Computer Science | King’s College London

Overview

On our Computer Science BSc course you will gain an in-depth understanding of computer-based information systems in the heart of a connected London.

The first two years of the course focus on programming, computer systems, artificial intelligence, databases, software engineering and logic.

The third year includes a project implementing a sophisticated piece of software.

The course information sheet is a printable version of the information on this web page, which you can download here.

Reputation for good teaching in a friendly environment.
92 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 (REF 2014).
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.
This course is currently accredited by the BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT. This certifies that our course equips students with the foundations enabling a career in computing or information systems.

Key information

UCAS code G400

Duration Three years

Study mode Full-time

Course type Single honours

Course accreditations BCS

Further details

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Department Department of Informatics

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Course detail

Description

Our Computer Science BSc course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the field of computer-based information systems in order to prepare you for a career in that area. Computer Science BSc at King’s gives you access not only to academics who are renowned in their field but current students who are researching and developing cutting-edge technology to advance the industry. In the third year, you will undertake a project, which involves implementing a sophisticated piece of software based on your particular interests.

You will have access to over 250 fast PCs running Windows and Linux. These are spread over several state of the art laboratories for the exclusive use of the Department.

Our student societies organise social and other activities.

Teaching

Teaching is led by the Informatics Department. You are expected to spend approximately 10 hours work per credit for each module you attend in your degree, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.

Assessment

You are assessed through a combination of written examination, essays, practical examination, oral presentations, reports, class tests and projects. The nature of assessment varies by module.

Special notes

The Department of Informatics consists of expertise in a number of different research fields. These are combined into six research groups (Algorithms and Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Distributed and Artificial Intelligence, Human Centred Computing, Reasoning and Planning and Software Systems) and five research hubs (Trusted Autonomous Systems, Finance, Health, Security and Urban Living) which provide a virtual clustering of researchers from all parts of the Department around specific themes.

The selection of available optional taught course modules reflects the range of research interests in the department. All years of our programmes are kept under constant review and we reserve the right to change and improve them at any time.

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. In each year you will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Introduction to Professional Practice (0 credits)
Programming Practice & Applications (30 credits)
Computer Systems (15 credits)
Foundations of Computing 1 (15 credits)
Data Structures (15 credits)
Database Systems (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Elementary Logic with Application (15 credits)
Computational & Mathematical Thinking for Engineers I (15 credits)

You are also required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Introduction to Software Engineering (15 credits)
Logic Design (15 credits)
Computational & Mathematical Thinking for Engineers I (15 credits)

Year 2

Required Modules

You are required to take the following modules:

Practical Experiences of Programming (15 credits)
Foundations of Computing 2 (15 credits)
Operating Systems & Concurrency (15 credits)
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)

Optional Modules

You are required to take three modules from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

One 30 credit module from:

Software Engineering Group Project (30 credits)
Robotics Group Project (30 credits)

One 15 credit module from:

Internet Systems (15 credits)
Introduction to Robotics (15 credits)

One 15 credit module from:

Programming Language Design Paradigms (15 credits)
Signals & Systems (15 credits)

Year 3

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Individual Project (30 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 90 credits from a range of optional modules which may typically include

Artificial Intelligence Reasoning & Decision Making (15 credits)
Cryptography (15 credits)
Artificial Intelligence Planning (15 credits)
Formal Verification (15 credits)
Computational Models (15 credits)
Software Architecture & Design (15 credits)
Information Security (15 credits)
Optimisation Methods (15 credits)
Compilers & Formal Languages (15 credits)
Human-Computer Interaction (15 credits)
Agile Software Performance Engineering in Industrial Practice (15 credits)
Machine Learning (15 credits)

The following specialised award titles are available for students, subject to the combination of modules taken in the final year:

Artificial Intelligence
Software Engineering

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Entry requirements

Required grades

AAA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-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.

Required grades

35 points overall (including TOK/EE) and three Higher Level subjects at 666

Required grades

45 Level 3 credits: 36 must be awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit

Required grades

D3 D3 D3

Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) will be considered

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

85% overall

Required grades

Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements and English language entry requirements.

Required subjects

At least one of Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing

Plus GCSE Mathematics at grade 6/B (or equivalent)

Preferred subjects

None

Further information and other requirements

All candidates for this programme must obtain or have obtained grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent). Please note that unfortunately we are unable to consider re-sit applicants who have yet to re-sit their Maths GCSE but we welcome applications from those who have re-sat and achieved the required grade before applying.
A-level	AAA	Must contain at least one of Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing. Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-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. NOTE: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects.
Access to HE Diploma	D: 36 credits M: 9 credits P: 0 credits	Access to Science/ Maths Diploma (or similar subject). Level 3 study to focus on at least one of Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing.
Cambridge Pre-U	D3 D3 D3	Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) considered.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF from 2010)		BTEC Extended Diploma in Information Technology at grades DDD with 12 Distinctions, including Distinctions in the core modules Information Systems and Computer Systems plus Distinctions in an additional two from: Database Design; Systems Analysis & Design; Mathematics for IT Practitioners; Software Design & Development or Event Driven Programming, AND one A-level at grade A from: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF from 2010)		BTEC Diploma in Information Technology at grades DD with eight Distinctions, including Distinctions in the core modules Information Systems and Computer Systems plus Distinctions in an additional two from: Database Design; Systems Analysis & Design; Mathematics for IT Practitioners and one A-level at grade A in either: Mathematics or Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF from 2010)		D with four modules at Distinction and two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one A-level from: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science or Computing.
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers	AAB at Highers and AA at Advanced Highers	Must include Advanced Higher in either Mathematics or Computing Science Must be a combination of three Scottish Highers and two Scottish Advanced Highers. We do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject.
International Baccalaureate	35 points	Including 666 at Higher Level with either Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Computer Science at Higher Level. The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. Note: IB students studying the new Maths curriculum would be required to study either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level to meet the subject requirement for this programme
Other International Qualifications		Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements.
English Language Requirements	Band E	Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements

Selection procedure

Application deadline: January 15th2019

Help and support

View our English language entry requirements

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees EU:

Students starting their programme in 2019/20 (September 2019) who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2020/21.

The UK tuition fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is £25,500 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

Additional costs

In addition to tuition fees, you can also expect to pay for:

Books if you choose to buy your own copies
Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
Library fees and fines
Personal photocopies
Printing course handouts
Society membership fees
Stationery
Graduation costs
Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

For further information, please visit our fees and funding pages.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

The Careers Service and the Department of Informatics run a careers programme for Informatics students, which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers. Our graduates go on to successful careers in a wide 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. Alternatively, many of our graduates choose further study.

Testimonials

Lukas

Studying Computer Science at King's provides a great mix of theory and practice which I really enjoy. Not only have I already applied my newly-acquired knowledge to real-world problems in software development projects but I have also had the opportunity to participate in pioneering research.

Mark

"Computer Science is a stimulating and interesting course, and this year the group software project is enabling me to make more friends while being able to enjoy making software too."

Rummana

"The greatest experience of being a university student is to study a subject you enjoy with a range of different people from all over the world, taught by the best lecturers who make the environment enjoyable with their caring attitude and wit."

Sergen

"Studying computer science at King’s has opened many career opportunities; following advice from the college’s Careers Service, I was able to complete an internship at one of the largest investment banks in the world and was offered a full-time position."

Vasfiye

"The programme itself provides the theoretical knowledge behind the subject area, and a set of transferable skills that can be used in technology anywhere, lecturers are personable and always happy to help."