A degree in Computer Science from City University London will provide you with a strong, broad-based education in computing as a scientific and technological discipline.
Overview
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) for fulfilment of the academic requirement for Chartered IT Professional, and for partial fulfilment of the academic requirement for Chartered Engineer and Chartered Scientist.
Computer science focuses on how software and programming works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.
Why study Computer Science at City?
- Over 70% of our undergraduate students were employed within six months of graduation - compared to the national average of 68.7% (HESA statistics, 2010)
- Each course shares a common first year, which gives you the flexibility to change course (to any of those listed below - subject to approval) after a year's study if required.
This degree is suitable for you if:
- You are looking for a career in which a comprehensive grounding in computing will give you an advantage
- You have a strong interest in software technologies and you want to know how they work, how to build them and how to use them
- You want the fundamental knowledge and skills to keep up-to-date in a field in which rapid and accelerating change is the rule rather than the exception.
Specialist topics covered include:
- Language processors & interpreters
- Data structures and algorithms
- Functioning programming in Haskell
- Theory of computation
- applications of computing.
- BSc (Hons) Business Computing Systems
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games Technology
- BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
Placements
Additionally, as part of your course, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience, whilst earning, alongside your studies - through one of our placement schemes:
- One-year placement - These are taken after students have successfully completed their second year of studies; students work between nine and fifteen months on placement before returning to City to complete their final year
- Professional Pathway Scheme - This scheme is unique to City and offers students the opportunity to combine placement employment (and earnings) whilst studying.
About the School of Informatics
Entry Requirements:
- A-level: 360 UCAS tariff points
- BTEC: DDM
- IB: 32
Course Fees:
- Full-time EU: £9,000
- Full-time Non EU: £13,000
Start Date:
23/09/2013
UCAS code:
G400
Entry Requirements
For entry in 2013
- A-level: 360 UCAS tariff points. Point scores exclude general studies and key skills. A/AS-levels in mother tongue other than English count at half value
- BTEC: DDM
- IB: 32. Science, technology and mathematics subjects are preferred and at least one such subject should be offered.
- Overseas, other UK qualifications and relevant work experience will be considered on the basis of equivalence to our A-level intake.
- 14-19 Advanced Diploma: We accept the Advanced 14-19 Diploma on the same standing as A-levels based on the UCAS tariff.
Pre-requisites
Mathematics GCSE at grade C or above.
Other Suitable Qualifications
Foundation Programmes
If you do not qualify for direct entry, our partner INTO City University London offers academic preparation programmes which focus on the skills you need. Successful completion of the International Foundation in Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree.
English Requirements
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL: 87 internet-based total
- GCSE: English language grade C
English Language Programmes
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Please click the links below for more information.
Visa Requirements
City University London retains Highly Trusted Status from UKBA, enabling us to sponsor international students to study in the UK.
The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than 6 months
- Students on courses of less than 6 months
- Students on a pre-sessional English Language course
For more information see our main Visa page.
Course Content
Computer science focuses on how software and programming works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems.
While at City, you will gain:
- An appreciation of the foundations of computation
- An understanding of the structure of programming languages
- The skills to use coding creatively in solving computational problems
You will also:
- Acquire expertise in state-of-art approaches to a wide variety of technologies
- Learn commercially valuable skills
- Work with our internationally renowned research groups, learning the latest developments in computer science
- Develop a large individual project, either with the tech industries, working with a research group or realising your own ideas
Course Structure
The structure of your degree is based around three parts, each corresponding to one year of a three-year degree. Commonality is emphasised as far as possible allowing you maximum flexibility to change your degree course once registered.
Assessment is usually by a combination of examination and coursework, though some components, such as the team project are assessed by coursework alone. Your final degree classification is calculated from your second and final years, with the weighting 40 per cent to 60 per cent.
A one-year placement is invariably taken between the second and final year. In the case of the Professional Pathway, Parts II and III are spread over three years.
