Information Technology

The Department of Computer Science offers a challenging scheme of study that is invigorated by the research interests and expertise of our academics, and by our strong links with high-tech local industry.

Choose the University of Reading

• 100% of our research impact has been classed ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Computer Science and Informatics).
• The University of Reading has been named Sustainable University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

With the exponential growth of data being produced and the rise of automation in the workplace, our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing course aims to meet the high demand for skilled data scientists and Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists. The UK government has identified AI and data as one of the four grand challenges of global trends that will transform our future, making our graduates highly valued and sought-after. Overall, 91% of master's students said they are satisfied with their skills development (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025, 90.8% of 20 responders from the Department of Computer Science).

100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions - Computer Science and Informatics).

Our computer science courses have been accredited by the BCS since the 1980s. We have recently undergone reaccreditation and expect our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing course to retain this prestigious recognition by the UK's leading accrediting body for the discipline.

Our dedicated facilities include high-end computing laboratories equipped with the latest hardware for embedded applications for VR headsets, professional graphic cards and a High-Performance Computing cluster for large-scale data processing.

Reading is at the centre of the Thames Valley on the M4 corridor, which is a major high-technology hub. Our ideal location provides many links with local industry and global companies. As a result of this, we have a particularly lively programme of both pure and applied research in a diverse range of topics. These include artificial intelligence, data science, big data analytics, machine learning, computational science and computer vision. 

Looking for postgraduate research opportunities?

Come to Reading for your PhD or professional doctorate and join a talented and diverse community of fellow researchers working to improve lives across the globe.

• Postgraduate research at Reading