BSc Computer Science

Your prior learning on Coursera could bring you one step closer to your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Whether you’re just beginning your technology journey, or returning to education to change or advance your career, the University of London’s online BSc Computer Science degree will give you all the tools you need to thrive in this ever-changing field. Plus, you may be eligible to have your prior learning on Coursera recognised for degree credit!

• Complete 23 courses (360 credit hours) accredited by the University of London.
• Learn or perfect your use of widely adopted programming languages such as Python, C++, C#, Java Script.
• Build your knowledge and skills in a practical, project-based learning environment where you’ll get to develop your own software and create a portfolio that demonstrates your expertise.

How to request recognition of prior learning

If you’ve completed eligible programmes on Coursera, you may be able to receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for up to 60 credits. This can help reduce both the cost and time required to complete your degree.*

• Google IT Support Professional Certificate can obtain 15 credits for “How Computers Work” (Level 4)
• Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate can obtain 15 credits for “How Computers Work” (Level 4)
• Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate can obtain 15 credits for “Cyber Security” (Level 5)
• IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate can obtain 15 credits for “Introduction to programming I” (Level 4)
• IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate can obtain 15 credits for “Programming with Data” (Level 5)
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate can obtain 15 credits for “Programming with Data (Level 5)”
• IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate can obtain 15 credits for “Introduction to Programming II” (Level 4)
• Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst can obtain 15 credits for “Cyber Security” (Level 5)

To be considered for Automatic RPL, you'll need to make a formal request when submitting your application.

Worried about finding time for your degree? The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programme is designed with maximum flexibility in mind, allowing you to choose the pace and duration of your studies. Pay-per-module tuition means you can schedule your studies as you need over three to six years, so you can learn in a way that’s sustainable for your lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a fee to request Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? There is not a fee to request Automatic RPL which is the process for Coursera programmes that the University of London will review and accept for credit such as the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. There is a non-refundable fee for Discretionary RPL which is £63 for each module.

What is Discretionary RPL? Discretionary Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Exemption is another process you can use to request recognition of prior learning for programmes you have completed outside of Coursera within the previous 5 years that you believe are comparable in content, level and standard to a module in the programme. To be considered, make a formal request within your application or submit an online enquiry. The University will contact you with a decision which may take anywhere from two weeks to a month. There is a non-refundable fee of £72 per module. Please note that you can receive up to 120 credits (8 modules) in total across both Discretionary and Automatic RPL, of which a maximum of 60 credits may be awarded for learning completed on Coursera. If you are accepted via a performance-based route, the University will not recognise prior learning for either of the two required modules.

What is Automatic RPL? Automatic RPL describes the process whereby certain qualifications are recognised and accredited automatically. These include the Coursera programmes identified on this page. There is no fee for Automatic RPL. To be considered, you will need to make a formal request when submitting your application. Please note that Recognition of Prior Learning requests cannot exceed 120 credits in total, of which a maximum of 60 credits may be awarded for learning completed on Coursera. All RPL must be completed within five years of your application and submitted no later than 14 days after the start of a related module in the BSc Computer Science programme.

If you have a question, please contact the University of London.

About the University of London

The University of London’s Computer Science degrees are developed and taught by staff at the world-renowned Department of Computing at Goldsmiths. You'll work closely with leading academics and industry experts whose knowledge is drawn from real-life experience across a wide range of regions and industries. When you complete your degree, you’ll be invited to the university’s annual graduation ceremony in London.

• To be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning, submit a formal request with your application or an online enquiry if you have already applied. Please note that RPL cannot exceed 120 credits in total, with a maximum of 60 credits from Coursera, and must be completed within five years of your application and within 14 days of the start of a related module.

**Note recognition of prior learning credit for the IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate is not available to students accepted under performance-based admission.