Gain an in-depth grasp of the whole field of computer-based information systems in the heart of a connected London. The first two years of the computer science degree focus on programming, computer systems, databases, software engineering and logic. If you are considering an advanced career in research or industry, we recommend that you choose this four-year degree programme.
KEY BENEFITS
- Reputation for good teaching in a friendly environment.
- 70 per cent of research outputs ranked as world leading or internationally excellent – confirming the department’s position as a world-class institution for research in Computer Science.
- King’s has excellent facilities for the sole use of the department.
- Graduates go on to successful careers in a range of organisations including banking, finance, management and major software houses.
UCAS code
G404
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Four years
Location
Strand Campus
Accreditation
BCS
Year of entry 2014
Offered by
School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
Department of Informatics
Closing date
Please refer to the
UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/ CONTACTS
Address
Department of Informatics
King's College London
Strand Campus
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email
Tel
020 7848 2271/7213
Fax
020 7848 7200
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
This programme gives an in-depth grasp of the whole field of computer-based information systems. If you are considering an advanced career in research or industry, we recommend that you choose this four-year programme.
In the first two years you will study core modules such as programming, computer systems, software engineering and logic. In the third year a group project is undertaken, with an individual project done in the fourth year. This involves the implementation of a sophisticated piece of software reflecting your particular interests.
Optional modules in the third and fourth year are chosen with the advice of your personal tutor.
ABOUT THE Department of Informatics
CAREERS
The Careers Service and the Department of Informatics run an 18 week Careers programme for Informatics students which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers. Our graduates go on to successful careers in a range of organisations including banking, finance, management, and the major software houses, where they work mainly on analysis, design, implementation and maintenance of software applications and systems. Many of our graduates alternatively choose further study. Recent graduates have found employment as…. • Analyst Programmer, Airbus • E-Disclosure Specialist, Stroz Friedberg • Financial Software Developer, goldman sachs • Information Security Consultant, Merrill lynch • Software Developer, Bank of America • Senior Software Engineer, Oracle • IT Consultant, Detica • Management Trainee, Asian Media & Marketing group • Post Doctoral Research Associate, Inovia
TEACHING STYLE
Our department has a reputation for good teaching in a friendly environment. We use a mix of teaching styles including traditional lectures, small and large tutorial groups, practical laboratories, individual and group projects, and provide opportunities to speak to staff on a one-to-one basis. We have an active research programme that we bring to bear on our teaching, exposing all students in the final years of their courses to the latest issues in the field.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
All programmes include flexible choices for you to follow your interests, usually in the final year. Single honours students also undertake a supervised project in their final year. Assessment is made using a mix of conventional examinations, coursework, presentations, and laboratory exercises.
LOCATION
You will have access to over 170 fast PCs running Windows and Linux. These are spread over several laboratories for the exclusive use of the department. The King’s Computing Society organises social and other activities, and first years are allocated "Buddy" students from other years to help you settle in.
SPECIAL NOTES
The Department of Informatics is the new name for the Department of Computer Science. The relaunched Department includes the addition of research groups in two new areas (Robotics and Telecommunications), in addition to the three Computer Science groups of Agents & Intelligent Systems, Bioinformatics & Algorithm Design, and Software Modelling & Applied Logic. The titles of the undergraduate degree programmes remain unchanged, but the selection of available optional taught course modules is likely to expand even further to reflect the range of research interests in the restructured department. All years of our programmes are kept under constant review and we reserve the right to change and improve them at any time.
Currently, our students study the modules shown below. However, we review our modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates, or contact the School/Department direct for further advice.
YEAR 1
Eight modules, listed below.
YEAR 1 CORE
Computer Systems I (15 credits)
Data Structures (15 credits)
Elementary Logic with Applications (15 credits)
Foundations of Computing I (15 credits)
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
Practical Experiences of Programming (15 credits)
Programming Applications (15 credits)
Programming Practice (15 credits)
YEAR 2
Eight modules, listed below.
YEAR 2 CORE
Database Systems (15 credits)
Operating Systems & Concurrency (15 credits)
Foundations of Computing II (15 credits)
Programming Language Design Paradigms (15 credits)
Computer Science Logic (15 credits)
Object-oriented Specification & Design (15 credits)
Software Engineering Group Project (30 credits)
YEAR 3
One core module plus seven optional modules.
YEAR 3 CORE
Third Year Group MSci Project (15 credits)
YEAR 3 OPTIONS
Internet Systems
Software Measurement & Testing
Parallel Algorithms
Distributed Systems
Computational Models
Software Architecture & Design
Software Engineering of Internet Applications
Computer Graphics Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Advanced Security Topics
Optimisation Methods
Text Searching & Processing
Cryptography & Information Security
YEAR 4
One core module plus six optional modules.
