Prospective students
Computer Science is not just the study of computers: it is the systematic study of processes that handle information. We now take it for granted that music, video, and any other form of information should be represented digitally: the great innovations in the last few decades have come about through this transformation of the way we process information.
In every field of life, from music to medicine, from finance to media, this shift to the digital is accelerating. Computer scientists are at the heart of this enterprise, creating the key technologies that will allow this to happen.
A Computer Science degree from Royal Holloway will equip you with the deep understanding of computing as a science and the practical skills that you will need to succeed in this fast moving and exciting area. We offer you a vibrant environment in which you can pursue your studies – be it at undergraduate, postgraduate taught or postgraduate research – and plan your future career:
- In the most recent Research Excellent Framework (REF 2014), Computer Science ranked 11th in the UK for the quality of our research output, with a third of our publications recognised as world leading, and a further half internationally excellent (87% in total).
- We are located in the ‘M4 corridor’, west of London, a major high-technology hub also called ‘England’s Silicon Valley’. Many companies visit throughout the year advertising jobs for graduates or offering placements.
- We particularly support female students studying Computer Science at all levels.
- According to StuRents.com, we are located in the safest university town in England (Egham).

Support vector machines
Algorithms that analyze data and recognize patterns – were invented by Vladimir Vapnik (now Emeritus Professor) and the late Alexey Chervonenkis.
Conformal prediction
A machine learning technique pioneered by Alex Gammerman and Volodya Vovk, both professors of the Department.
Q-learning
A reinforcement learning technique – was invented by Chris Watkins, full-time academic of the Department.

“I decided to study here as it is amongst the most renowned departments in Computer Science. Studying a fundamental major is hard work, but help is never far. Staff are friendly and will always help you out. Lecturers are well-experienced in their subject and are pioneering researchers. I was so motivated by the atmosphere that I decided to continue to study here for a PhD.”
Arezou Soleimanfallah
