Department of Computer Science

We are an active department, proud of our reputation as a friendly and supportive environment for our students. We specialise in security and artificial intelligence research.

Study with us

Our courses are stimulating and challenging with a high level of practical content, bringing together the best of computer science, business and cutting-edge research.

Find out more about why you should study with us.

Graduate Outcomes Survey

The 2023 survey found that 95% of our undergraduates are in work or further education*

Top rankings

We are ranked 7th in the UK and top 100 globally for computer science and engineering**

University of the year

We have been awarded Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards 2023

*UK domiciled graduates of full-time, undergraduate qualifications, in full-time employment, from higher education institutions.

** Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023.

Available facilities

We offer specialist software labs for all levels of study and specialist facilities for machine learning experiments and networking, security and distributed systems work including Raspberry Pi's, NAO robots and Parrot drones.

It started at Surrey

Hear from two of our graduates, Andy and Shaun, talking about their time here at Surrey and what they have been up to since graduating.

What we are researching

We have a strong research culture and a growing research profile, with a broad range of research areas and projects within the department and across the University.

Cyber security

The exponential growth of computer technology has revolutionised the way we live, but has also brought new and ever-growing challenges in terms of security.

Child looking at global with lots of symbols floating around

Distributed and networked systems

Many of the successes of today's digital world are underpinned by distributed and networked systems. Research interests span both technical and socio-technical challenges arising in these settings.

Nature inspired computing and engineering

Developing computational models and algorithms inspired from natural intelligence found in biological, physical and social systems to solve real-world problems.

Meet the team

Professor Steve Schneider

Head of Department of Computer Science

I am Director of the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security, recognised by NCSC as one of the UK's Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research. I joined the Department of Computer Science in September 2004 and was Head of Department 2004-2010. I was Associate Dean Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences from 2015-2019.&...

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Collaboration opportunities

We want to continue building strong links with businesses at all levels so please get in touch with us if any of these opportunities interest you.

Become an industrial partner

Work with one of our postgraduate researchers on a collaborative PhD project to provide your business with early access to academic research as it develops and to transfer knowledge in a cost-effective way.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) helps support your business in developing and growing by connecting you with our university and graduates knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Collaborative research projects

Draw on a wide range of expertise from our academics by offering our undergraduate and masters students an industrial partnership during their major project.

Offer a Professional Training placement

Professional Training placements give businesses the opportunity to attract excellent students to work with them for a year during their studies, many of whom return once they have graduated.