Computer Science at Anglia Ruskin sits apart from ARU's Nursing, Business, and Psychology programmes already covered elsewhere, drawing on a genuinely different academic track across ARU's Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses. Like the rest of ARU's degrees, it follows an access-oriented admissions model rather than the comparative review used at more selective universities.
This article covers entry requirements, fees, admission documents, English-test rules, and career outcomes for Computer Science at ARU.
Entry Requirements
ARU does not publish an institution-wide acceptance rate. ARU's general guidance states that "published entry requirements are a guide only" and that decisions are based on overall suitability, with admission assessed against A-levels, the International Baccalaureate (ARU's general guidance references a minimum around 24 IB points, though this varies by course), or a recognized equivalent/foundation qualification. We found no evidence of a Computer-Science-specific academic threshold distinct from ARU's general undergraduate approach in the sources reviewed.
Fees and Cost of Attendance
Computer Science students pay ARU's standard undergraduate international fee.
| Programme level | 2026/27 international fee | 2027/28 international fee |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (standard) | £17,500/year | £18,825/year |
| Undergraduate accelerated (2-year, Cambridge only) | £20,500/year | £21,975/year |
The UK's Student visa financial (maintenance) requirement is currently £1,023/month for study outside London (ARU's Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle campuses are all outside London). For the full picture, see the Anglia Ruskin University guide.
Admission Requirements
- Completed UCAS application (or direct application route for some international students)
- GCE A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or a recognized equivalent/foundation qualification
- Academic transcripts, with certified English translations if not originally in English
- Evidence of English proficiency (see below)
- Foundation-year and ARU College pathway options are available for students who don't meet direct-entry requirements
How to Get Into ARU's Computer Science Programme
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Confirm your qualification maps to ARU's accepted equivalencies. ARU accepts a wide range of international qualifications and foundation certificates; check your specific secondary qualification against ARU's country-specific equivalency guidance.
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Clear the English proficiency bar with room to spare, since computer science coursework carries a real technical writing and documentation load even though ARU's minimums are modest by UK standards.
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If you're short of the direct-entry bar, use ARU College rather than repeatedly resitting your English test. ARU's foundation and pathway programmes are a structured route into the same degree.
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Build demonstrable technical interest or projects before you apply, since this isn't a formal requirement but strengthens your profile for a technically-focused degree.
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Apply early for capacity-constrained or popular course intakes, consistent with ARU's general advice across its programmes.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
Computer Science follows ARU's general undergraduate English proficiency minimums; there is no separately published, Computer-Science-specific override in the sources reviewed.
| Test | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 overall, min. 5.5 in each skill |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 overall (17 W/L, 18 R, 20 S) |
| PTE Academic | 60 overall, min. 59 in each skill |
ARU's published entry-requirements page did not list a Duolingo English Test threshold; confirm directly with ARU's admissions team if you plan to submit Duolingo. For the full picture, including the Student visa SELT distinction, see the Anglia Ruskin University guide.
Career Outcomes and Graduate Route Relevance
ARU reports strong regional graduate outcomes, ranking 1st in its region and 8th in England for undergraduates progressing into managerial, director, or senior official roles within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey), though this figure is university-wide rather than Computer-Science-specific.
Graduate Route visa: bachelor's graduates currently qualify for 2 years of post-study work permission if they apply on or before 31 December 2026, dropping to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. Computer Science graduates benefit from the UK's ongoing demand for software and IT skills across the wider East of England tech and business corridor around Cambridge specifically.
FAQ
Does ARU publish an acceptance rate for Computer Science? No. ARU describes its published entry requirements as "a guide only," with decisions based on overall suitability rather than a comparative admit rate.
What grade do I need for Computer Science at ARU? ARU's general undergraduate entry criteria (A-levels, IB around 24 points, or a recognized equivalent); no separate, higher Computer-Science-specific threshold was confirmed in this research.
What IELTS score do I need? 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill, ARU's general undergraduate threshold.
Is there a route in if my grades or English score fall short? Yes, ARU College's foundation-year and pathway programmes.
Can I stay in the UK after graduating? Yes, via the Graduate Route visa, generally 2 years for a bachelor's degree if you apply by 31 December 2026, dropping to 18 months for later applications.