Goldsmiths
University of London

Goldsmiths University of London External programme Beaconhouse

Goldsmiths University of London, is the UK’s leading creative university, with an emphasis on the highest academic standards of teaching and research

Academic direction for the BSc Computer Science is provided by the Department of Computing at Goldsmiths, one of the UK’s top creative universities. Goldsmiths unique hands-on project-based style works for a diverse range of interests - from computer and data science to art and music to social science and journalism.

Its multi-disciplinary staff are actively involved in a wide range of innovative applications of computer science. Research and teaching includes computer science but also extends to more surprising topics, including computational art, virtual reality, computer music, digital sociology and education technology.

Programme Structure, Courses and Specification

You study 12 courses to earn the BSc degree and 360 credit hours.

  • Programme Duration : Minimum 3 years
  • Academic Direction: Goldsmiths University of London

Degree Structure at Goldsmiths University of London

The degree spreads over three years, and in each year the student gets to develop specific skill set;

Level - 4

You learn the fundamentals: how computers work, how to programme, and more about the mathematics that underpins computer science.

Eight Compulsory Modules

  • Introduction to Programming I
  • Introduction to Programming II
  • Numerical Mathematics
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Fundamentals of computer science
  • How computer works
  • Algorithms and data structure
  • Web development

Level - 5

You deepen your programming skills to consider software projects and explore specialist topics such as Graphics Programming and Data Science.

Eight Compulsory Modules

  • Object oriented programming
  • Software design and development
  • Programming with Data
  • Agile software projects
  • Computer security
  • Graphic programming
  • Algorithims and data structure II
  • Databases, Networks and the Web

Level - 6

You study elective modules then undertake a 30 credit project that combines your knowledge and skills to create a software system.

The BSc Computer Science will allow you to develop a wide and practical skillset in computing with strong programming and mathematics skills, as well as softer skills in project management, presentation and teamwork. You will also have a portfolio of work that you can present to potential employers. Depending on the specialisms you choose in the final stage of the degree, you can direct your learning towards particular areas of interest such as machine learning, web development, data science and video games. With the BSc Computer Science, you will be qualified for a range of computational and mathematical jobs in the creative industries, business, finance, education, medicine engineering and science. Typical job titles include application programmer, software engineer, creative coder, video game developer and systems analyst.

BSc Computer Science:

  • Six Elective Modules from any of the specialisms
  • The Final Project

Machine learning (ML) provides a means for computer systems to extract useful information from data. These techniques are widely used in the technology industry for a variety of applications, for example, recommending music and products to people, identifying faces in photos and predicting trends in financial markets. With the BSc Computer Science (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence), you will be able to apply for a range of technical, problem-solving jobs in a rapidly growing area. Companies and institutions are applying ML and AI (artificial intelligence) to a wide range of problems in business, finance, medicine, education, video games, engineering and science as well as new application areas such as music and other creative work. A typical job title is machine learning engineer.

BSc Computer Science (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence):
  • Databases and Advanced Data Techniques*
  • Machine Learning and Neural Networks*
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Intelligent Signal Processing*
  • Natural Language Processing*
  • One elective from any other specialism
  • Web development
  • The Final Project

Data science is a significant subfield in computer science which has seen rapid growth in recent years as companies and institutions have begun to gather data at scale across many sectors. Data science has many applications ranging from medicine to climate science and business analytics. With the BSc Computer Science (Data Science), you’ll be able to apply for a range of data-intensive technical jobs in sectors such as business, finance, medicine, education, engineering and science as well as in the creative industries. Typical job titles include data scientist, data visualisation engineer, business data analyst, data manager and data engineer.

BSc Computer Science (Data Science):
  • Data Science*
  • Databases and Advanced Data Techniques*
  • Machine Learning and Neural Networks*
  • Advanced Web Development*
  • Natural Language Processing*
  • One elective from any other specialism
  • The Final Project

Physical computing involves the creation of hardware devices that can sense and act in the real world. Physical computing techniques underpin a wide range of contemporary technology trends such as the Internet of Things, the quantified self and smart homes. There are many applications for physical computing, for example in creative arts, museums, ubiquitous and embedded computing, scientific sensing, robotics and engineering control systems. With the BSc Computer Science (Physical Computing and the Internet of Things), you’ll be able to apply for jobs in a rapidly growing and exciting area which is finding applications across different sectors. Typical job titles include Internet of Things engineer, creative technologist and embedded software engineer.

BSc Computer Science (Physical Computing and the Internet of Things):
  • Databases and Advanced Data Techniques*
  • Advanced Web Development*
  • Physical Computing and the Internet of Things*
  • Interaction Design*
  • Intelligent Signal Processing*
  • One elective from any other specialism
  • The Final Project

Video games are a critical application area for computer science, and the games industry forms a significant part of the creative economy. It is a complicated subject, drawing on other areas such as computer graphics, interaction design and artificial intelligence. With the BSc Computer Science (Games Development), you will be able to apply for a range of jobs in the creative industries, especially in the video games industry. Typical job titles include game designer, video game tester and video game programmer.

