Accenture, plus numerous startups in Liverpool's growing tech scene.

Which Liverpool university is best for Computer Science?

Each university has strengths: University of Liverpool offers Russell Group prestige and strong research focus, ranking in the top 30 UK Computer Science programs. Liverpool John Moores excels in industry connections and practical training with 95% graduate employment. Liverpool Hope provides affordable fees and small class sizes for personalized attention. Choose based on your budget, learning style, and career goals.

What programming languages are taught in Liverpool Computer Science programs?

All Liverpool universities teach core languages including Java, Python, and C++ in foundation years, progressing to specialized languages based on career tracks. Students learn JavaScript for web development, SQL for databases, R for data science, and emerging technologies like machine learning frameworks. Most programs emphasize learning multiple paradigms rather than focusing on single languages.

Key Takeaways

✅ Liverpool offers 3 universities with Computer Science programs ranging from £14,500-22,950 for international students

✅ Strong graduate employment rates of 94% within 15 months with average salaries of £28,000-35,000

✅ Living costs 30% lower than London, averaging £800-1,200 monthly for students

✅ Growing tech sector with major employers like IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, and numerous startups

✅ Entry requirements range from CCC to AAB, accommodating various academic backgrounds

✅ All programs offer industry placements, modern facilities, and specializations in AI, cybersecurity, and data science


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