Why study this course?

This course will teach you everything you need for a successful career in IT – from programming and information systems to modules in mobile applications and artificial intelligence. Taught by experts, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art computer labs as well as the opportunity to get industry experience during hands-on work placements and gain professional Java certification.

In the Guardian University Guide 2023, our computer science and information systems courses are ranked first in the UK for teaching quality and second in the UK for course satisfaction.

More about this course

With professional accreditation from the British Computer Society, this career-focused course will equip you with the key skills necessary to succeed in the computing industry.

With the chance to gain professional Java certification, you’ll be taught by experts in the field of IT and technology and will learn everything, from how to create new mobile apps to how to design and implement software systems. As you progress, you’ll also have the options to specialise in topics such as artificial intelligence and management support systems, ensuring you have the specialist skills to pursue a career in the fields that interest you most.

Studying computer science in the heart of London, one of the world’s leading technological hubs, you’ll learn from a team of experts and benefit from our state-of-the-art computer labs. Taught through knowledge-based learning seminars and hands-on workshops. Created specifically to enhance your employability, you’ll develop your skills, gain real experience and earn while you learn through placements working on real client-driven projects in business and industry.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll have the qualifications and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers linked to computer science. You’ll not only have the qualifications required for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), you’ll also be entitled to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS). Becoming a Member of the British Computer Society entitles you to put the letters MBCS after your name and gain access to networking opportunities, publications and specialist events to aid you in your career development.

You can get a taste for life at our School of Computing and Digital Media by taking a look at our showcase of recent student work.

Assessment

Assessment is mainly via coursework, exams, in-class tests and a project dissertation. You’ll also receive regular supportive feedback throughout the course.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.

On graduating, you'll be eligible to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS).

Fees and key information

Course type
Undergraduate
UCAS code G402
Entry requirements View
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Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • a minimum grade C in three A levels (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to Higher Education Diploma of 60 Credits)
  • English language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered.

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing our Computer Science (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.

Accelerated study

Applications for advanced entry to Year 2 or 3 of this programme will be assessed on an individual basis. All applicants requesting advanced entry must supply a full and official transcript of their grades and modules plus at least one academic reference from their university.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start) - Monday afternoon

The module introduces students to the basics of Information Technology; past, current and future trend in computer systems. The detailed design of a small-scale Computer Systems is presented where students have the opportunity to build, configure and test a computer system for a given application. Students will identify the basic features of the Windows operating system and its elements. Health Safety issues and the safe disposal of equipment is also covered leading to an understanding and appreciation of social, ethical, environmental and economic issues related to computer’s hardware and software element. The module aims to
1. Introduce students to the fundamental concepts of Information Technology and basic networking,
2. Provide a working technical knowledge of modern computer systems and their respective components,
3. Introduce Operating systems by focusing on Windows products, identifying similarities and differences,
4. Identify the correct approach to preventive maintenance and upgrading and troubleshooting
5. Introducing students to Assembly language and how it interacts with hardware
6. Awareness of social, environmental, commercial and economic aspects of PC technology

Students will receive an introduction to the principles of information processing and an overview of the information technologies for digital data processing using computational and communication devices, including an initial understanding of the requirements for usability, quality, complexity, security and privacy of the developed solution. The students will obtain initial practical skills in modelling, design, implementation and testing of software systems for real-world application using a suitable programming language.

Students will receive an introduction to the business environment and the role of information management and information systems within business.
The module develops an understanding of the Information Systems, the Software Development process and the basic technology underpinning these systems. This will include database management systems and the Internet. Students which will develop key skills and knowledge in the aspects of an information system, including databases, websites, and scripts with particular regard to usability.
• The module aims to provide an overview of the nature of organisations, their business models, and how key areas operate to meet business objectives. It introduces students to organisational culture, data, information and knowledge management, and the role of information in organisational decision making.
• Within the module the students will be given an appreciation of the effect of ICT on organisational performance, and a basic understanding of the processes of developing and maintaining information systems, software products and services.
• An introduction to underlying technologies (e.g., databases, Internet and Web) is embedded in the module, which also seeks to develop basic competence and confidence in the use of appropriate tools, techniques and academic and communication skills, with an underlining awareness of legal, social, ethical and professional issues.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start) - Thursday morning

This module develops a range of mathematical techniques including set theory, logic, relations and functions, algebra, differentiation and integration. The techniques provide the foundation for further study of Mathematics, Computer Science and Computer Games Programming and Computer Systems Engineering.

