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Computer Science BSc

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Overview

Our Computer Science BSc will give you 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.

Key benefits

  • Reputation for excellent teaching in a friendly environment.
  • 92% 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).
  • 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

Locations

 

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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 first two years, you will study areas such as programming, computer systems, databases, artificial intelligence, software engineering and logic. In the third year, you will undertake a project, which involves implementing a sophisticated piece of software based on your particular interests.

Outside of teaching, our student societies organise social and other activities such as hackathons and river cruises so there is lots to get involved with. The Careers Service and the Department of Informatics run a careers programme for Informatics students, which includes skills sessions and visits from top employers.

Teaching

Teaching is led by the Department of Informatics. 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.

Structure

Year 1

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

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.

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)
  • Mathematics 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)
  • Mathematical Modelling (15 credits)

Year 2

Required Modules

You are required to take the following modules:

  • Practical Experiences of Programming (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (15 credits)
  • Foundations of Computing 2 (15 credits)
  • Operating Systems & Concurrency (15 credits)
  • Software Engineering Group Project (30 credits)
Optional Modules

You are required to take one 15 credit module from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

  • 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 that 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)

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, 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, 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 (either Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation), Further Mathematics or Computer Science at Higher Level. The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

Other International Qualifications

 

Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

Band D

Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements

Selection procedure

Application deadline: January 15th 2020.

Help and support

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 2020-2021 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 2020/21 (September 2020) 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 2021/22.

The UK tuition fee for the 2020-2021 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 2020-2021 academic year is £26,700 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

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

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

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

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

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."

Next steps

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