With its strong focus on solving real-world problems through problem-based learning, this BSc delivers world-class, industry-relevant teaching. The programme provides the essential material employers expect from a top-quality computer science graduate, and prepares you for employment in a wide variety of industries.
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
D2,D2,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, to include Mathematics at D2.
A1,A1,A at Advanced Highers (or A1,A1 at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher), to include Mathematics at Advanced Higher A1.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A-Levels at grades A*A*A, to include Mathematics at A*.
In addition to A level and International Baccalaureate, UCL considers a wide range of international qualifications for entry to its undergraduate degree programmes.
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency. Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Our degree programmes are designed and taught by world-class researchers, ensuring our material is cutting-edge.
Located in purpose-built accommodation, the department offers excellent laboratory and experiment facilities in a friendly and personal learning environment.
Our location in the centre of London strengthens our close associations with industry and the financial sector, and offers you extensive opportunities for developing contacts with potential employers.
The degree is part of an integrated programme which stretches across engineering. This allows you to broaden your horizons through interactions with other disciplines.
This programme is accredited by the BCS for the purpose of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
The structure of this three-year programme is based around a set of core modules, the aim of which is to cover the essential material required of all computer scientists, whatever their particular interest or specialisation. These modules address all the main strands of computer science: architecture, programming, theory, design and mathematics.
In the final year there is a substantial individual supervised project, and a choice of two advanced optional modules from a selection of areas.
In the second and third years alongside the main Computer Science content you take an Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) minor, comprising one module in the second year and two modules in the third year. There are a number of minor subjects offered by UCL Engineering departments including: Entrepreneurship, Nanotechnology, Biomechanics, Management, Sustainable Building Design and Connected Systems. Alternatively, you can take the Intelligent Systems minor taught by Computer Science or you can learn a modern foreign language to an advanced level.
As the first two years of the BSc and MEng programmes are identical, if you start on the BSc programme you can apply to transfer to the MEng programme before the end of the second year provided you have demonstrated the required level of academic performance. Transfer to the MEng International Programme is also possible if you wish to apply to study abroad for a year.
An indicative guide to the structure of this programme, year by year.
Algorithms
Compilers
Design and Professional Practice
Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists
Integrated Engineering
Object Oriented Programming
Principles of Programming
Theory of Computation
All first-year modules are compulsory
Logic and Database Theory
Mathematics and Statistics
Networking and Concurrency
Security
Software Engineering
Systems Engineering
IEP Minor Module I
Computational Complexity
Computer Systems
Individual Project
IEP Minor Module II
IEP Minor Module III
You will also select credits from a wide range of optional modules. Options may include the following:
Artificial Intelligence and Neural Computing
Computer Graphics
Database and Information Management Systems
Functional Programming
Image Processing
Interaction Design
Networked Systems
Modules usually last for one term and include a mixture of lectures, tutorials and lab classes. There is a focus on practical problem-based learning and group work. From the very first week you will be applying theory and working with others to solve real and challenging problems. Individual support is offered to all students through a personal tutorial system.
All modules are assessed usually by individual or group coursework assignments and an unseen written examination at the end of the academic year. Student performance is continually monitored, and students wishing to progress to the MEng programmes must have demonstrated excellent academic performance by the end of the second year.
Detailed module descriptions are available on the department website: Computer Science BSc.
The strong practical and analytical skills developed during your studies will leave you well placed to meet the growing global demand for graduates in this fast-moving industry.
Our graduates have previously secured careers with global IT consultancies, as IT analysts with City of London banks and as IT specialists with manufacturing industries. As well as these pathways, the UCL Computer Science BSc will provide you with an excellent foundation for a broad spectrum of different careers.
You may also choose to pursue further academic study such as a Master's degree or doctoral research.
UCL is commited to helping you get the best start after graduation. Read more about how UCL Careers and UCL Innovation and Enterprise can help you find employment or learn about entrepreneurship.
“I chose UCL for Computer Science because it offers a cross-disciplinary degree programme which bridges the gap between theory and real-life applications. I hope to embark on scientific research after I graduate. I am particularly passionate about artificial intelligence, a cutting-edge field which has the potentially to benefit humankind.”Wanyue Zhang - Computer Science BSc First Year
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2019/20 academic year. The UK/EU fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2019/20 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc. on this programme, please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Funding opportunities relevant to the department may appear in this section when they are available. Please check carefully or confirm with the programme contact to ensure they apply to this degree programme.
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
In addition to academic requirements, we are looking for you to demonstrate a proven interest in computing and a clear understanding of what studying computer science entails. We are keen to admit students with an interest in subjects that relate to applications of computer technology.
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Application deadline: 15 January 2019
Applications are firstly assessed by UCL Admissions officers against the published entry criteria. Applicants with non-standard qualifications or applications from mature applicants are referred onto the Computer Science Admissions Tutor for review.
If your application demonstrates the academic profile and commitment to computer science we are looking for, you may be invited to attend a departmental open day to find out more about us and what it’s like to study mathematical computation at UCL. You will have the opportunity to meet members of teaching staff and current students, take a tour of the campus and see demonstrations of current research and teaching activities.
For further information on UCL's selection process see: Selection of students.