Earn a University of London degree in Computer Science and apply your creativity to in-demand technology.
Open the door to sought-after technology careers with a world-class online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from the University of London. You’ll learn in-demand computing skills, develop your abilities to solve complex problems, and nurture your innovation and creativity. The hands-on project-based approach will help you develop the technical and transferable skills you need for a fulfilling career.
Choose from a suite of BSc Computer Science specialisms in:
- BSc Computer Science (Machine Learning and AI)
- BSc Computer Science (Data Science)
- BSc Computer Science (Web and Mobile Development)
- BSc Computer Science (Physical Computing and the Internet of Things)
- BSc Computer Science (Games Development)
- BSc Computer Science (Virtual Reality)
- BSc Computer Science (User Experience)
Study for a BSc in Computer Science with the University of London
Who is this degree for:
The University of London Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degrees are designed to provide those passionate about computing with instruction in computer science fundamentals. Whether you have high school qualifications or you’re already working in a computer science field, you can earn a valuable degree that will help move your career forward.
The course material ranges from entry-level subjects to specialised topics. If you already have a degree outside of computer science, the curriculum will give you the chance to stay up-to-date and learn commercial applications of computing practices.
The flexible degree programmes are designed to fit around work, family, and other commitments in your life. You can study online according to your own schedule.
By studying this degree you will:
- develop your skills in computing with strong programming and mathematics focus, as well as learn skills in project management, presentation skills and teamwork which employers value
- create a portfolio of work that you can present to potential employers.
Try a taster course:
The University of London offers a number of online taster courses and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are designed to introduce you to the kind of themes that appear in degree programmes. They are currently running three open courses that explore topics covered in the BSc computer Science degrees.
This course provides you with the foundational skillset required to write computer programs. If you are interested in learning how to write interactive, graphical programs from an introductory level in a real programming language, this is the course for you. The course uses the Javascript language and the p5.js.library.
This course is designed for people who use computers, smartphones and the internet regularly and want to understand more about how they work. It is for beginners in computer science and also for people considering starting to study computer science more formally. In this course you will learn some fundamental concepts that you can apply to any software or computer system and how to apply computer science concepts to solve problems in daily computer use.
This is designed to give you part of the mathematical foundations needed to work in computer science in any of its strands, from business to visual digital arts, music, games. At any stage of the problem solving and modelling stage you will require numerical and computational tools. We get you started in binary and other number bases, some tools to make sense of sequences of numbers, how to represent space numerical using coordinates, how to study variations of quantities via functions and their graphs. For this we prepared computing and everyday life problems for you to solve using these tools, from sending secret messages to designing computer graphics.
If you would like a certificate of completion, you will need to make a payment to Coursera.
Completed the Google IT Support Professional Certificate?
- Your certificate will grant you credit equivalent to one course: “How Computers Work.”
- You must apply to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programme and be accepted. If you earned your Google IT Support Professional Certificate, you will get course credits towards your degree learning (you will no longer need to take the course “How Computer Work”).
Tuition:
£10,088 - £15,132 *, depending upon geographic location of student.
*Indicative totals are for web supported learners only. They reflect average annual fee increases and assume that you complete the qualification within the minimum time without resits and Accreditation of Prior Learning (which would require additional fees). Additional costs you would also need to budget for would be examination centre fees. For further details please refer to the University of London website: london.ac.uk/courses/computer-science#fees
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
On 1 July 2017 a Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India which applies to online services. From 1 August 2019, the University will be required to add GST at the statutory rate of 18% to its programme fees for new and continuing students resident in India.
BSc Computer Science Webinar:
The BSc Computer Science webinar was hosted by Programme Director Matthew Yee-King, who provided an overview of the new online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree programme and the admissions process. Webinar was recorded on 6th February 2019.
Watch webinar
AT A GLANCE
3 - 6 years
23 modules
£10,088* - £15,132*, depending upon geographic location of student.Total Cost
Online Courses
Applications will open again on June 24th, 2019.