BSc Computer Science (Games Development)
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Virtual Reality*
  • Games Development*
  • 3D Graphics and Animation*
  • Interaction Design*
  • One elective from any other specialism
  • The Final Project

Virtual reality (VR) involves the creation of immersive, simulated environments using computer systems. Recent technology advances have made it possible to create high fidelity, high immersion virtual realities which people can access with consumer hardware. VR has many application areas, including entertainment, education and military. With the BSc Computer Science (Virtual Reality), you’ll be qualified for exciting jobs in an emerging area which spans sectors such as the creative industries, video games and education and training. Typical job titles are VR developer, environment artist, VR architect and augmented reality engineer.

BSc Computer Science (Virtual Reality)
  • Virtual Reality*
  • Games Development*
  • 3D Graphics and Animation*
  • Mobile Development*
  • Interaction Design*
  • One elective from any other specialism
  • The Final Project

Web and mobile development are critical application areas for computer science. Many of the largest technology companies maintain large scale web applications, providing services such as social media, search, advertising and video and audio streaming. Mobile application development has become a major part of the software industry over the last decade, with established, as well as new, companies developing thousands of mobile games and utilities. With the BSc Computer Science (Web and Mobile Development), you will be qualified for jobs involving the development of web and mobile technology such as websites and applications for smartphones and tablets. Typical job titles include mobile application developer, mobile software engineer, front-end engineer, full stack developer and back-end developer.

User experience design or UX has grown out of the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), which is about how to design computer systems for use by people. HCI is a major subfield of computer science, and it informs the visual design and workflow of computer systems we use every day. HCI draws on a range of hard and soft skills and is a naturally cross-disciplinary subject. With the BSc Computer Science (User Experience), you’ll be able to apply for jobs which involve a flair for design and engagement with end users in a range of sectors, wherever there is a need for effective user interface design. Typical job titles include UX engineer, UX designer and user interface designer.

You can also choose to register on a specialist award if you want to focus your studies on a particular area of Computer Science. Based on Specialist Award the course studied will change in the third year of the degree.

Assessment

The degree is assessed through coursework, portfolios and written examinations. Your final grade for each module is based on a combination of these assessments (e.g. 50% coursework, 50% examination). While you’re studying each module, you’ll receive feedback from the University of London about your assessments and achievements so you can see how you’re progressing. You’ll also be given a record of your successes to keep you on track. You can sit your examinations at any of our approved centres worldwide.

Transfer to on-campus (UK)

Goldsmiths welcomes applications from students who wish to transfer to an on-campus degree.

To complete your degree in two years of full-time study at Goldsmiths, you must have completed eight Level 4 modules successfully. To complete your degree in one year of full-time study at Goldsmiths, you must also have completed eight modules at Level 5

To be eligible for the degree, you must:

  • Normally be at least 17 years old.
  • A’ Level / IBDP or
  • BTEC Business awards, provided grade BBB or above is achieved.
  • GCSE Mathematics (Grade A*-B / 9-5) or AS Level Mathematics (A-E) or
  • International Baccalaureate, Mathematics / Mathematical Studies passed at Higher or
  • Standard Level grade 4 – 7 satisfies the Mathematics programme requirement.
  • Demonstrate competence in Mathematics at least equivalent to UK GCSE/GCE ‘O’ level at Grade B or above
  • Provide proof of competence in English by having UK GCSE/GCE ‘O’ level at grade C or above.
  • Otherwise a test of proficiency may be required.

Access by Performance-Based Admission:
Even if you do not meet the standard requirements, Goldsmiths will consider each application on its own merits. Their Admissions Panel will consider whether any alternative/incomplete qualifications or work experience you have are suitable for entry to the programme.

There is no UOL application handling fee for CS programmes so we encourage you to formally apply as soon as possible! If you do not meet our requirements then UOL will advise you on what you need to do in order to receive an offer.

BSc Computer Science (Including Special Awards) degree from Goldsmiths, University of London, gains you a level 6 qualification. This means the student can progress to various academic programmes, including*;

  • MSc Computer Sciences
  • MSc Virtual & Augmented Reality
  • MSc Artificial Intelligence
  • MSc Computer Games Programming
Students can also follow onto Professional Certification, such as;
  • Associate Android Developer
  • Google Developers Certification
  • CyberOps Associate by Cisco
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) by Cisco
  • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Security by Cisco

*The list is not exhaustive and only for illustration purpose

Goldsmiths University of London graduates are among the most employable in the world. Our rigorous courses provide not only subject specific knowledge but also important transferable skills that are valuable to your career progression. Goldsmiths, Computer Science alumni work in a variety of roles and have gone into a wealth of industries. BSc Computer Science opens pathway to gaining entry into leading corporations in Pakistan and internationally. Some of the companies students have worked at during their work placement year have recently included:

  • Deutsche Bank
  • IBM
  • Accenture

The ever-growing demand for technologists in virtually every industry will enable you to have multiple career options to choose from. You can opt for careers as software engineers, data analysts, machine learning experts, user interface designers, IT specialists, as well as hard-core programmers. Depending upon your specialization, you can always choose your pathway to Masters-level study in eclectic disciplines including artificial intelligence, software designing, virtual and augmented reality, computer games programming, and others. Our graduates have gone on to develop careers in the following areas:

  • Finance
  • Software Engineering
  • Machine Learning
  • User interface/ user experience design
  • Mobile development
  • Full stack web development
  • E-learning

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