Welcome to the School
We are delighted to welcome you to the School of Computer Science and Informatics
Welcome to the School of Computer Science and Informatics
On behalf of everyone in the School of Computer Science and Informatics, I’m delighted to welcome you to Liverpool. You’re joining a School with over 70 academic staff and more than 20 professional services colleagues, all here to support you, guide you, and help you make the most of your time with us.
Like other Schools in the University, we have a dual mission: to advance research in Computer Science, creating new knowledge and understanding, and to share that knowledge through our teaching and learning. At Liverpool, research and teaching are deeply intertwined. You’ll be learning from staff who are pushing the boundaries of the subjects they teach, and we see learning as a shared journey. Here, the line between “teacher” and “student” is far less rigid than you may have experienced before; progress comes through collaboration and commitment on both sides.
Alongside your studies, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to develop your employability skills through formal modules, co-curricular activities, and a wide range of informal events. You will probably find that university study is more open-ended and less tightly structured than school or college, so don’t worry if it takes a little time to find your feet. You’re not alone in feeling that way, and I’m confident you’ll soon find your rhythm.
Life here isn’t just about lectures and labs. Our student society, CompSoc, runs everything from tech talks to social events giving you a chance to meet people, make friends, and feel part of our vibrant community.
Most importantly, remember that help is always close at hand. Our dedicated Student Experience Team is here to advise and support you, and every student has an Academic Advisor to guide them on academic matters throughout their degree. We want your time at Liverpool to be happy, challenging in the best way, and deeply rewarding. We’ll do everything we can to make that happen.
I’m looking forward to meeting you in person and getting to know you over the coming years.
Professor Boris Konev, Dean of the School of Computer Science and Informatics
School of Computer Science and Informatics
Since it was established in 1983, our School has grown from a department into a vibrant School environment, investigating key topics for developments in computer science and building a strong international reputation for research in artificial intelligence and algorithms.
We work closely with an impressive range of industry partners to develop technologies and applications in fields such as mobile computing to artificial intelligence.
The programmes cross the computer science spectrum and combine theory with extensive practical training. There are also joint degrees, so you can study computing science (ICT) with subjects such as business, engineering and bio-science.
- Over 60 academic staff involved in research and teaching
- Dedicated technical support team
- Over 600 undergraduates
- Over 100 postgraduates on taught and doctoral programmes
- Over 1,000 people enrolled in our online masters programmes.
What to do next:
1. Getting University ready in 1, 2, 3
There are three key tasks you need to do before you join us:
- Register for your computing account (MWS)
- Complete academic registration – Stage 1 (checklist items) and Stage 2 (confirmation of engagement)
- Upload your ID card before Wednesday 14 January 2026
We recommend you complete these three steps at your earliest opportunity to ensure an easy transition into student life.
If you haven’t already downloaded the My Liverpool App, please ensure you do this as the app will contain up to date event listings for Welcome.
2. Welcome talks
To mark the beginning of your studies, you are invited to our Postgraduate Welcome Event at the Victoria Gallery & Museum (VG&M) on Wednesday 21 January 2026. This event will provide an opportunity to meet fellow students, connect with academic and support staff, and learn more about how we will support you throughout your time at Liverpool.
The reception will include:
- A welcome address from Professor Gavin Brown, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education
- Short introductions from Careers and Employability, Libraries, and the Guild of Students
- A student panel discussing their postgraduate experience
- Networking, refreshments, plus time to explore the galleries.
Booking is essential. You can book your place on the Welcome webpages.
3. Your student ID card
Once academically registered, you will receive a digital student ID card, however, all students will require a physical ID card as well and its important students receive this ID before starting their programme.
New students should upload an image for the student ID card to the Student Portal on, or before, Wednesday 14 January 2026. Providing an image is uploaded and your academic registration is complete; you will be able to receive your student ID card.
We will provide further information of where to collect your ID cards in the coming weeks.
4. International students
Registration for international students will take place in the Careers Studio from 26 January 2026, 10am - 4.30pm pm for two weeks. International registration is the process of confirming that you have arrived in Liverpool for your studies. You'll receive an email early in January with more information about this, and how to book an appointment to meet the team on campus with your documents.
Don't forget, if you don’t upload your ID by 14 January, you will need to wait for 4 days after completion, and then you can collect it from the Here to Help Hub.
The University has a series of webinars you can access online, which cover a range of subjects equipping you with all the information you need to settle in and thrive as a Liverpool student.
View the on-demand sessions now
5. View your programme timetable
You will be able to access your teaching timetable via the Timetable Portal and the Timetables app (the academic timetable will available closer to your start date).
Please be aware that there may be changes to your timetable over the first few weeks of term so please check your online timetable regularly.
6. Your Academic Advisor
All students at the University of Liverpool will be assigned a named academic member of staff as their Academic Advisor, you can locate this information via My Liverpool. Their role is to develop a relationship with you; to provide information, advice and guidance on academic matters and to direct you to further sources of information on academic matters as well as the wide range of information, advice and guidance on non-academic matters available to students at Liverpool. During the year, you are expected to have regular meetings with your Academic Advisor.
7. Student Support Services
We understand your first few days at University can be quite confusing and it might take time for you to settle into your new surroundings and life as a student. For some of you, this might also be your first time away from home.
At the Student Service Centre, the specialist teams are available to help with any practical, financial, emotional, or general issues. They will also be able to direct you to the most appropriate services across the University. Here you will find Money, Advice and Guidance, International Advice and Guidance, Disability Support, and the Student Wellbeing Team.
The Student Support Office is also always on hand to help with any issue you might be facing, be it academic or personal. We are located on the ground floor of the Ashton Building (Building 422, Grid D7 on the Campus Map) and students are encouraged to drop in and see us, not just during your first few weeks but throughout your studies.
Within the Faculty of Science & Engineering, we also have a team of Learning and Teaching Support Officers who are available to listen to any concerns or worries you might have.
The Liverpool Guild of Students (Student Societies)
Liverpool Guild of Students (LGoS) is the Students' Union for the University of Liverpool.
Teaching plans for 2025/26
During the academic year, your time spent on campus will include timetabled, in-person teaching sessions for interactive elements of your course, such as seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical classes, and lab-based activities. Wherever possible, you will be expected to attend your timetabled sessions on campus and attendance will be recorded at these sessions. You will also be expected to undertake independent study, outside of your timetable, and you will have access to our two libraries which will be fully open to support you with this.
While on campus, you’ll be able to benefit from our many and varied student facilities. These include our sports and leisure facilities, on-campus catering, Guild of Students, Student Support Services, and Careers Studio.
Our School plan
For us, in the School of Computer Science and Informatics, we’re excited to welcome you all and in terms of teaching delivery, you should expect the following:
In-person teaching
Our in-person learning sessions will offer you the valuable opportunity to regularly interact with other students and your tutors to discuss topics, engage in thoughtful debate, or ask for support. They will also provide full access to any specialist learning environments, including laboratories that you need as part of your programme.
In the School of Computer Science and Informatics, you should expect to attend in-person teaching for the following types of sessions: project work, problem classes, laboratory classes, tutorials and seminars.
Need more information?
You can find your way around campus by using our campus map.
Further Information
Your main source of online information will be on the all student Canvas course.
For any further support, view our list of contact details for any help you may need while you settle into life at Liverpool.