• Undergraduate

Computer Science BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London? 
  • Our computer science courses are ranked #1 in London for overall student satisfaction in this year's NSS
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?

This computer science degree is designed to meet the high demand for IT graduates with up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Accredited with Full Incorporated Engineering status (IEng) by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), this course will give you a qualification recognised by the industry once you graduate.

Influenced by the latest research and industry requirements, the course will focus on practical skills. We will give you the tools and knowledge to design and develop software for a variety of applications, from mobile systems to large-scale solutions for enterprises.

You will also learn about the science behind computing and software development and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

Study options

As well as the regular Full-time 3 year option, this course can be studied with a placement (UK students only).

Applied Sound Engineering and Computer Science video - thumbnail

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
With Foundation Year
Duration: 4 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Computer Science with us?

Why study Computer Science with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

I picked UWL because the facilities looked amazing and I loved the focus on helping students secure the right career once they graduate.

Damian Pop
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This degree is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institure of IT
Accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
Industry focused teaching
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

You will start your computer science course with the fundamentals of computing and software development. During regular laboratory sessions, you will apply what you have learned through hands-on practice.

As you progress, we will introduce the core concepts for producing mobile and business applications. This will give you a good understanding of computer science in a professional context.

Throughout the course, you will also develop the professional skills that will be essential to your future career. A team project, based around finding effective solutions to an IT issue, will not only help you build your problem solving IT experience but also enhance your team-working and communication skills.

In the final stages of your course, you will examine advanced concepts, such as AI and computer security, giving you a better understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in the IT industry. 

For your final project, you will design a comprehensive and sophisticated software application. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your learning and showcase your skills.

Study options

As well as choosing a regular full-time 3-year degree, this course can be studied with the following option:

Placement*

Who is it for: The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.

You also have the opportunity to take this course with an optional industrial placement after your second year (Level 5). This will help to enhance your CV and give you experience in computing in a professional environment. You will also be able to use your placement experience to help choose your final year project when you return to your studies.

*As we are in unprecedented and unpredictable times, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing a placement in the UK in the future.

If you choose a course with a placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.

Course subject to approval

Approval is the formal process by which the University ensures that the proposed design, content and delivery of a course will provide a high quality learning experience for all students.

Compulsory modules

  • Programming

    This module covers basic programming concepts and fundamentals using Java programming language. Content includes:

    • an overview of programming paradigms and techniques
    • analysis of problems and design using pseudo-code and flowcharts
    • basic program elements and structure
    • development supported by version-controlled code repositories.

  • Computer Architecture

    This module will help you to learn the basic concepts behind current computer hardware, software and supporting technologies. As you learn these principles, you will understand how computers work beyond the statements of their high-level language, and this will allow you to write more efficient code.

  • Mathematics for Computing

    This module will introduce students to the main concepts and techniques of discrete structures and their applications in computer science. Main areas covered by the course include logic, set theory, relations and functions and combinatorics.

  • Data Communications

    This module adopts a top-down approach to data communication networking, beginning at the application layer and working down towards the physical layer. After completing the five-layer network architecture, the module focuses on wireless network and its security. In summary, the following aspects will be covered:

    • application layer
    • transport layer
    • network layer
    • data link layer
    • 802.11 WIFI protocol
    • principle of cryptography
    • Wireless security: WEP and WPA

  • Information Systems and Databases

    You will gain the knowledge and skills to design and implement a relational database. It will cover information security and database management issues and an awareness of the central role of relational and other types of databases.

  • Algorithms and Data Types

    This module will help you to gain the knowledge and competence to deal with basic data structures and algorithms. You will learn how to specify collections using abstract data types (ADTs) and to implement them using a variety of techniques such as linked lists and trees. You'll also use a range of algorithms, including searching and sorting.