This is an introductory programming module, designed to develop interest, ability and confidence in using a programming language. Students will gain the basic knowledge and experience to solve simple programming problems using established techniques in program design, development and documentation. It is expected that on completion of this module, students will be able to design, implement and test object-oriented programs. The module also enables to self-study a popular programming language and obtain a completion certificate. The student is also expected to develop their confidence needed to program solutions to problems through a series of practical programming exercises.

Assessment: Multiple choice test (30%) + Programming certificate(10%) +Coursework (60%) [Pass on aggregate]

Year 2 modules include:

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Friday morning

This module will enable students to understand the Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing concepts, building blocks, ecosystems, infrastructure, and applications. This will enrich their knowledge and understanding of the core technologies and platforms for IoT and Clouds, that allows digitally enabled devices or objects to collect, gather, and transfer data over a network without involving human-to-human or human-to-machine interaction.

The module will place emphasis on IoT components and delivery models, IoT system architecture, key wireless/mobile/sensor technologies, IoT communication protocols, issues of privacy and trust, cloud platform, and virtualization technologies in the development of IoT cloud infrastructure and applications.

Students will be supported with a series of exercises performed using a powerful network simulation tool, that will cover the range of basic principles to more advanced IoT system design. This will allow students to get real world experience in building IoT system by integrating sensor devices and cloud for creating interconnected solutions to smart cities, homes, and enterprises. Some basic knowledge of Python will be used throughout. By the end of the module, you will get experience in solving real-world problems (IoT and Cloud system implementation) efficiently using simulation modelling.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start) - Monday afternoon

This module further develops students’ knowledge and skills in developing software applications for solving problems. It focuses on the data structures and algorithms in programming and the software technologies for building standalone, networked and Internet applications. The module is designed to enhance employability through the use of modern industrial tools and technologies, and familiarisation with the software development life cycle.

The key skills and knowledge to be gained are:

•Provide students with an understanding of theoretical concepts related to the use of data structures, algorithms, programming patterns and software infrastructure in standalone, networked and Internet environments.

•Develop students’ analytical skills in the context of processing, generating, transforming, transporting, storing, retrieving, and presenting data.

•Enhance students’ practical skills using appropriate methods and techniques for designing, programming, and integrating software applications using user interfaces, data structures and persistent storage.

•Provide students with an understanding of programming during the different stages of the software development lifecycle.

•Enable students to apply analytical and practical skill in solving typical problems in standalone, networked and Internet environments.

•Enhance students’ experience and employability through the use of appropriate current technologies, enterprise tools and development environments during software development.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Wednesday morning

Introduces techniques for analysing, designing and implementing database systems. An understanding of data modelling and design concepts is provided and database programming language skills are taught. The practical aspect of developing database systems is emphasised and use is made of a widely-used commercial database system (e.g. Oracle) for this purpose.

The module will enable students to give an introduction to the issues governing the design and implementation of database systems. Theoretical aspects of designing sound database systems, as well as the practical aspects of implementing such systems are presented. This therefore allows students to understand, and put into practice, the techniques available for analysing, designing and developing database systems.

This module focuses on professional, social, ethical issues within the context of social responsibility and covers relevant computer laws (LSEPI) underpinning the Computing discipline. The focus of the module is empowering student to take their place in society as socially responsible professionals and allowing the exploration of self-awareness, empathy, self-efficacy and engagement in students

Assessment: Coursework (100%)

The aims of this module are to:
• Expose students to a range of professional and ethical issues to prepare them to develop their own response to working with a professional outlook.
• Prepare students for the world of work and equip them with the knowledge and appreciation of professional bodies, code of conducts and professional certifications.
• Provide students with knowledge and understanding of the regulations governing the digital environment (e.g. Internet) and social, ethical and professional issues (LSEPI) underpinning the Computing discipline.
Introduce students to academic research and research ethics, and to academic writing.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Friday morning

