Course information

Entry requirements

UCAS code

I300

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655

Length

3 years full-time; 4 years full-time with the third year spent on industrial placement; 6 - 8 years part-time

Department

Computing

Course overview

Develop the skills you need to pursue a career in software design and development, with a focus on software engineering techniques.

Why study BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)

If you study the BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering), you'll become a specialist in software engineering techniques. You'll be prepared for a career in software design and development, which are in demand in today's job market. During the degree you'll:

  • Develop software using advanced coding techniques. Understanding the full power of modern programming languages.
  • Consider the security issues raised by the development of networked software systems.
  • Develop databases using advanced data storage techniques, such as NoSQL.
  • Build applications using object-orientated programming languages and dynamic web tools.
  • Experience working on projects using a range of software development techniques both individually and in groups. 

Computer Science pathways

As well as BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering), we offer several pathways that allow you to focus on the following specialisms:

Create your own projects

The degree is hands-on and practical from the start. You'll be creating your own web and mobile applications, data visualisations, and games. You'll also explore your potential through practical projects whilst learning relevant technical skills for your future career.

Placements

In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to take a full-year industry placement (making this programme four years full-time, or seven years part-time).

This gives you valuable experience to build confidence, further develop skills and industry insight, and enhance your career prospects. By the end of your degree, you’ll have built a portfolio of work to kickstart your career in the creative industry.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Edward Anstead.

What you'll study

Year 1

In your first year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Introduction to Programming 15 credits
User Experience and the Web 15 credits
Logic and Computer Architecture 15 credits
Computing Project 1 15 credits
Graphics 1 15 credits
Algorithms 1 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 1 15 credits
Identity, Agency & Environment 2 15 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

In your second year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Software Development and Design 15 credits
Computing Project 2 15 credits
Object Oriented Programming 15 credits
Algorithms 2 15 credits
Networks and Operating Systems 15 credits
The Goldsmiths Elective 15 credits

Optional modules

You'll then take 30 credits of optional modules from the following list:

Module title Credits
Data Programming for Artificial Intelligence 15 credits
Interaction Design 15 Credits
Fundamentals of Computer Science 15 credits
Information Security 15 credits
Goldsmiths’ Social Change Module 15 credits

Optional placement year

Our degrees include an optional industrial placement year after the second year of study. You'll be responsible for securing a placement, but we can support you through this process. 

Although we encourage you to take the opportunity of a placement year, you can also complete your degree in three years.

Year 3 (or year 4 with placement year)

In your final year, you'll complete the following compulsory modules, including a compulsory project in Computer Science. Direct Entry students will also need to complete Dynamic Web Applications.

Module title Credits
Final Project in Computer Science 45 credits
Dynamic Web Applications 15 credits
Databases and Advanced Data Techniques 15 credits
Extended Object Oriented Programming 15 credits
Network And System Security 15 credits

Optional modules

You'll then take 30 credits (15 credits for Direct Entry students) of optional modules from a list produced annually by the Department of Computing.

Teaching style

This programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory sessions. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 22% scheduled learning, 79% independent learning
  • Year 2 - 22% scheduled learning, 78% independent learning
  • Optional placement year - 100% placement
  • Year 3/4 - 21% scheduled learning, 79% independent learning

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects. If you opt for an industrial placement year, your placement tutor will assess your work. If you complete the placement year successfully, you earn the endorsement 'with work experience' on your degree certificate.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

  • Year 1 - 45% coursework, 50% written exam, 5% practical
  • Year 2 - 63% coursework, 38% written exam
  • Year 3/4 - 88% coursework, 13% written exam

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for the traditional pathway in 2020/21. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about .

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.

Download the programme specification. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Between 2020 and 2022 we needed to make some changes to how programmes were delivered due to Covid-19 restrictions. For more information about past programme changes please visit our programme changes information page.

Entry requirements

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Additional requirements

If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based A-level, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics. 

If you are a University of London student of Computing you may transfer onto the second or third year of this degree.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Fees & funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2023/2024 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • International - full-time: £18930

If you choose to do a placement year, the fee for this year will be different to that listed above. Please contact the Fees Office for details.

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Careers

After your degree

The ever-growing demand for technologists in all industries means you will have many career options available to you after this degree. Our graduates have gone on to work in software engineering, data analysis, machine learning, finance, telecommunications, and user interface design. This programme is also a pathway into Masters-level study in a variety of computing disciplines.