The next cohort starts on October 7th, 2019. Sign up here for updates.
Final Deadline:
September 16th, 2019
Academics
The BSc Computer Science degrees, designed by the team at Goldsmiths, University of London, are designed to give you a strong foundation in Computer Science and specialised knowledge of topics such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Web Development. Your learning will involve industry and academic case studies to help you understand your studies in terms of real-world problems. You’ll develop and execute a series of projects throughout the programme to help you learn technical skills and hone your problem solving abilities.
The programmes are structured into three levels. The first level focuses on how to programme computers, with a special project on web applications. You will learn how computers work as well as the mathematics that underpin computer science. The second level deepens your programming skills and your understanding of how to develop substantial software projects. You’ll also begin to learn specialised topics such as Graphics Programming and Data Science. In the third level, you’ll have the opportunity study specialised modules depending on your specialist pathway and bring your knowledge and skills together with a final individual project — developing your own software product.
- 23 modules
- 3 - 6 years
The degree experience is...
The same kind of courses you’ll find on campus, with the flexibility to learn when and where you want.
Collaborate with a global network of classmates, instructors, and alumni.
Innovative courses with lectures from some of the world’s best instructors and hands-on projects.
Practical courses designed to help you master skills that you can start applying to your career right away.
When you graduate, you’ll be able to:
Build and maintain reliable software to meet the sophisticated demands of today's market
Develop innovative and creative approaches to problem solving
Work independently with confidence
Apply for roles at the cutting-edge of the tech sector such as application programmer, mobile app developer, web developer, video game developer, SFX and post-production, and systems analyst
Admissions
For admission into the programme, you must be age 17 or above on the registration deadline of your session. If English is not your first language, you may also need to complete an English language requirement proficiency test. Proficiency test options can be found here.
If you are unsure as to which entry route you are eligible for, please apply via the direct entry only. If you do not meet all of the entrance criteria for this route your application will automatically be considered for Performance-Based admission.
USA
Standard Entry Route:
You must normally satisfy one of the following requirements for entry via the standard entry route
- Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations of the American College Board, provided at least two full, non-overlapping, subjects are passed at grades 3, 4 or 5 (with the exception of Studio Art). Please note Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, which individually must be passed at grade 3,4 or 5, are valued as half a full subject each. If one of these AP examinations is not passed in Calculus or Statistics then you must pass grade 12 high school Maths* at a grade of A – B or
- 30 college credits from an acceptable institution (e.g. community college), including 6 college credits in a Maths subject plus a High School Diploma. If you do not have 6 college credits in Maths then you must pass grade 12 high school Maths at a grade of A – B or
- Associate degree from an acceptable institution – including 6 college credits in a Maths subject. If you do not have 6 college credits in Maths then you must pass grade 12 high school Maths at a grade of A – B
*Acceptable grade 12 Maths subjects include algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics or trigonometry.
Performance-Based Admission:
If you do not have the prerequisite qualifications for Standard Entry Route, you can also apply if you meet any one of the following criteria:
High school diploma or
12 college credits or
- Work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
UK
Standard Entry Route:
You must normally satisfy the following requirement for entry via the standard route:
- 3 UK GCSE/GCE O level passes at grade A – C/9 – 4 in non-overlapping subjects plus 2 further UK GCE A level passes at grade A - E in non-overlapping subjects; including Maths passed at UK GCSE / GCE O level grade A* – B/9 – 5 or UK AS level grade A – E, or the equivalent of these qualifications.
Performance-Based Admission:
If you do not have the prerequisite qualifications, you can also apply if you meet any one of the following criteria:
- 4 UK GCSE/GCE O level passes at grade A – C/9 – 4 in non-overlapping subjects or
- Work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
India
Standard Entry Route:
You must normally satisfy one of the following requirements for entry via the standard route:
- Year 12 Higher Secondary Certificate (Regional or All India) 4 subjects each passed at 70% or above OR an overall average of 70% from all subjects taken; including Maths passed at 60% or above.