This module will enable students to understand the fundamental concepts of data science and appreciate key techniques of data science and its applications in a wide range of business context. Students will be exposed to data understanding, preparation, modelling, results evaluation and data visualisation techniques that can assist businesses in making effective data-driven decisions to improve productivity and consumer satisfaction. Students will be introduced to the practical application of tools and techniques required to perform data science projects in a modern business environment.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start) - Monday morning

This module provides a systematic approach to software analysis, design, construction, testing, deployment, and maintenance. The module also broadens the student’s knowledge of software engineering and systems development methods, techniques and tools. The general principles of Software Engineering and Systems Development will be introduced; notably the software life cycle and different software development approaches. Students will be able to choose appropriate software development methods and apply them to case studies. They will use a variety of critical techniques and tools to model requirements and logical design.

Students will apply their knowledge of computer systems and application areas to produce outline physical designs. Students will develop project planning and management, teamwork and communication skills, taking into consideration risk/safety, security, and professional and legal issues in the development of software products, information systems and services. Experience of working as an individual and a team member on a software development case study will enhance students’ employability.

Year 3 modules include:

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Wednesday morning

This module surveys essential principles, methods, and techniques in AI and machine learning. It covers a broad range of AI topics such as problem solving, knowledge representation, logical and probabilistic inference, and machine learning using methods of automata theory, logics, probability theory and statistics. It discusses examples of intelligent systems and studies how to develop applications that can learn from experience such as expert systems, automatic classifiers and autonomous systems planning their actions and communicating in natural language. Students will be offered lectures, which introduce key concepts, explain main principles and techniques in AI, and demonstrate how to apply them in areas such as image recognition and price forecasting.

The workshop will provide practical sessions to help students understand the content of the lectures and build the necessary skills to develop AI-applications using suitable problem descriptions and datasets.

The module enables students to undertake an appropriate, short professional activity related to their course at level 6 with a business or community organisation and to gain credit for their achievements. The activity can be professional training or certification, a volunteering activity, employment through internal or external work-based placements, research-related activities, business start-up projects, entrepreneurship programs and more. Please see the complete list of accepted activities on WebLearn.

Students are expected to engage in any one or combination of career development learning activities for a total of ~70 hours which should be recorded clearly in a tri-weekly learning log – part of the portfolio. The ~70 hours can be completed in ~30 working days in FT mode or spread over a semester in PT mode.

Students are expected to complete a total of ~150 hours, 70 hours of which is direct engagement in any one or combination of career development learning activities. Progress should be recorded clearly in tri-weekly learning logs which are part of the portfolio. The ~150 hours can be completed in ~35 working days in FT mode or spread over a semester in PT mode.

Students should register for the module to be briefed, undergo induction and module planning and have their career development learning activity approved before they take up the opportunity. Students must be made aware that both the "Learning Agreement" (LA) and relevant "Health and Safety (H&S) checklist", where applicable, must be approved before starting the learning activity. Activities started without prior explicit supervisor approval will not be accepted.

The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to:
• Gain a valuable experience of the working environment and the career opportunities available upon graduation.
• Sharpen critical thinking, creative problem-solving and the ability to articulate solutions correctly to decision-makers and budget-holders alike.
• Undertake a career development learning activity appropriate to their academic level to gain exposure and access to professional networks.
• Extend learning experience by applying and building on their academic skills and abilities by tackling real-life problems through enrichment and extracurricular programs related to student subject areas.
• Enhance existing skills and master new ones through a structured personal and Professional Development Plan (PDP).

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start) - Monday afternoon

This module equips the students with professional knowledge and skills for developing contemporary data processing systems on the desktop, on the move, on the net, in the cloud and at the edge of the computational infrastructure. It systematically introduces the principles and models of functioning of modern data processing systems – distributed, parallel, embedded, portable and wearable. For this purpose, it utilizes the recent advances in infrastructural, technological and methodological support of software development – structured, semi-structured and connected data, wired and wireless communications, containerized and remote tools, cloud and edge platforms, DevOps movements, etc.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Wednesday morning

Finite automata or finite state machines (and their languages) are structures that can be used as abstract models for computational devices, capturing many of their essential features without the complications of hardware considerations. This module will enable students from the mathematics and computing areas to appreciate the powers and limitations of computers and will introduce them to some of the factors in complier design through development of some of the standard mathematical models of computational devices.