Compulsory modules

  • Mobile Web App Development

    This module will allow you to gain experience in developing mobile web applications, and have an introduction to the tools, languages and design techniques required for building functional applications. During the module you will gain exposure to a programming language that can support native mobile application development, and you will be introduced to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) software design pattern.

  • Artificial Intelligence

    In this module you will gain insights into key techniques within the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Aspects of AI you'll cover include agents, environments and learning as well as techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, reinforcement learning, learning recommendation and decision support systems.

  • Theory of Computation

    You will gain the knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts of computational theory and computational complexity. You will learn how to examine whether a given problem can be solved computationally.

  • Algorithms

  • Programming Language Paradigms

  • Group Research Project

    This module will introduce you to collaboration and research skills, and develop your basic understanding of research approaches. You will gain experience of working collaboratively as part of a project team and have opportunities to adopt different team roles to deliver a solution and project.

Compulsory modules

You will study all the compulsory modules and will choose THREE of the optional modules

  • Applied Software Engineering

    Software engineering is concerned with the construction of large software programs. This module will bring together the tools and techniques you covered in earlier modules that deal with software development, drawing on concepts from object-oriented and relational design.

  • Project

    You will investigate a topic of interest and prepare a project proposal. You will then present your ideas to the school for approval and once this has been approved, you will begin a detailed literature review of your chosen field. You will choose and follow a suitable development methodology leading to an implementation which you will evaluate.

Optional modules

  • Machine Learning

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    This module familiarises you with some basic machine learning algorithms and techniques and their applications, as well as general questions related to analysing and handling large data sets. Several software libraries and data sets publicly available will be used to illustrate the application of these algorithms. The emphasis will be thus on machine learning algorithms and applications, with some broad explanation of the underlying principles.

  • Cyber Security

    You will be introduced to fundamental cyber security concepts including Cryptography, Authentication, Authorisation, and Auditing with an emphasis on their application.

  • Distributed Systems

    You will cover the fundamental concepts and models, algorithmic and architectural techniques, developmental principles and approaches of modern distributed systems. You will enhance your critical analysis, problem solving and technical skills in distributed systems software design and implementation.

  • Databases and Analytics

    There has been an explosion in data, much of which is not fully structured, but contains valuable information such as search trends, consumer behaviour and other patterns. This module aims to cover some of the developments in the broad range of "Big Data" problems. It will give you a good understanding of data structures, software development procedures and the range of analytical tool used to undertake a wide range of standard and custom analyses to provide data solutions to these issues. 

  • Human-Centred Computing

    This module is about human and technical aspects of interactive computing systems and organisations. In the course of taking this module, you'll consider the interplay between human users, designers, developers and computers. Therefore, its basis is in psychology and human factors as well as in software engineering and interaction design.

  • Functional Programming

    This module provides you with the chance to gain further experience with another programming paradigm. You will learn how to write programs using a functional programming language, Haskell. 

    Functional programming is a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoids changing-state and mutable data. For example, building an application with Functional Programming following the model Function as a Service (FAAS) is one way of achieving a "serverless" architecture and is used when building microservices applications of cloud computing.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

 

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Sama is waring a navy striped jacket and a white top. She has a silver necklace and silver earrings. She is wearing pink lipstick and has long wavy brown hair.

Dr Sama Aleshaiker

I am a lecturer in Computer Science at University of West London. My PhD research focused on applying a new methodology that could improve and facilitate collaboration and communication systems for medical and learning purposes.

I am a lecturer in Computer Science at University of West London. My PhD research focused on applying a new methodology that could improve and facilitate collaboration and communication systems for medical and learning purposes.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Two colleagues discussing something on a computer monitor

Popular careers and jobs for computer science degree graduates include:

  • interaction designer
  • software architect
  • software engineer
  • software developer
  • systems analyst
  • web developer
  • UX designer
  • mobile app developer
  • IT project manager
  • information security analyst
  • AI engineer
  • video game developer.

You may also want to progress your studies to explore a related field or specialise on a postgraduate course.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.