YEAR 4 CORE
MSci Individual Project (30 credits)
YEAR 4 OPTIONS
Artificial Intelligence*
Text Searching & Processing*
Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology
Optimisation Methods*
Computer Forensics & Cybercrime
Computational Models*
Agents and Multi-Agent Systems
Advanced Research Topics
Advanced Security Topics*
Cryptography & Information Security*
Advanced Software Engineering*
The Internet*
Parallel & Distributed Algorithms*
Algorithm Design & Analysis
Software Design & Architecture*
Software Engineering of Internet Applications*
Multimedia Compression Methods & Systems
A modules with * can only be selected if you have not already taken the third year version of this module.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
96+ ATAR, or an OP of band 3 for Queensland including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1 including 1 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with 8/10 or 17/20 including 8 or 17 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Brazil
Brazil
High School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) with 8 OR B OR Muito Bom PLUS at least one year of Bacharel/Licenciado at a Brazilian University with a GPA of at least 8.0 OR the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of AAB. Including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.5 including 5.5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 85% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 85% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 31. Including Maths/Computer Science/Electronics/Statistics or Physics
Chile
Chile
Licencia de Educación Media with 6 PLUS at least one year of the Licenciatura at a Chilean university with a mark of 5 OR the Kings College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of AAB. Including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Chinese university with at least 80%. Including Maths/Computer Science/Electronics/Statistics or Physics
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 18 including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics plus at least an additional foundation/Access year
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1 including 1 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 10 including 10 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with majority marks of 5 (including grade 5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics) and an attestation of success in the state entry examinations (Riigieksamitunnistus)
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 6 including 6 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
The scientifique stream of Baccalaureat with 13/20 overall and 13 in Maths/Computer Science/Electronics/Statistics or Physics
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.5 overall including 1.5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at AAB including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Greece
Apolytirion
Apolytirion with 18 including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Where applicants are taking Physics or ICT as an elective subject: Levels 5, 5, 5 in three elective subjects including Physics or ICT, plus Level 4 in all core subjects. All other applicants: Levels 5, 5, 5 in three elective subjects, plus either minimum Level 5 in Compulsory Mathematics and Level 5* in Extended mathematics, or Level 5* in Extended mathematics and Level 5 in compulsory Mathematics. All other core subjects including English language must be at Level 4.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5 including 5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian university.
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) with 16 OR 3 Cambridge A levels at AAB including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
A1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1 including Mathematics, Physics, or subjects such as Computer Science and Electronics.
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 90 including 90 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Japan
School Leaving Certificate
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) PLUS 3 Cambridge Board International A-levels at AAB OR an Associate degree or Diploma from a Junior College (Jun-Gakushi) with a GPA of 3.3 or B+ or 4 OR a foundation year. Including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 8 including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 90 including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Tres Bien including Tres Bien in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAB including B in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Mexico
Mexico
The Bachillerato with a mark of 8 PLUS the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR at least one year of the Licenciado study with an overall average mark of at least 8/10 OR A-levels with grades of AAB. Including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9 including 9 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 7.5 including 7.5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
the NCEA level 3 with E in the majority of standards/modules in four subjects,including Excellent in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5 including grade 5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university
Poland
Matura
Matura with 80% in extended level subjects, with high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 18 with high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 8 including 8 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 including 5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Russian university
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85% OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAB including Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAB in three content-based H2 subjects (including Grade B in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics). Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 2 including 2 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5 including 5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
The National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement with AAABB
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 8 overall including 8 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG including MVG in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5 including 5 in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with an overall mark of 4 including high marks in Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics with at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university
United Kingdom
A levels
AAB
Compulsory subjects
AAB including Grade B in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics. GCSE grade B Mathematics also required.
12 unit A level in vocational subjects
AB in Science, Engineering or IT only, plus grade A at A-level in a relevant subject
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Computing (or similar) Diploma including study of Maths, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics at Level 3 with 33 Level 3 credits from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining credits at Merit. Supplementary information and achievement e.g marks for certain credits/subjects may be required depending on course content and offers may vary slightly according to content. PLUS Grade B at GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U Principal Subjects with grades of D3 D3 M2 including M2 in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics. GCSE grade B Mathematics also required.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Computing based courses with DDD overall including distinctions in the following modules: Information Systems and Computer Systems (compulsory) plus an additional two from: Database Design; Systems Analysis & Design; Mathematics for IT Practitioners; Software Design & Development or Event Driven Programming. Maths based courses will also be considered
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AAABB at Higher and AB at Advanced Higher. Should include Grade B in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electronics, Physics or Statistics. Standard Credit grade/Intermediate 2 in Mathematics also required if not taken at Higher/AH.
International Baccalaureate
35 points and 665 HL (including 5 HL in one of Mathematics, Computer Science or Physics)
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including 8 in Mathematics or Physics.
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 554 including Maths/Computer Science/Electronics/Statistics or Physics at grade 4
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.
There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above
Knowledge of computer science or competence in computer programming is not a requirement, and the extent to which we require mathematics depends upon the degree. We do not require an extra AS-level in addition to three A-levels. We invite all offer holders to an open day (between January and April) to see our facilities, meet students and staff, and tour the College. If you are an applicant with relevant life experience and have relevant qualifications, or have equivalent non-UK qualifications, we welcome your application.