Performance-Based Admission:
If you do not have the prerequisite qualifications, you can also apply if you meet any one of the following criteria:
- Year 12 Higher Secondary Certificate (Regional or All India) with 4 subjects each passed at 50% or above or
- Year 10 All India Board with 4 subjects each passed at 50% or above or
- Work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Singapore
Standard Entry Route:
You must normally satisfy one of the following requirements for entry via the standard route:
- 3 Singapore/Cambridge O level passes at grade A - C in non overlapping subjects plus 2 further Singapore/Cambridge H2 level passes at grade A - E in non overlapping subjects. This must include O level Math passed at grade A – B or H1/H2 Maths passed at grade A – E.
- Polytechnic Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Specialist Diplomas/Associate degrees that are at least one year long and are in computer science, science, maths or engineering will normally meet our entry requirements.
Performance-Based Admission:
If you do not have the prerequisite qualifications, you can also apply if you meet any one of the following criteria:
- 4 Singapore/Cambridge O level passes at grade A – C in non-overlapping subjects or
- Work experience will be considered on an individual basis
Hong Kong
Standard Entry Route:
You must normally satisfy one of the following requirements for entry via the standard route:
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): provided 2 Category A subjects are passed at level 3 - 5 and 3 further Category A subjects are passed at level 2 – 5. This must include Compulsory Maths passed at level 3 – 5.
- Higher Diplomas/Polytechnic Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Specialist Diplomas/Associate degrees that are at least one year long and are in computer science, science, maths or engineering will normally meet our entry requirements.
Performance-Based Admission:
If you do not have the prerequisite qualifications, you can also apply if you meet any one of the following criteria:
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): provided 4 Category A subjects are passed at level 1 - 2 or
- Work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
We accept qualifications from all over the world. For further details visit https://london.ac.uk/entrance-qualifications
General Application Process
To apply, you will need to complete the Degree Programme Application Form and provide the necessary entry requirement documentation to show that you meet the entry requirements for the degree programme.
Applications will open again on June 24th, 2019.
The next cohort starts on October 7th, 2019. Sign up here for updates.
Final Deadline:
September 16th, 2019
About University of London
The University of London has 18 independent member Institutions, of which Goldsmiths, University of London is one of them. The University of London has a long history of offering degrees via distance learning. We now offer over 100 programmes in over 180 countries.
For the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science suite of degrees, Goldsmiths is providing the academic direction and expertise that they provide on campus, allowing you to study this programme around the world.
Creativity has always been the hallmark of Goldsmiths, University of London. Academic excellence and imaginative course content combine to make a place where creative minds thrive and ideas flourish.
Goldsmiths’ courses and research activities span the arts, humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, computing, business and management across 19 academic departments.
Academic departments cooperate across disciplines to create exciting new courses and develop novel approaches to research issues. This interdisciplinary ethos has helped Goldsmiths to become a national leader in many subject areas.
The QS World Rankings place Goldsmiths, University of London in the top five UK Universities for Art & Design and Communication & Media Studies. Goldsmiths is also in the UK’s top 25 for the quality of our research, according to the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (based on research quality scores in the Times Higher Education subject rankings).
#3
RANKED IN THE UK IN EFFECTIVE TEACHING (GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY LEAGUE TABLES 2017)
1858
YEAR SINCE OFFERING DEGREE PROGRAMMES AT A DISTANCE
180
COUNTRIES FROM WHICH STUDENTS ATTEND
Frequently Asked Questions
The programme will take you between 3 and 6 years to complete. If you’re working and intending to study the degree alongside, you can pay for modules as you go and study at your own pace. On average, a student studying part time will finish the degree in 4-5 years.
