Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc

Overview

Our Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc course will give you an in-depth understanding of computer-based information systems in the heart of a connected London. The first two years of the course focus on the foundations of computer science and will equip you with the skills to develop a software system as part of a team – something that will serve you well for your placement year. You will spend your third year undertaking an industry placement before returning to complete a final year with us. This depends on you reaching a certain grade average and obtaining a suitable placement opportunity. Finding an industry placement will require students to be resourceful and engaged. The Faculty has dedicated placement support who can provide advice and host employer-led events, ensuring you have all the tools to secure the right placement for you. The final year allows you to specialise your knowledge by selecting from a range of modules and showcase your talents by completing an individual project.

Key Information

• Course type: Single honours
• Delivery mode: In person
• Study mode: Full time
• Required A-level: AAA
• Full entry requirements, including contextual requirements
• Duration: Four years
• Application status: Closed
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: 29 January 2025
• Optional year in industry

Key Benefits

• 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings by subject 2024).
• You'll interact with world-class experts in many exciting areas of Computer Science, including algorithms and data analysis, cybersecurity, human-centred computing and software systems.
• You'll study a wide-range of innovative modules, covering both the theory and practice of modern Computer Science.
• Excellent tutorial support and extensive course-specific interactive teaching.
• Friendly and supportive learning environment, with students from across the globe.
• A Year in Industry will give you an insight in using your computer science skills in the workplace, and will make you highly employable.
• An inclusive learning environment for all students, actively promoting diversity.
• This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
• Our central London location is close to top, global companies, such as Google and Amazon, and gives unparalleled access to leading scientific societies, including the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
• Great employability following completion of your degree. King's ranked 7th in the UK for employability (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2023/4).

Course Essentials

Our Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the field of computer-based information systems offering you opportunities to develop analytical and practical transferable skills, as well as an understanding of the changing role of Computer Science in society and relevant social, legal, professional, and ethical responsibilities. All these are key knowledge and skills that will allow you to learn and adapt continuously and are important in both well-established and cutting-edge roles of Computer Science professionals.

Base Campuses

• Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
• Waterloo Campus: Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties.

Special Features

• Optional year in industry: On this programme, you’ll spend your third year in a full-time year in industry or year in professional practice placement. Our Global Placements team will support you throughout your programme with advice and activities to help you discover your options, focus your placement search and take action to achieve the right placement for you.

Entry Requirements

Subject Requirements

• Required subjects: A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
• Preferred subjects: None

A-Levels

• Required grades: AAA
• Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
• Must include grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Contextual A-Level Information

• AAA
• Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.
• Must include grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 39 points overall or an aggregate score of 20 from three Higher Levels.
• Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Contextual International Baccalaureate Information

• 36 points overall or an aggregate score of 18 from three Higher Levels.
• Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

Alternative Accepted Qualifications

• Access to HE Diploma
• BTEC Nationals/CTECs
• Cambridge Pre-U
• European Baccalaureate
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications.
• Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above.

English Language Requirements

• English language band: D
• Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test.

Selection Process

• Contextual consideration: We make contextual offers for this programme, which are two A-Level grades (or equivalent) lower than the advertised entry requirements.
• Deferrals: Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.
• Foundation courses: Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme.
• Graduates: Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent.
• Personal Statement: Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application.
• Resits: In a standard admissions cycle, we are able to consider applicants who have retaken their qualifications.
• Transfers: Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

Teaching & Structure

• Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, flipped classroom approach, independent study.
• Assessment: Written/Practical Examinations, Coursework, Oral Presentations, Class tests, Individual Projects, Computer-based exams.
• Structure: Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take credits totalling 480 credits.

Careers

• Employability: Completing a Computer Science degree opens the door to a wide range of job opportunities for our graduates.
• Destinations: Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies.

Fees & Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • Full time tuition fees UK: £9,535 per year
  • Full time tuition fees International: £35,800 per year
• Additional Costs: books, clothing, library fees, personal photocopies, printing course handouts, society membership fees, stationery, graduation costs, travel costs.
• Funding: To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Related Courses

• Computer Science with Management & a Year in Industry BSc
• Artificial Intelligence with a Year in Industry BSc
• Artificial Intelligence BSc
• Natural Sciences with a Year in Industry BSc

Related Departments

• Department of Informatics
• Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences

Open Days and Events

• Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.

The first two years focus on foundational aspects of computer science and develop your skills in software development. You will spend the third year undertaking an industry placement, contingent on achieving a certain grade and securing a suitable opportunity.

• Develop analytical and practical skills relevant to software development.
• Gain insights into the changing role of computer science in society.
• Foster ethical and professional responsibility in computer science fields.
• Equip graduates with skills to continuously learn and adapt in the fast-evolving field.

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Description:

This program focuses on various areas of computer science, including:

• Software Engineering (programming skills, planning, implementation, maintenance)
• Algorithms and Optimisation (software analysis, benchmarking, algorithmic techniques)
• Systems Engineering (real-time embedded systems, communication protocols)
• Foundations of Computing (programming paradigms, computational models)
• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (formal logics, search techniques, machine learning)

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Outline:

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Structure:

The program spans four years, with the third year dedicated to an industry placement. Students take modules equivalent to 120 credits per year (30 credits for the placement year). The total credits for the degree is 390 credits.

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Year 1:

• Introduction to Professional Practice (0 credits)
• Programming Practice & Applications (30 credits)
• Computer Systems (15 credits)
• Foundations of Computing 1 (15 credits)
• Data Structures (15 credits)
• Database Systems (15 credits)
• Elementary Logic with Applications (15 credits)
• Introduction to Software Engineering (15 credits)

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Year 2:

Modules to be confirmed.

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Year 3:

Industry placement (30 credits).

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Year 4:

• Students choose from a range of modules to specialize their knowledge.
• Complete an individual project dissertation.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Students' performance is assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. This may include written and computer-based exams, coursework assignments, oral presentations, in-class tests, and an individual project dissertation.

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Assessment Criteria:

The specific criteria used to assess each module may vary, but generally, assessments will evaluate students' ability to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
• Apply theoretical concepts to practical problems.
• Analyze and problem-solve effectively.
• Communicate their ideas clearly and concisely.
• Work independently and collaboratively.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, and group tutorials. This often includes a flipped classroom approach, fostering active learning and engagement with world-class experts. Students are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

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Faculty:

The program is delivered by world-class experts in various areas of computer science. Their expertise and experience ensure students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education.

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes a practical and problem-solving approach to learning. Students gain valuable hands-on experience through coursework, projects, and the industry placement.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

This program opens doors to various exciting career paths, including:

• Software Engineer
• Software Architect
• Programming Language Specialist
• Security Engineer
• Database Engineer

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Opportunities:

Many graduates secure employment in leading organizations, including banks, financial institutions, management consultancies, and major software houses.

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Outcomes:

Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to successfully pursue careers in the ever-evolving field of computer science.

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Location:

King's College London is located in the heart of London, providing excellent access to leading companies and scientific societies.

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Student experience:

King's College London offers a vibrant student experience with many social and academic opportunities.

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Full time tuition fees UK: The UK tuition fee for the 2024-25 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap. Full time tuition fees International The International tuition fee for the 2024-2025 academic year is £33,450 per year. Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions. All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2000 against their first year's tuition fee. During your placement year you will remain a student at King’s College London and King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King’s tuition fees during the placement year in industry. The OFS cap for year in industry for 24/25 entrants is £1850. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs for a placement year, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food.