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Computing (International Programme of Study)
Enrich your computing degree with the chance to study abroad in this integrated Master’s course.
Enrich your computing degree with the chance to study abroad
Learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be adapted to build the next generation of computing applications
Use sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems as you develop your technical expertise
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MEng
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Duration
4 years
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Start date
October 2025
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UCAS course code
G402
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£9,535 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Applications: places
17 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
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A*A*A – A*AAA (A-level)
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41 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Computing is a creative and wide-ranging subject that focuses on using sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems that really work.
This course gives you the opportunity to spend your fourth year studying abroad at a leading European university, or the first two terms of your third year at the University of California.
In this course, you will learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be used and adapted to build the next generation of computing applications.
The core of this programme has been designed to give you an overview of computing. This includes an understanding of basic concepts and principles, the ability to appreciate and to adapt to changes in technology, and practical experience in applied computing.
A special emphasis of your studies will be on the fundamental principles underlying computing and on the engineering considerations involved in computing system design, implementation and usage. You will be introduced to computing architecture and hardware, and the software used to exploit them.
This course will also equip you with a strong background in discrete mathematics (logic, sets, relations and grammars), classical mathematics and statistics relevant to applications engineering and management.
Throughout the programme, you will attend laboratory and problem-solving classes, as well as completing project and design work. As the course progresses, you will study advanced techniques and modules – many of which draw on current research taking place in the Department.
At the end of your third year, you will gain valuable skills and experience by completing an industrial placement. Your study reaches Master's level in the final year, with a wide choice of optional modules and a substantial individual project on a subject of your choice.
You also have the chance to complete an integrated year abroad in your final year at one of our partner universities where you can challenge yourself in a different academic and cultural environment.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
In your first year, you will study the following core modules.
Core modules
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Introduction to Databases
- Introduction to Computer Architecture
- Computing Practical 1
- Discrete Mathematics, Logic and Reasoning
- Graphs and Algorithms
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
In your second year, you will study nine core modules.
You will also select one module from the list of optional modules.
Core modules
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Software Engineering Design
- Models of Computation
- Operating Systems
- Networks and Communications
- Compilers
- Probability and Statistics
- Computing Practical 2
- Computing Group Project
Optional modules
- Symbolic Reasoning
- Computational Techniques
If you choose to take your third year abroad, you have the opportunity to study at the University of California.
Other universities are available if you take your fourth year abroad.
This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.
First two terms abroad (University of California)
If you spend the first two terms of your third year abroad at the University of California, your third term at Imperial will consist of the following core module.
- Industrial Placement (First Part)
All of your other modules for this year will be taken at the University of California.
Full third year at Imperial
If you spend your third year studying at Imperial, you will complete three core modules.
You will also select six optional modules.
Core modules
- Industrial Placement (First Part)
- I-Explore
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department. You will be taught alongside students from other courses, with options including business, management and many more.
The Industrial Placement does not contribute to your final degree classification.
Optional modules
- The Theory and Practice of Concurrent Programming
- Computer Vision
- Graphics
- Custom Computing
- Communicating Computer Science in Schools
- Network and Web Security
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Robotics
- System Performance Engineering
- Operations Research
- Type Systems for Programming Languages
- Data Processing Systems
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Technical Option (outside Department of Computing)
- Software Engineering Group Projects
- Networked Systems
Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.
If you choose to take your fourth year abroad, you have the opportunity to study at one of our other partner universities. We currently have exchange agreements with:
- UPM Madrid, Spain
- EPFH Lausanne, Switzerland
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- MIT, USA
This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.
First two terms abroad
If you spend the first two terms of your third year abroad, your third term at Imperial will consist of the following core module.
- Industrial Placement (Second Part)
Your modules and study programme abroad in the first two terms will vary by institution.
Full fourth year at Imperial
If you studied at the University of California in your third year, you will study at Imperial for your fourth year.
You will complete three core modules and seven optional modules in total. A maximum of two optional modules can be from Group B.
Core modules
- Software Engineering Group Projects
- Industrial Placement (First Part)
- I-Explore
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department. You will be taught alongside students from other courses, with options including business, management and many more.
The Industrial Placement does not contribute to your final degree classification.