Whether you study online or on campus, you will receive a University of London Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. The academics are those who teach in the on campus programme at Goldsmiths in London. The programme structure and content is similar to that taught on campus but adapted to suit the needs of learners studying online.
Where a written examination is the assessment method for a module, you will need to attend one of our exam centres which are available all over the world. More information can be found here or contact University of London for more information about finding a local exam centre.
Yes, students who successfully complete the programme will be invited to our annual graduation ceremony in London.
Your certificate will show that you have successfully completed the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. It will also show that the awarding body is the University of London with academic direction provided by Goldsmiths, University of London.
The University of London does not provide credit for the completion of open courses associated with this programme. However, the Introduction to Computer Programming, How Computers Work, and Mathematics for Computer Science courses will provide a taste of the content taught on the degree programme.
Please contact the University of London via the Student Enquiry System available on their website.
You will need to complete the University of London application form and meet the eligibility criteria stated above. Once you have received an offer to study on the programme (whether through the standard entry route or the performance based admissions route), you will then complete the registration process by selecting the relevant modules and paying for them. Once you have paid, you will be registered on the programme. Once available, you will be given access to the degree on the Coursera site and to an orientation module ahead of the study session. The teaching session will start in April and October of each year.
If you are unsure as to which entry route you are eligible for, please apply via the direct entry only. If you do not meet all of the entrance criteria for this route your application will automatically be considered for Performance-Based admission.
Once you have paid, you will be registered on the programme. Once available, you will be given access to the degree on the Coursera site and to an orientation module ahead of the study session.
All students receive tutor support and feedback while studying for one of our BSc Computer Science degrees. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries and provide guidance on the assessments. If you register for support at one of our Recognised Teaching Centres you’ll receive face-to-face classes and tutor support.
The University of London offers over 100 programmes to students in over 180 countries online or through distance learning. Our alumni have gone on to study Masters at top universities globally as well as to senior roles within leading global multinational companies and governments around the world. Employers value skills developed by our alumni, such as self motivation, organisation and the dedication and commitment to achieve results.
Yes, graduates earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of London. Your certificate will show the award you have obtained. It will also show that the awarding body is the University of London with academic direction provided by Goldsmiths University of London.
Goldsmiths welcomes applications from students who wish to transfer to an on-campus degree. To complete your degree in two years of full-time study at Goldsmiths, you must have completed eight Level 4 modules successfully. To complete your degree in one year of full-time study at Goldsmiths, you must also have completed eight modules at Level 5.
The programme will have two registration points in the year corresponding with start dates for modules. This is a flexible programme which allows students to study at their own pace (either part-time or full-time), adjusting the intensity of the learning to suit their needs.
The BSc Computer Science will allow you to develop a widely applicable skill set in computing with strong programming and mathematics skills, as well as softer skills in project management, presentation skills and teamwork. You will also have a portfolio of work that you can present to potential employers. Depending on the pathway you register for, in the final stage of the degree, you can orient your learning towards particular areas of interest such as machine learning, web development, data science and video games. With the BSc Computer Science, you will be able to apply for a range of computational and mathematical jobs in the creative industries, business, finance, education, medicine engineering and science. Typical job titles include application programmer, software engineer, creative coder, video game developer and systems analyst.
If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content and standard, you might be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Credit Transfer or Exemption.
As a student of the programme you will have access to peer to peer discussion forums, group learning activities to complete, and access to Slack to network with your fellow students, all of which will foster your online learning community.
The Module Authors who have developed content for the programme are academics who teach on campus at Goldsmiths, University of London. They will be overseeing the delivery of the Modules as Module Leaders supported by Online Tutors and Student Relationship Managers
There are three short non-credit courses using content from degree modules available on the Coursera platform in ‘How Computers Work’, ‘Introduction to Computer Programming’, and Mathematics for Computer Science which we would encourage you to take if you are interested in pursuing the degree programme.
