Direct answer
The University of Reading MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing for 2026/27 requires at least a high 2:2 UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in computing or a related discipline, plus programming experience. The official page does not publish a separate China-specific academic threshold; it states only the general international requirement. An overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no element below 5.5 is typically needed, and a Pre-sessional English Programme is available.
Academic entry requirement
The programme page states that applicants normally need at least a high 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in computing or a related discipline. Related disciplines are listed as mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, economics, or relevant work experience. The page also requires that applicants have some experience of programming.
No separate academic entry requirement is published for Chinese applicants. The official evidence only provides the UK degree classification benchmark. Because the page does not supply a country-specific equivalence table, the exact Chinese qualification standard must be confirmed directly with the university’s admissions team.
English language requirement
The typical English language requirement is an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual element below 5.5. The page notes that a Pre-sessional English Programme is available for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.
Course structure and duration
The MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing can be studied full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months. The curriculum covers computational data analysis, AI ethics and data security, cloud services and infrastructure, and machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. The official page notes that this accreditation is subject to reaccreditation in 2029.
What the official page does not establish
The official page does not publish a China-specific academic grade requirement. All of these details require live rechecking with the university.
FAQ
Does the University of Reading publish a separate academic entry requirement for Chinese applicants on this course page?
No. The official page states only the general international requirement of at least a high 2:2 UK honours degree in computing or a related discipline. No China-specific grade or qualification equivalence is given.
What IELTS score is required?
An overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual element below 5.5 is typically required.
Can I take a pre-sessional English course if my IELTS score is below the requirement?
Yes. The page confirms that a Pre-sessional English Programme is available for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.
Is programming experience mandatory?
Yes. The page states that applicants must have some experience of programming.
Is this course accredited?
Yes. The course is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, subject to reaccreditation in 2029.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn exclusively from the University of Reading MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing official programme page, accessed during research on 2026-07-25. For related guidance on UK university admissions, see our articles on Bangor University 2026 admission, fees and rankings, how non-traditional study-abroad agencies make money, Shanghai study-abroad agency recommendations, and applying to Hong Kong universities.