What are the start dates for the programmes?

You can begin the programme in either January or July.

Do I have to attend a teaching institution to complete my programme?

No, the programme is delivered online.

Can I get funding or scholarships?

No. There are no funding or scholarships options for this programme, however, you can study for the programme by module.

How many exam sessions are there per year, and when are they?

There are two exam sessions in the year; these are held in May and October.

Where will my examination take place?

Your examination will be online.

What is the pass mark for each module?

The pass mark for each module is 40%

For all 15 credit modules, you are assessed by an end-of-session, unseen, written, online examination lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes. The assessment point will always be in the two weeks following the 16 week study session.

What happens if I fail an assessment?

If you fail the assessment for a module you will be given the opportunity to either resit the assessment in the next session and pay only a resit fee, or retake the module in full, and pay the full module fee.

What materials will I receive? What resources are available online?

Once you are registered, and the module begins you will be able to access your learning materials on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) on the Coursera learning platform. All study resources will be available in the VLE, and you will also gain access to the Online Library.

Can I get accreditation of prior learning for the work I have already completed?

No. This programme does not accept any recognition of prior learning.

International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

University of London

International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

Offered by the University of London

Get degree-ready

On successful completion of this programme, students will be offered a place on the UoL online BSc Computer Science degree on Coursera

6 - 36 months

Complete the course in as little as six months - or study at a pace that suits you, with up to three years to complete the programme.

Build the skills you need

Develop the independence to study at degree level and the confidence and skills to pursue a computer science degree.

100% online

Lecture videos, live sessions, group feedback sessions, and connection with instructors and peers.

Secure your future in computer science regardless of your academic or professional experience and qualifications.

The International Foundation Programme (IFP) for Computer Science will prepare you for degree-level study in the core disciplines of mathematics, statistics and computer programming, as well as building your academic confidence for independent study.

This course is designed by the University of London to allow you to start on their prestigious online BSc Computer Science degree programme on Coursera in the next available intake, once successfully completed.

You’ll be ideally positioned to work towards an exciting career in computer science, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled computer scientists across a range of industries, with an expected growth rate in related jobs of 16% by 2028 (Ginux 2024).

What’s in this programme?

Complete four core computer science modules in mathematics, statistics, programming and academic skills

Learn to study with the confidence to manage your own timetable and workload

Become confident with essential tools, programming with Python and creating data dashboards with Tableau, through self-paced competency based learning

Learn to apply statistical analysis and mathematical tools to real-life computing challenges, comparing and contrasting different approaches

Ensure you’ve got the foundational mathematics and programming knowledge you’ll need for the UoL Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Build the computing-specific study skills you’ll need for your degree, increasing your data literacy and conduct research using a range of relevant resources

Applications for January 2025 are now closed. Applications for July 2025 will open soon.

Interested in learning more? Catch up on our latest webinar with University of London faculty. Wacth the recording now.

To join this programme, you must be age 18+ by 31 December in the year of registration.

⏰ Important Dates for July 2025:

Registration deadline December 16
Classes start January 13

⏰ Important Dates for July 2025:

Applications open January 28
Application deadline June 2
Registration open January 28
Registration deadline June 16
Classes start July 1

Applications open soon

Applications open in January for the July 2025 cohrot. Express your interest to find out more about this programme.