Part I: Foundations
You will gain a firm foundation in computing covering topics such as programming, software engineering, computer architecture, databases and the mathematics needed to understand and model computer systems. Communication and business skills, essential for a successful career in IT, are also covered.
We offer a common first year for all our our courses, allowing you ample time to make an informed choice of which computing degree to study.
Part II: Core knowledge and skills
You will learn the core knowledge and skills needed in the IT profession, including topics such as networking and human-computer interaction. A group project plays an important role in developing your team-working skills in a software development environment. You will also study topics relevant to your specialism, such as data structures and algorithms for computer science, and organisational behaviour for business computing.
Part III: Advanced topics
You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of your specialism and broaden your education by selecting topics from our wide range of final year elective modules. Your individual project will demonstrate to employers that you can apply your knowledge and devise a novel solution to a problem. Your project may be undertaken in conjunction with one of our research groups in artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction or software engineering. Alternatively, you may undertake your project with the company you worked for while on placement. For example, a current student is developing a system to help monitor and control costs in a blue-chip company.
Electives
We offer you a wide range of regularly updated elective topics allowing you to specialise or broaden your studies as you wish.
Download more examples of modules and electives
Course Details
Specialist topics covered include:
- Language processors
- Date structuring and algorithms
- Functioning programming in Haskell
- Theory of computation.
This degree is suitable for you if:
- You are looking for a career in which a comprehensive grounding in computing will give you an advantage
- You have a strong interest in software technologies and you want to know how they work, how to build them and how to use them
- You want the fundamental knowledge and skills to keep up-to-date in a field in which rapid and accelerating change is the rule rather than the exception
Read the full programme specification.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching
Teaching is a combination of lectures, case studies, seminars and laboratory sessions. Project and group work aim to develop creativity and problem solving and play a major part in the course. Communication and professional development skills are covered in the first year. Teaching is also supported online by the e-learning system.
Assessment
Assessment is by examination and coursework though some components, such as the team project, are assessed by coursework alone. Your final degree classification is calculated from your second and final years, with the weighting of 40 per cent to 60 per cent respectively.
Read the full programme specification.
Fees
- Full-time EU: £9,000
- Full-time Non EU: £13,000
Funding
For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.
Scholarships
Scholarship for 2013 entrants: Up to £3,000 cash each year for at least three years for students on this course. Read more here to see if you might qualify.Placements
As part of your course, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience, whilst earning, alongside your studies - through one of our placement schemes:
- One-year placement - These are taken after students have successfully completed their second year of studies; students work between nine and fifteen months on placement before returning to City to complete their final year
- Professional Pathway Scheme - This scheme is unique to City and offers students the opportunity to combine placement employment (and earnings) whilst studying.
Career Prospects
This degree is recognised by the British Computer Society, exempting you from their professional examinations and offering a pathway to chartered status. Careers include programming and software development, as well as research-based careers in the IT industry and higher degrees, such as a PhD.
Find out how studying at City University London helps you to improve your job prospects.
Find out more about City University London
Computer Science
UCAS code: G400
Applications for degree courses must be made through UCAS. You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
Rosehill, New Barn Lane,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ
www.ucas.com
UCAS Customer Service Unit telephone numbers:
- For callers in the UK: 0871 468 0 468
- For callers outside the UK: +44 (0)871 468 0 468
- For callers with hearing difficulties
- From the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0 468
- From outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0 468.
When to apply
Your application for entry in September 2013 should arrive at UCAS between 1 September 2013 and 15 January 2014. Applications that arrive after 15 January 2014 will be considered only at the University's discretion. When your application is acknowledged by UCAS, you will be sent a personal identification number so that you can access your records via Track on the UCAS website.
Enquiries
For general enquiries about the admissions process, please contact the
Admissions Office.
T: +44 (0)20 7040 8716/0223
E: ugadmissions@city.ac.uk
If your enquiry is about admission to a particular course, you should contact the admissions tutor for that course (please see the course description for contact details).
