Bachelor of Computer Science

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do the same faculty teach online and on-campus courses?

  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

• Will there be a graduation ceremony?

  Yes, students who successfully complete the programme will be invited to our annual graduation ceremony in London.

• How long will it take to complete the degree if I am working while studying?

  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.

• Is the degree the same as one offered on campus in the UK?

  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.

• Can I take my exams online or do I need to come to the UK for them?

  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.

• What's on the degree certificate?

  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.

• Can I receive credit for the open courses associated with this programme?

  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.

• Who can I contact if I have a question?

  Please contact the University of London via the Student Enquiry System available on their website.

• What is the enrollment process?

  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.

• How do I access the degree on Coursera?

  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.

• What tutor support will I receive?

  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.

• What is the University of London’s experience with online/distance learning degrees?

  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.

• Do graduates of the online programme earn the same degree as graduates of the on-campus programme?

  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.

• Can you switch between online and on-campus programmes?

  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.

• What is the school year schedule?

  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.

• What career options will I have with this degree?

  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.

• Can I transfer credits into the programme?

  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.

• Are there networking opportunities to interact with fellow students?

  Yes, under the guidance of faculty advisors, you will be working with groups of fellow learners engaged in similar projects as you.

• Can I sample a course?

  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.

• What are the courses available?

  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 .

• Do students choose a concentration?

  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)

• What if I don’t meet admissions requirements?

  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.

• Is work experience required?

  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.

• Is there an application fee?

  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

• Is there financial aid?

  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.

• Is the programme eligible for US Federal student aid or private funding through Sallie Mae loans?

  We are not recognised for the GI Bill, FAFSA and Sallie Mae loans funding. This is due to the flexible nature of our degrees (distance/online learning) and the reporting criteria that these institutions use.

• Do I need a Computer Science background?

  Applicants are not required to have an advanced technical background — all you need is basic statistics and Python proficiency. These skills can be learned through Statistics for Python and Python Fluency, which are available now on Coursera. All applicants will take two assessments before being fully admitted.

• Are there career services 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.

• Do online students have access to on-campus facilities?

  Students who wish to visit Goldsmiths campus and the library, should contact Goldsmiths’ Library Services directly for more information.

• Will online students get a student ID card?

  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

• I have completed the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. How do I get course credit to count towards my degree?

  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.

• How many courses are needed to complete the programme?

  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)