The full curriculum is here. To gain a BSc in Computer Science, you complete modules to a value of 360 credits. This includes; 8 compulsory modules at level 4, 8 compulsory modules at level 5, 6 elective modules from level 6. You must also complete a Final project.
- During Level 4, you learn the fundamentals: how computers work, how to program, and more about the mathematics that underpins computer science.
- During Level 5, you deepen your programming skills to consider software projects and explore specialist topics such as Graphics Programming and Data Science.
- During Level 6, you study elective modules then undertake a 30 credit project that demonstrates a wide range of skills such as project planning, management, research, software implementation and a written presentation .
Yes, you can also choose to register on a specialist award if you want to focus your studies on a particular area of Computer Science.
- BSc Computer Science (Machine Learning and AI)
- BSc Computer Science (Data Science)
- BSc Computer Science (Web and Mobile Development)
- BSc Computer Science (Physical Computing and the Internet of Things)
- BSc Computer Science (Games Development)
- BSc Computer Science (Virtual Reality)
- BSc Computer Science (User Experience)
If you do not meet admissions requirements for direct entry you may be eligible for the Performance Based Entry route instead. If you apply, our admissions office will be able to assess your eligibility for either route and advise you further. If you are not eligible the University of London admissions team will provide you with guidance of what you can do to become eligible.
Work experience is not required for the Direct Entry Route. If applying for Performance Based Entry Route and you do not satisfy the school qualification requirements then we will consider work experience on a case by case basis.
No, there is no fee to apply. It is free to apply and have your application considered by the University of London. A fee may be payable for consideration of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning
Information about potential sources of funding and scholarships is updated annually and where available is included in the programme web pages. Click here for more information.
No background in Computer science is required. If you satisfy the admissions requirements you will be admitted on to the course. Please see the admissions requirements for further information about the entry routes available.
Upon graduation, University of London students automatically become members of its Alumni Network, a diverse community of over 100,000 alumni in more than 180 countries. The Alumni Network can provide past students with lifelong links to the University of London and each other. Benefits include social and networking events, access to local groups, a biannual magazine, social networking groups, and the opportunity to become an Alumni Ambassador for the University of London.
The BSc programme is a 360 UK credit degree. For the award of a BSc in Computer Science a student must complete: • one 15 credit core module and seven 15 credit compulsory modules at FHEQ Level 4 (120 credits), plus • eight 15 credit compulsory modules at FHEQ Level 5 (120 credits), plus • six 15 credit optional modules at FHEQ Level 6 and a 30 credit project (120 credits)
You can find further information about the BSc Computer Science degrees and their respective application forms on the University of London website when applications are open. You will be required to provide supporting evidence for your application to be fully considered. Guidance about how to make an application and application deadlines can be found on the University of London website.
Students who wish to visit Goldsmiths campus and the library, should contact Goldsmiths’ Library Services directly for more information.
Yes, our registered students are eligible for the virtual student card via ISIC.
This is an app/web-based student card that offers access to thousands of global and local discounts. Students can also use it as proof of student status with the University of London (note that it is not proof of identity, nor for examinations).
You will get your student card about two weeks after students complete registration (including payment and module/course validation), they will be contacted by ISIC to activate your University of London virtual student card. Students will receive an email from information@myisic.com, this should be added to your email account so that it does not end up in your spam folder. More information can be found here: my.london.ac.uk/student-card
If you have earned the “Google IT Support Professional Certificate” on Coursera, you will get course credit equivalent to one course: “How Computers Work.” If you apply to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programme and are accepted, you will no longer need to take this course.
Please include the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on the relevant section for recognition of prior learning of the online application form.
If you have already submitted your application but now wish to request recognition of your prior learning, please contact the University of London via their Student Enquiry System.
Read more about recogntion of prior learning.
Coursera does not grant credit, and does not represent that any institution other than the degree granting institution will recognize the credit or credential awarded by the institution; the decision to grant, accept, or transfer credit is subject to the sole and absolute discretion of an educational institution.