The aims of this module are:

·To introduce a range of models of computational devices.
·To investigate the expressive power of different models.
·To introduce the idea of decision problems in mathematics.
·To demonstrate that interesting decision problems in computer science will often be unsolvable.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Monday morning

This module introduces a range of specialist programming techniques as applied to mobile platforms. Specific areas of study will include: programming strategies for resource-limited portable devices – including reviewing key components through the development of exemplar applications using an appropriate mobile-based programming platform such as Java ME and Google Android.

The key skills and knowledge to be gained are:

•Understanding theoretical concepts related to the work of software in wireless networks and the use of different protocols, frameworks and tools for building mobile applications

•Learning techniques for programming mobile applications using standard technological frameworks, development tools, mobile device emulators and handsets

•Acquiring practical skills in developing mobile applications which utilize wireless services and mobile Internet

•Applying analytical knowledge and practical skills for building typical mobile applications

•Developing ability to compare protocols, models and paradigms for mobile applications and estimate trade-offs during design using different design patterns, development frameworks and programming techniques

•Building professional competence and increasing the employability through the use of industrial standard technologies and tools for software development

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start) - Wednesday afternoon

The module enables students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills through a systematic and creative investigation of a project work in accordance with their course requirements. The topic of investigation will cover a broad spectrum of various analysis and techniques and will lead to a comprehensive and concise academic/industry-related report. Students will be assisted in exploring areas that may be unfamiliar to them and encouraged to develop innovative ideas and techniques. Students will be able to choose a project that may require the solution to a specific problem, creation of an artefact in a real-world environment or an investigation of innovative ideas and techniques related to an area within their field of study. Collaboration with outside agencies and projects with industrial, business or research partners/ sponsors will be encouraged.

Assessment: Project Report Interim Submission(25%) + Project process (25%) + Project Report Final Submission(40% -Pass on component) + Viva (10% -Pass on component).

The module aims to develop a wide range of subject specific cognitive abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks, including practical skills and additional transferable skills of a more general nature and applicable in many other contexts.

Particularly, the module aims to:

•Provide an opportunity to learn, through supervised experience, how to plan and carry out a project through a systematic and creative approach;

•Encourage innovation and originality in approach to investigating a problem in an area that may be unfamiliar to the student;

•Provide opportunity for in depth study of some specialised area of suitable scale and complexity relevant to their course of study;

•Raise awareness in potential business development opportunities in connection to the project work undertaken and of any ethical, legal and professional issues;

•Develop reporting skills as well as the ability to communicate results, conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialists and non-specialist’s audiences, clearly and unambiguously;

•Encourages reflection upon the relationship of design decisions to the appropriateness of the finished task;

•Enhance professional and personal development.

What our students say

"I did work-related learning in my final year of study. It was an amazing experience as I had to develop a website from scratch for the start up. While doing so I had an opportunity to use all the skills and knowledge which I’d gained, from project management to web development."
Daniils Sokolovs, Computer Science BSc graduate 2021. Read more about Daniils' experience studying at London Met.

Where this course can take you

On successful completion of the course, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and qualifications to gain employment in a range of roles in the IT and technology industry.

Our computer science and applied sciences graduates have go on to work at Deloitte, Cyberclan, the National Health Service (NHS) and Kent Police in exciting roles such as cyber security and software engineers, digital forensic support officers, IT system analysts, network field engineers, software developers and infrastructure and security managers.

Additional costs

Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.

Discover Uni – key statistics about this course

Discover Uni is an official source of information about university and college courses across the UK. The widget below draws data from the corresponding course on the Discover Uni website, which is compiled from national surveys and data collected from universities and colleges. If a course is taught both full-time and part-time, information for each mode of study will be displayed here.

How to apply

If you're a UK applicant wanting to study full-time starting in September, you must apply via UCAS unless otherwise specified. If you're an international applicant wanting to study full-time, you can choose to apply via UCAS or directly to the University.

If you're applying for part-time study, you should apply directly to the University. If you require a Student visa, please be aware that you will not be able to study as a part-time student at undergraduate level.



When to apply

The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) accepts applications for full-time courses starting in September from one year before the start of the course. Our UCAS institution code is L68.

If you will be applying direct to the University you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only be able to consider your application if there are places available on the course.

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.

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