BSc (Hons) COMPUTER SCIENCE (TOP-UP)

Overview

Fast-moving field

The growth of big data, social computing and the Internet of things are accelerating the demand for high level computing skills. This course offers the opportunity to study both the theory of computation and practical approaches to the design and implementation of systems.

The course is based upon the internationally recognised Association of Computing Machinery recommendations for Computer Science curriculum guidelines and equips students with the solid base of computing knowledge required in this fast-moving field.

Why Computer Science at LSBU?

Choose to specialise in a variety of aspects of computer science including computer engineering; big data and business intelligence; collaborative computing and devices and sensors.
Students gain a wealth of experience in using industry-standard equipment, computer programming and simulation facilities.
Our London location puts you in the heart of the UK’s vibrant and rapidly expanding tech industry.
From AI machine learning boot camp to silent film processing, there is a range of extracurricular activities for Engineering students to get involved in.

Explore life as a Computer Science and Informatics student

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModeFull-time Duration1 year Start dateSeptember Application codeG408 Application method UCAS

Course Accreditations

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Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

In order to be considered for entry to the Top-up course, applicants will be required to have the following qualifications:

  • Higher National Diploma with at least 60 credits at merit in second year modules, or
  • other equivalent Higher Education qualification

We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0, Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

United Kingdom

£9535

Tuition fees for home students

International

£17600

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Full-time

    full-time

    BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Top Up) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £9535 International fee: £17600
    AOS/LSBU code: 5455 Session code: 1FS00

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

International students

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Home

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode Full-time Duration 1 year Start date September Application code G408 Application method UCAS

Accommodation

Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.

Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.

Enrolment

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.

The course offers a balanced programme including the theory of computation, machine architecture, machine language, algorithms, data structures, programming and software development, software engineering, operating systems, databases, user-centred design and security. It also offers various speciality areas such as artificial intelligence, mobile and cloud computing.

  • Principles of data networks
    This module introduces the principles of data networks, the inter-networked environment, and various technologies related to data networking using experimentation and programming assignments. The module lays the foundations of the data-networking course. You'll develop an understanding of the networking environment, which forms the basis of the inter-networked computer infrastructure, as well as of the applications and terminology used in an inter-networked environment.
  • Systems and cyber security
    This module covers all aspects of the complex field of security in computer systems and networks. It will teach the fundamental principles of computer security and how they impact the many different areas in which computer technology is used. It will explore the diverse range of threats faced by systems and the network infrastructure that connect them together and the measures that can be taken to counter them. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
  • Object-oriented programming
    This module will introduce the more sophisticated programming constructs associated with object-oriented programming, the dominant programming paradigm in current use. It will also introduce event-driven programming and how it relates to the development of graphical user interfaces. This module will explore practical application development using graphical user interfaces and will cover the use of classes and objects of a kind found in many real world applications. The use of professional development tools will give a rounded picture of the development process. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • ICT project management in practice
    This module provides students with an opportunity to work collaboratively with students from other disciplines on ICT projects. Students will work in teams and will go through the full ICT development lifecycle from requirements elicitation, feasibility study, design and development, testing and deployment. The module involves real clients and users who have genuine expectations that the developed digital solution will address their needs.
  • Project (double-weighted)
    The project is a level 6 double module (i.e. worth 40 credits) for the Honours degree, enabling students to demonstrate the extent of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills which they have gained through prior study and industrial internships, if any.

Optional modules:

  • Artificial intelligence
    This module covers the history and contemporary development of artificial intelligence systems and looks forward to likely near-future developments. It will cover all the major techniques of problem description, knowledge representation and data searching that represent the current toolkit for developing intelligent applications. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
  • Data mining and big data analytics
    This module provides a broad introduction to the basic theory, concepts, and techniques of data mining, and its role in business intelligence. It will cover the main topics in the area. The focus of the practical aspect of this module is business analytics. SAS® Enterprise Miner and SAS® Enterprise Guide will be taught and used throughout in order for you to develop practical skills in solving real world data mining problems. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
  • Mobile computing
    Mobile devices are among the most common devices used for every day computing tasks. Their portable nature, inherent connectivity and multiple sensors make them a distinctive platform with unique characteristics. This module explores these unique aspects, the special considerations developers must take into account when developing for mobile platforms and the opportunities for new kinds of applications they offer. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
  • Smart internet technologies
    Smart Internet Technologies comprise set of enablers to deal with the limitation of existing Internet. This includes but not limited All-IP Networking Architectures, evolution towards Cloud Computing and 5G networking architectures, open-based networking technologies, SDN/NFV challenges and IoT technologies and its interworking with Cloud and 5G networks.  
  • AR/VR technologies
    This module covers the technologies and the algorithms required to develop and deploy virtual reality and augmented reality applications. The module will cover VR and AR hardware, stereoscopic vision, rendering, AR/VR software development, 3D user interfaces and presence and 360 video.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
  • Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

After completing this course you'll understand how to specify, develop, design and test software and use industry-standard software for the specification, design, simulation and prototyping of computer systems.

Career opportunities include computer programming, software and web development, IT consultancy, and application design. You could work in any number of sectors, or choose to start your own business.

IBM logo
LSBU and IBM are strategic partners, and are collaborating on the content of this course.

Teaching and Assessment

Our teaching staff are involved in research and consultancy at the forefront of the industry. You'll learn in a modern, well-equipped environment complete with sophisticated technology.

Approach to learning

Taking on both group and individual projects, we assess your work through a mixture of coursework and exams, with project and laboratory work counting towards your final award. You’ll be taught problem solving, project planning and team management to give you the best chance of getting the job you want once you graduate.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate or MEng Engineering student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least twice a semester throughout your course.  You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.

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Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500

International team enquiry

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7815 6189