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Overview

On our Computer Science with a Year in Industry 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 the foundations of computer science and will equip you with the skills to develop a software system as part of a team – something that will serve you well for your placement year. You will spend your third year undertaking an industry placement before returning to complete a final year with us. This depends on you reaching a certain grade average and obtaining a suitable placement opportunity.

Finding an industry placement will require students to be resourceful and engaged. The Faculty has dedicated placement support who can provide advice and host employer-led events, ensuring you have all the tools to secure the right placement for you.

The final year allows you to specialise your knowledge by selecting from a range of modules and showcase your talents by completing an individual project.

Accreditation

This degree has been accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Key benefits

  • 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings by subject 2026).
  • Be trained in AWS software and receive mentorship from industry experts whilst working on projects for public sector and charity organisations that serve the community.
  • Great employability following completion of your degree. 6th in the UK for producing the most employable graduates (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2026).
  • Our central London location is close to leading global companies, such as Google and Amazon, and gives unparalleled access to renowned scientific societies, including the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
  • You will interact with world-class experts in many exciting areas of Computer Science, including Algorithms and Data Analysis, Cybersecurity, Human-Centred Computing and Software Systems.
  • You will study a wide-range of innovative modules, covering both the theory and practice of modern Computer Science, with excellent tutorial support and extensive course-specific interactive teaching.
  • Friendly and supportive learning environment, with students from across the globe, and a thriving culture of student societies covering tech, game development, women in computer science, robotics and more, with regular hackathons, careers panels, talks and social activities. An inclusive learning environment for all students, actively promoting diversity.
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I loved the opportunity to study in the heart of London, engage with a mix of interesting theoretical and practical modules, enjoy tech and computing-related societies, and get invaluable advice from the careers service
Suliman
SulimanComputer Science BSc

Course essentials

By studying Computer Science at King’s, you will join a vibrant and diverse community of students and staff from all over the world, exploring fundamental scientific questions and responding to key societal challenges. As a BSc student, you will not only be taught by world-experts in their field, but study alongside pioneering students who are researching and developing cutting-edge technologies, with many of our students going on to found start-ups. The BSc in Computer Science with a Year in Industry will allow you to understand the underlying principles of a range of Computer Science dimensions, including:

  • Software Engineering (e.g. programming skills and technologies, as well as planning, implementation, and maintenance of large software projects).
  • Algorithms and Optimisation (e.g. analysis and benchmarking of software, algorithmic techniques).
  • Cybersecurity (e.g. cryptography and Information security).
  • Systems Engineering (e.g. real-time and embedded systems, communication protocols, and systems-level programming).
  • Foundations of Computing (e.g. programming paradigms, and computational models).
  • Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (e.g., formal logic, search techniques, machine learning).

It will also provide you with the background knowledge and skills required to become a successful professional able to work in a range of exciting roles.

The first two years of the programme provide a strong foundation across core computer science fields, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience across areas such as computer systems, databases, artificial intelligence, software engineering and logic. You will develop advanced programming skills and a deep understanding of the principles that underpin modern software development, preparing you to work confidently with current and emerging technologies. Practical hardware modules also provide experience of electronics, from circuit boards to programming microprocessors.

Project-based learning is at the heart of the programme. Throughout your studies, you will apply your knowledge to real-world challenges while developing the technical, teamwork and problem-solving skills valued by employers. In your second year, you will work as part of a team to design and develop a substantial software system. Following your year in industry, your final-year project will allow you to investigate a research challenge or tackle an industry-inspired problem, often in collaboration with one of our research groups or partner organisations across sectors including technology, law, aviation and government.

A distinctive feature of this degree is the integrated Year in Industry, which provides the opportunity to gain paid professional experience in your third year.  Students have secured placements across a wide range of sectors, including software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, game development, digital consultancy and technology start-ups.

Throughout the placement process, you will receive tailored support from King’s Careers & Employability, the Computer Science Year in Industry academic lead and a dedicated Faculty Placement Coordinator. From preparing competitive applications and technical interviews to connecting with employers, we will help you make the most of this valuable opportunity.

In your final year, you can tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations through a wide range of optional modules, including robotics, data science, information security, machine learning and human-centred computing.

Beyond the classroom, you will become part of a vibrant and supportive student community. Student-led societies offer opportunities to participate in hackathons, industry events, technical workshops and social activities, helping you build friendships, professional networks and experiences that enhance your time at King’s.

By combining academic excellence with practical industry experience, the programme will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and professional skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technology sector.

Opportunities to broaden your experiences

Year in industry

On this programme, you’ll spend your third year in a full-time year in industry or year in professional practice placement. Our Global Placements team will support you throughout your programme with advice and activities to help you discover your options, focus your placement search, and achieve the right placement for you.

Key Information

UCAS code:

G405

Course type:

Single honours

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full-time

Required A-Levels:

A*A*A

Duration:

Four years

Application status:

Start date:

September 2027

Application deadline:

Administrative bodies

Course accreditation

Image text: BCS Accredited Degree

Reviewed, inspected and accredited by the BCS

Awarding body

King's College London

King's College London and Affiliates

Regulating body

Base campuses

A quad courtyard, with people queuing at a van selling coffee, and chatting in conversation

Strand Campus

Strand Campus sits along the Thames at London's cultural heart. Alongside world-class teaching spaces, students enjoy access to the pedestrianised Strand Quad, with Somerset House and iconic landmarks just steps away.

Waterloo - students walking outside Franklin-Wilkins building

Waterloo Campus

Centrally located and well connected, Waterloo brings together students from health, science and law, just steps from the South Bank. It's also home to the world's #2 nursing school – the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery (QS 2026).