BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience)

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience)

Overview

The BSc Computer Science (User Experience) will equip you with the skills to understand users' needs, and build systems suitable for global audiences.

Why study BSc Computer Science (User Experience) at Goldsmiths

• In this BSc Computer Science pathway, you'll develop specialist knowledge in user experience (UX), and the skills to explore and respond to user needs.
• You'll learn how to develop computer interfaces designed from a user-centred perspective.
• You'll learn the techniques for measuring user behaviour across different computing tasks, and how to conduct user studies to uncover the implications of new systems.
• You'll consider accessibility and how people with different needs will interact with your interfaces.
• You'll explore the principles and concepts of statistics, and develop quantitative skills and how to present data effectively.
• You'll think about the ethical implications of modern computer systems and their impact on society.
• The degree is hands-on and practical from the start. You'll explore your potential through projects while learning relevant technical skills for your future career.
• In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a year-long industry placement (making this programme four years full-time, or eight years part-time). This gives you valuable experience to build confidence and contacts, further develop your skills and industry insight, and enhance your career prospects.

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 a placement year; 6-8 years part-time

Fees

• Home - full-time: £9535
• International - full-time: £21200

Department

• Computing

Computer Science pathways

As well as this BSc Computer Science (User Experience), we offer several other computer science degree pathways that allow you to focus on the following specialisms:

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence & Data Science)
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cybersecurity)
• BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering)

What you'll study

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • Introduction to Programming (15 credits)
  • User Experience and the Web (15 credits)
  • Logic and Computer Architecture (15 credits)
  • Computing Project 1 (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Statistics for Business and User Experience (15 credits)
  • Identity, Agency & Environment 1 (15 credits)
  • Identity, Agency & Environment 2 (15 credits)
  • Graphics 1 (15 credits)

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • Software Development and Design (15 credits)
  • Computing Project 2 (15 credits)
  • Object Oriented Programming (15 credits)
  • Interaction Design (15 credits)
  • Networks and Operating Systems (15 credits)
  • Information Security (15 credits)
  • The Goldsmiths Elective (15 credits)
  • The Goldsmiths Project (15 credits)

Optional placement year

The degree includes an optional industrial placement year between the second and final year of study. You will be responsible for securing a placement, but we can support you through this process.

Year 3/4

• Compulsory modules:
  • Final Project in Computer Science (45 credits)
  • Designing Accessible Interfaces (15 credits)
  • Ethical Computing for the Social Economy (15 credits)
  • Designing for Global Markets (15 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • You'll then take 30 credits of optional modules from a list provided 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.

How you'll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may 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.

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.

Facilities

The Department of Computing has a wealth of specialist labs and facilities that enable students and academics to create cutting-edge work.

Careers

The explosive and ever-growing use of technology in business and enterprise means that there are a whole range of different career possibilities for computer science graduates, including those with a user experience specialism.

Skills

Throughout the degree you will learn skills including:

• User experience design
• Interaction design
• Techniques for measuring user behaviour and conducting user studies
• An understanding of accessibility and how people with different needs will interact with your interfaces
• Designing for global markets
• Data analysis, statistics and data visualisation
• An understanding of contemporary computing practice
• Computational problem solving
• Critical, analytical, creative, reflective and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a career in industry or research, including the ability to work independently and in groups
• Project management
• Teamwork and collaboration

Industrial placement year

If you decide to take the industrial placement year, you will develop the practical skills and real-world experience that is sought after by employers.

MSci study route

Depending on your academic results, you’ll also have the opportunity to continue your studies to MSci level. This will give you an undergraduate Masters-level qualification, and let you delve deeper into your chosen specialism.

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.

Transfers

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

Alternative qualifications and experience

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

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 with 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 and funding

Annual tuition fees

These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.

• Home - full-time: £9535
• International - full-time: £21200

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 if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. 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.

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.

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.

Placement year

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