Course Overview
Course summary
Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster.
Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
The Foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year, you will explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high-end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.
On successful completion of the Foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Computer Science BSc Honours over a further three years study.
Our course covers all aspects of modern computer science and specialised computer science topics, laying the foundations for your success in a rapidly changing environment.
A key benefit of our course is its flexibility. You'll be able to build a customised route within computer science, following a pathway in one of several computing areas to suit your interests. You'll develop a wide range of skills and knowledge in areas such as creative computing, information systems, graphics and games development, mobile and web computing, software engineering, design and development, software security, and artificial intelligence.
You'll use industrial tools and techniques throughout our course and graduate well versed in all aspects of the software lifecycle. You'll have the chance to apply your new knowledge and skills to real-world problems, usually in the form of a small-scale project set by an external organisation. As well as the technical skills you'll develop as part of this project, and you'll build vital transferable skills around the areas of commercial awareness, leadership and organisation.
After completing your second year, you'll have the opportunity to do a one-year work placement. Placements will help you to gain work experience and enhance your employability after you graduate. Help and support are always available to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the University's Careers and Employability Service and our course team.
Top reasons to study with us
- Choose your own path – Our flexible course allows you to study the areas of computing you are most interested in, while still getting a broad education in computing
- Get real-life work experience – Increase your employability and put your problem-solving skills into practice by completing a year in industry during your course. Past destinations for our students include: Apple, AppNexus, Bromley Healthcare CIC, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, PGIM, ServiceNow, Sony, SR Group, Amazon, IBM
- Prepare for your career – Career prospects for computer science students are excellent, and our degree will prepare you for graduate roles such as computer programmer, web developer, junior specialist developer, software developer, data analyst, systems architect, cybersecurity analyst, and AI specialist. You will be prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving tech industry and contribute significantly to innovative projects and solutions
- Start your journey as an IT professional – Our course is intended to fulfil the requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS), which means it complies with rigorous academic and professional standards as set out by the BCS. It also allows graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- You'll qualify for free British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership for the duration of your studies. The BCS supports those working in the IT industry and has a commitment to making IT good for society. The organisation has over 60,000 members in 150 countries, and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers. Membership of the BCS will allow you to continue your professional development and enjoy a range of valuable networking opportunities. For more information, visit the BCS website
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- Foundation Mathematics
- Information Systems and Data Representation
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Programming
Credit Level 3
Subjects of study include:
- Computer Systems Fundamentals
- Mathematics for Computing
- Software Development
- Trends in Computer Science
- Web Design and Development
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Object Oriented Programming
- Client-Server Architectures
- Software Development Group Project (work-based module)
- Database Systems
and options from one or a mix of the following routes:
- Business Information Systems
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Games and Computer Graphics Development
- Mobile and Web Computing
- Usability and Interaction
Credit Level 5
This course gives you the opportunity to take a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study. You can choose between professional experience or international experience.
The professional experience (work placement) year is planned in partnership with the Westminster Work Based Learning team. Typically, you will be assigned into roles involving tasks related to computer science.
The international experience (study abroad) year offers one or two semesters studying at one of our overseas partner Universities. This is both an exciting experience and also one that helps you to develop a global outlook.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science Final Project
- Security and Forensics
and options from one or a mix of the following routes:
- Business Information Systems
- Computer Engineering
- Data Science
- Games and Computer Graphics Development
- Mobile and Web Computing
- Usability and Interaction
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
The Computer Science BSc Honours is fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), which means it complies with rigorous academic and professional standards as set out by the BCS. It also allows graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Studying Computer Science and Engineering at Westminster
Watch the video below to find out more about studying Computer Science and Engineering at Westminster.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Boost your employability
You'll get valuable work experience and increase your employability by completing a year in industry during the course.
Learn the fundamentals of computer science
Study the key topics in computer science, software engineering and development, while also exploring specialist computer science topics that interest you.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Career development
We aim to create highly adaptable graduates who have both the knowledge and the technical capabilities to solve real-world problems.
As well as having a solid foundation in computer science, you'll also have one or more specialisms that open up career pathways during your early years as a computing professional.
Work experience
You'll have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) and gain work experience, enhancing your employability after graduation.
Organisations where our students have undertaken work experience in the past include:
- Apple
- AppNexus
- Bromley Healthcare CIC
- Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
- PGIM
- ServiceNow
- Sony
- SR Group
- Amazon
Job roles
Career prospects for computer science graduates are excellent and typical career routes include:
Graduate
- Computer programmer
- Junior specialist developer
- Software developer
- Web developer
Early to mid-career
- Computer systems analysts
- Computer system engineers
- Database administrators
- Network systems administration
- Research and development
- Software designer
- Software QA
- AI specialist
Senior
- Chief technical officer
- Lead developer
- Lead researcher
- Senior application developer
- Senior systems architect or analyst
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leaders
Noam Weingarten
Senior Lecturer
Noam Weingarten is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Westminster. Noam is the Course Leader of the Foundation Level of all courses offered by the School, and teaches several modules.
He has been working at the University of Westminster since 2002 and is highly experienced at catering for the foundation level.
His research interests include cloud computing and the applications of such computing power such as bioinformatics.
More about meSee full profile of Noam WeingartenDr Artie Basukoski
Senior Lecturer
Dr Artie Basukoski is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science and Engineering. He is passionate about teaching and motivating learners to develop their abilities and interest in programming and computer science.
His current academic path follows from extensive international IT experience in the management and development of trading systems as Head of Information Services with the Union Bank of Switzerland in Sydney, and as Regional Project Manager for Citibank in Singapore.
Artie received his BSc in Computer Science from the University of Technology Sydney. He completed his MSc in Advanced Computer Science and PhD in Automated Reasoning from the University of Westminster, where he subsequently undertook post-doctoral studies. His current research is in the application of AI techniques to improve the efficiency of processes in health care. He is a member of the Health and Social Care Modelling Group (HSCMG), where he supervises PhD students undertaking doctoral research in Process Mining.
More about meSee full profile of Dr Artie Basukoski
Broaden your career options and achieve your aspirations in an increasingly digital world."
Course Team
- Dr Alexandra Psarrou - Reader
- Maria Chondrogianni - Principal Lecturer
- Anne-Gaelle Colom - Assistant Head of School
- Dr Dimitris Dracopoulos - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Barbara Villarini - Reader
- Dr Alexander Bolotov - Reader
- Francois Roubert - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Ayman El Hajjar - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Daphne Economou - Senior Lecturer
- Noam Weingarten - Senior Lecturer
- Stephen Sean Roberts - Lecturer
- Dr Natalia Yerashenia - Lecturer
- Chathura Sooriya-Arachchi - Lecturer
- Dr Hamed Hamzeh - Lecturer
- Dr Andrea Martina - Assistant Head of School
Why study this course
Study in London
Our central London location means that you'll be perfectly placed to take advantage of career and collaboration opportunities in the city.
Get career-ready
Our course will prepare you for graduate roles such as computer programmer, web developer, software developer, and equip you for future specialisations in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Get qualified
Our course allows graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
- BTEC Diploma – MM
- Access – 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
Mature entrants without formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Hear from our students
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2022/23
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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