A 2:1 outside computer science
The minimum is an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent international qualification, in a subject other than computer science or information technology.
Master's · UCL Computer Science
UCL Computer Science MSc: a conversion course, the maths evidence and the deadlines
UCL's Computer Science MSc is a one-year conversion course that starts in September 2027. Its page asks for an upper second-class degree in a subject other than computer science or information technology, with evidence of mathematics to at least A-level standard and standard computational thinking skills. The personal statement is limited to one A4 page, and the closing date depends on whether you need a visa.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What UCL asks for in UCL Computer Science MSc
Taken from the UCL graduate course page for the Computer Science MSc (course starts September 2027) and read on 2 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
Maths to A-level standard
Evidence should show suitable mathematical skills to at least Mathematics A-level standard. If you have no A level in mathematics, the CV should highlight that your degree includes modules covering the content of one.
Programming is core
The programme is intended for those new to computer science, but applicants must have standard computational thinking skills because programming is a core part of the course.
Deadlines depend on visa status
Applicants who require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 22 March 2027, closing at 5pm UK time. Applicants who do not require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 27 August 2027, closing at 10am UK time.
One A4 page and two references
The personal statement should not be longer than one A4 page and answers set questions. The course requires two references.
One year, ending in a project
The course is full-time over one calendar year and ends in a substantial project, with a company or a research group.
Official sources
Read on 2 November 2026 on the UCL graduate course page for the Computer Science MSc (course starts September 2027), which describes 2027-28 entry. The English language requirements, the country-specific equivalent qualifications, the contact-hours and assessment details, the fee and funding sections, the department's own pages and the application guidance pages were not read and are not stated.
Fit
Who the course is for, and who it is not for
The page calls the course a conversion course and sets a degree in computer science or information technology outside the entry rule, which includes subfields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Software Engineering.
A graduate from another discipline
This is the profile the page describes: those who want to complement existing scientific knowledge with computer science skills, or switch career paths.
A computer science graduate
The page excludes degrees in computer science or information technology, including subfields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Software Engineering. Look at other master's courses instead.
A graduate with no A level in mathematics
The CV should highlight the degree modules that cover A-level mathematics content. The page warns that applications missing this evidence will not be processed unless it is submitted before the closing deadline.
Decision
What a conversion year asks of you
The page lists a compulsory core that starts from Introductory Programming and ends in a project. The readings below are Avandy's judgment (heuristic), not UCL's.
The core
Introductory Programming, App Engineering, Computer Architecture and Operating Systems, Algorithmics, Database Fundamentals and the MSc Computer Science Project. Optional modules include Functional Programming, Interaction Design, Software Engineering and Machine Learning for Domain Specialists.
The project
A substantial project, either with a company to solve a real-world problem or with a research group at UCL Computer Science. Choose the route that matches whether you want industry or research next.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
A year is short. Applicants who have already tried programming, even through self-directed study, will find it easier to write the statement the page asks for and to prepare for Term 1.
Application
The statement, references and timing
The page sets out exactly what the one-page personal statement should answer.
Statement questions
How your academic and professional background meets the demands of the course, what mathematics experience you have, what programming experience you have, why you want this MSc and why you want to study Computer Science at UCL.
References and the application limit
Two references are required. An applicant may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses in any application cycle.
Timing
The department aims to decide within six to eight weeks of a complete application. The page says no late applications will be considered and that applicants with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early.
Planning
Planning for the September 2027 start
The page describes a September 2027 start, and the dates above belong to that cycle.
What to do now
Check the degree subject against the rule, gather the evidence of mathematics, write the one-page statement around the five questions and request two references. Re-read the page before submitting, because UCL says module content and availability can change.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can a computer science graduate apply for the UCL Computer Science MSc?
No. The page asks for a degree in a subject other than computer science or information technology, and describes the course as a conversion course.
Do I need an A level in mathematics?
You need evidence of mathematical skills to at least A-level standard. If you have no A level, the CV should highlight that your degree includes modules covering the content of one.
How long can the personal statement be?
The page says it should not be longer than one A4 page.
When do applications close?
For applicants who require a visa, at 5pm UK time on 22 March 2027; for those who do not, at 10am UK time on 27 August 2027. No late applications will be considered.
How many references are needed?
The page says the course requires two references.
Students and families
Talk to us about the UCL Computer Science MSc
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.