Optional modules – Group A
- Scalable Software Verification
- Scalable Systems and Data
- Privacy Engineering
- Cryptography Engineering
- Advanced Computer Graphics
- Computational Finance
- Complexity
- Software Reliability
- Advanced Computer Security
- Deep Learning
- Machine Learning for Imaging
- Principles of Distributed Ledgers
- Program Analysis
- Quantum Computing
- Software Engineering for Industry
- Computational Optimisation
- Natural Language Processing
- Mathematics for Machine Learning
- Reinforcement Learning
- Modal Logic for Strategic Reasoning in AI
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Custom Computing
- Robot Learning
- Scheduling and Resource Allocation
Optional modules – Group B
- Communicating Computer Science in Schools
- Technical Option (outside Department of Computing)
Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures and tutorials
- Laboratory sessions
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 20% Lectures and tutorials
- 5% Laboratory sessions
- 75% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Laboratory-based teaching
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In-class problem solving
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Personal supervision of project work
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Practical
Year 1
- 10% Coursework
- 84% Examinations
- 6% Practical
Year 2
- 10% Coursework
- 57% Examinations
- 33% Practical
Year 3
- 8% Coursework
- 42% Examinations
- 50% Practical
Year 4
- 9% Coursework
- 50% Examinations
- 41% Practical
Assessment methods
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Programming exercises
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Computer-based programming tests
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Written coursework
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Computer-based coursework
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Examinations
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Software demonstrations
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Group work
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Written reports
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Research summaries
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Oral presentations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
Admissions test (TMUA)
To be considered for this course for 2025 entry, you will need to sit the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) as part of the application process.
Registration is now open for the January TMUA test sitting. This is your last opportunity to sit the test for 2025 entry. Registration closes online on 23 December 2024 (21 November 2024 for candidates requiring access arrangements).
About TMUA
- Computer-based, multiple-choice test to assess your mathematical thinking and reasoning skills.
- You must sit this test in a Pearson VUE test centre.
- Create a UAT-UK account with Pearson VUE to book a test.
Key deadlines
October sitting (16 and 17 October 2024): Registration is now closed
January sitting (8 and 9 January 2025): Online registration is open from 24 October to 23 December 2024 (candidates requiring access arrangements must register by 21 November 2024)
Take the test just once as only your first score will count.
Test fee bursary
Applications are open for the UAT-UK bursary which covers the full-test fee for candidates in financial need who are permanently living in the UK and planning to take the test at a UK test centre.
Full details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are available on the UAT-UK website.
Access arrangements
Note: The deadline has now passed to apply for access arrangements for January 2025.
Access arrangements, for example, extra time or rest breaks, are available for students with learning difficulties, disabilities, and other medical conditions.
If this applies to you, you need to notify UAT-UK of your requirements before booking your test in one of Pearson VUE’s global network of test centres.
Once your access arrangements have been confirmed, you will be able to book your test online.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
If your TMUA test performance is sufficient, this will be considered in conjunction with your UCAS application form. Your test score performance in combination with a full assessment of your application form will then inform the decisions of the admissions tutors of whether to make you an offer or not.
Interviews are not standard but may be offered to some candidates at the discretion of the admissions tutors.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Due to the shared core content in the first two years of all Computing degrees, it is usually possible to transfer to a different Computing course within the Department until the beginning of the third year.
Transfers from Computing to Joint Mathematics and Computing courses are normally not possible and are dealt with on a case by case basis.
If you wish to progress onto one of the MEng programmes in Year 3, you must achieve an overall average of 60% in your second year.
Transfer between the BEng in Mathematics and Computer Science and MEng in Mathematics and Computer Science is possible until the end of Year 2 subject to meeting certain minimum results criteria.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France and Germany, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally only students who are on track for at least a 2:1 will be eligible for placements in France and Germany. Only students on track to achieve a 1st will be eligible for placements in the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£9,535 per year
Year abroad
2025 entry
£1,450 for that year
Important update for 2025 entry
The UK government has announced that, starting in April 2025, maximum tuition fees for Home undergraduate students in England will increase from £9,250 per year to £9,535. Find out more.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
In November 2024, the UK government announced a 3.1% increase in English Maintenance Loans for 2025-26.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£43,300 per year
Year abroad
2025 entry
100% of the fee for that year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*
- 96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*
- 4%
90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 10%
*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024
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Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in industry and academia.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Management consultancy, corporations, computer gaming and special effects are just some of your options.
Other potential career paths could include banking and finance.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 8267 / +44 (0)20 7594 9223
- Email: doc-ugadmissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Computing website
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Request info
Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications