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Undergraduate · UCL Computer Science

UCL Computer Science BSc: entry, the TARA and subjects

UCL's Computer Science BSc asks for an A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics and a test that is not mathematics-specific: the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions, or TARA. Applicants who have prepared for the TMUA or ESAT for other universities should not assume the same test applies. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, because UCL has not yet published its 2028-entry requirements.

Official information · last verified for 2027 entry

What UCL asks for in Computer Science

Taken from UCL's official Computer Science BSc course page and last verified on 20 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.

A*A*A with an A* in Mathematics or Further Mathematics

The A-level offer is A*A*A, with an A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics required, and the contextual offer is A*AB. At least two A levels should come from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects. UCL also asks for GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4. In the IB the offer is 40 points, with a total of 20 points in three Higher Level subjects including a 7 in Mathematics, and the contextual IB offer is 38 points with 18 points in three Higher Level subjects including a 7 in Mathematics and no Higher Level score below 5.

IB Mathematics: both courses accepted, Analysis and Approaches preferred

UCL accepts either IB Mathematics course at Higher Level, but says Analysis and Approaches is preferred. At least two A levels should be taken from UCL's list of preferred subjects.

The TARA is compulsory, and it is not a mathematics test

UCL required all applicants to sit the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), run by University Admissions Tests UK. The TARA is a non-subject-specific test designed to assess essential skills required for undergraduate study.

A three-year BSc

The course is full-time over three academic years, UCAS code G400. In Year 1 compulsory modules cover the theory of computation, principles of programming, algorithms and mathematics.

Official sources

Last verified on 20 October 2026 for 2027 entry, on UCL's Computer Science BSc course page. Test sittings, registration deadlines, fees and application deadlines are cycle-specific and are not stated. UCL's other degrees are separate programmes.

The programme

A three-year BSc with a mathematical foundation

UCL's Computer Science BSc is a three-year full-time degree. Year 1 is built on compulsory modules in the theory of computation, principles of programming, algorithms and mathematics, so the mathematics is part of the course, not only a gate to it. The A-level requirement reflects that: an A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Reading the offer

Mathematics or Further Mathematics, and preferred subjects

The A* can come from either of two subjects, which is more flexible than courses that name Mathematics alone.

The A* subject

UCL requires an A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics. A student with both can decide which to treat as the A* subject.

Preferred subjects

At least two A levels should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects. Read the list on UCL's site before choosing your third subject.

GCSEs

UCL asks for GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

The IB

40 points with a total of 20 points in three Higher Level subjects including a 7 in Mathematics. Either IB Mathematics course is accepted at Higher Level, but Analysis and Approaches is preferred.

The test

The TARA: a different kind of test

UCL required all applicants to sit the TARA, which UCL describes as a non-subject-specific test designed to assess essential skills required for undergraduate study. It is run by University Admissions Tests UK, as are the TMUA and ESAT, but it is a different test. Do not assume that preparation for the TMUA or ESAT, which other universities use for mathematics-heavy courses, covers it. Check the test provider's pages for the format and the sittings that apply to your cycle.

Comparing courses

Course by course, not subject by subject

Computer Science applicants often apply to several universities that use different tests: Oxford and Cambridge use the TMUA or related tests, Imperial's Mechanical Engineering MEng uses the ESAT, and UCL's Computer Science BSc used the TARA. Read each course page for what it requires, and avoid carrying one university's rule over to another.

Planning for 2028 entry

Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication

Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.

Offers, subject rules and the TARA requirement: last verified for 2027 entry

These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.

Application deadline, test sittings and registration windows: awaiting publication for 2028 entry

Check UCL's course page and the test provider's key dates for the 2028-entry values when they appear.

What to do now

Secure Mathematics, and Further Mathematics where your school offers it, and plan the test preparation around the specific tests each university on your list requires.

Support

Independent support with course strategy and preparation

Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with UCL or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor working within one advisory plan. Support is tailored to the student, and no outcome is promised.

Questions

Questions applicants ask

Does UCL Computer Science require the TMUA?

No. For 2027 entry UCL required the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), which is not a mathematics-specific test. UCL's Economics BSc is a separate programme with a different test.

Do I need Further Mathematics?

UCL requires an A* in either Mathematics or Further Mathematics. It does not require both.

Is Analysis and Approaches required in the IB?

UCL accepts either IB Mathematics course at Higher Level, but says Analysis and Approaches is preferred.

What GCSEs does UCL ask for?

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Are these the rules for 2028 entry?

No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.

Students and families

Talk to us about UCL Computer Science

Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Further Mathematics, the other universities on the list and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.

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