Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

UDCMPSFY - BSc (Hons) Computer Science (including foundation year)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science, Preparatory Diploma, Preparatory Certificate
Total credits for course 480
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Subject Area Computer Science and Applied Computing
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time 6 YEARS 8 YEARS
Full-time 4 YEARS 8 YEARS
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The BSc Computer Science (including Foundation Year) is specifically designed for those students who wish to specialise in the design and implementation of modern software systems. The course fosters development using a range of tools and development platforms and encourages students to critically evaluate the role of computer-based systems in a variety of contexts. Emphasis throughout is on what the student learns and is able to do as a result of the learning.

In the first year of the four-year degree programme, students will have the opportunity to develop basic skills in the fundamentals of Computing, Programming and Problem-solving which underpin subsequent learning and practice. The foundation year will provide a broad, varied and simulating experience which allows students to assess their aptitudes and interests and thus prepares them for modules at higher levels.

The foundation year is designed to develop key academic skills and competencies in a way integrated into the curriculum, and to model the theoretical approach coupled with practice-based learning that is developed later in the curriculum. Assessments at this level are aimed to introduce and develop key skills integral to academic success at higher levels including writing, presenting, researching, and mathematical and technological skills. Also, at this level, early formative assessment is useful as an early indicator of students’ strengths, in addition to giving a hands-on training of submission processes.
Students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of, and the necessary skills to demonstrate, good academic practice. Particularly, students will be encouraged to complete weekly tutorial and workshop exercises as well as periodic formative diagnostic tests to enhance their learning. During tutorial and workshop sessions students will receive ongoing support and feedback on their work to promote engagement and provide the basis for tackling the summative assessments.
Teaching materials such as lecture content are conveyed in different ways e.g. using diagrams, speech, text, discussion and practical tasks. Use is also made of multimedia technologies such as videos, podcasts and screencasts in lectures which are then made available on Weblearn. Competency with software and hardware tools is achieved through weekly practical sessions, demonstrations from external software vendors, signposted access to online technical guides, encouragement of participation in Computing online forums, access to all required equipment.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. Module assessment typically consists of a combination of assessment instruments including courseworks, in-class tests and unseen exams. Coursework can include an artefact such as a website, a database or program code in addition to a written report/essay. The volume, timing and nature of assessment enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
Appropriate blended learning technologies, such as the University’s virtual learning environment WebLearn, Library’s e-books and Online Databases, are used to facilitate and support student learning, in particular to:
• deliver content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments with prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning.

Formative and summative feedback will be provided using a variety of methods and approaches, such as learning technologies, one to one and group presentation of the submitted work, at various points throughout the teaching period and will adhere to University policy regarding the timing of feedback. Students will also receive feedback from tutors and peers enabling them to reflect on their progress based on the evidence available. This process assists students in developing as independent learners, identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
Foundation year students will be supported during the early stages with focus on introduction to support facilities including Academic Mentor, Success coaches, Course Leader and Academic tutor and Course Weblearn sites. This support mechanism will facilitate transition and progression through the levels. The students will also receive early scheduled sessions with the Subject Librarian which will continue as they progress through the degree.

During the foundation year, cohort identity is fostered through opportunities for engaging with peers and with existing Level 4 (and higher) students at social events, at Career-focused events and through Course-related forums. These opportunities continue throughout the course.

Course aims

The main aim of the course is to equip students with the core academic and technical skills needed to progress through higher education, via a structured and scaffolded pathway, and on to relevant employment in the IT industry.

The specific aims of this course include:
• To provide an education in the development and use of software that will equip students with intellectual, practical and problem-solving skills;
• To provide graduates with transferable skills to enable progression in either management or technical areas, with the ability to master new developments and have flexibility in career structure in an era of rapid organisational change and technological innovation;
• To equip graduates with the necessary ability and study skills to progress to advanced postgraduate courses of study;
• To provide industry, commerce and research laboratories with the effective and adaptive computer scientists that society demands.

Course learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

LO1. Apply basic problem-solving and analytical techniques, present findings, explain results and justify choice of methods;
LO2. Demonstrate solid understanding of fundamental knowledge in computer science;
LO3. Apply analytical and design techniques to solution of problems in computer science;
LO4. Develop and use software applications and tools across a range of platforms;
LO5. Use self-evaluation;
LO6. Work effectively as a member of a team;
LO7. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of legal, social, ethical and professional issues underpinning the IT discipline;
LO8. Research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and presentation;
LO9. Demonstrate an understanding of the personal qualities, skills and qualifications needed for employment in a range of roles and organisations.
ULO. Demonstrate confidence, resilience, ambition and creativity and will act as inclusive, collaborative and socially responsible practitioners/professionals in their discipline.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

Assessment strategy

Students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of, and the necessary skills to demonstrate, good academic practice. Particularly, students will be encouraged to complete weekly tutorial and workshop exercises as well as periodic formative diagnostic tests to enhance their learning. During tutorial and workshop sessions students will receive ongoing support and feedback on their work to promote engagement and provide the basis for tackling the summative assessments.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. Module assessment typically consists of a combination of assessment instruments including courseworks, in-class tests and exams. Coursework can include an artefact such as a website, a database or program code in addition to a written report/essay. The volume, timing and nature of assessment enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes.

Formative and summative feedback will be provided using a variety of methods and approaches, such as learning technologies, one to one and group presentation of the submitted work, at various points throughout the teaching period and will adhere to University policy regarding the timing of feedback.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The 15-credit Work Related Learning module is a core at level 6.

The School of Computing and Digital Media offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.

Course specific regulations

British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation is awarded according to the following additional course regulation:
The project must be passed in order for a student to obtain BSc (Hons) Computer Science.

The project must be passed without compensation.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students will be expected and encouraged to produce reflective commentaries and an action plan for personal development on the learning activities and tasks that they carry out to complete their work, e.g. in the form of an assessed section of their coursework’s and final year project’s reports.

Reflective learning is also fostered by group discussions and teamwork, e.g. in the implementation of group assignments, and in the Work-Related Learning module’s project at a workplace.

Additionally, in the module on Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law, students evaluate their development of their academic, professional and technical skills.

Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditations & exemptions

This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.

You'll be eligible to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS) upon graduating.

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Numerous and regular events (both online and campus-based) are organized by the University’s Careers Service and by the School of Computing and Digital Media. External presenters are invited to address students at all levels of the degree course.
Students are encouraged to participate in subject-discipline extra-curricular activities and Student Societies.
The core module Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law includes coverage of job search, CV writing, interviewing and aptitude assessments.

Graduates gain employment in the financial, industrial, health and service sectors. Job titles include: Chief Technology Officer, Software Engineer, Network Engineer, Mobile Application Programmer, Web Developer, Software Engineer, Java Developer. Graduates can also pursue careers in research and development in scientific areas of computing.

Career opportunities

Completing this degree will give you the skills needed to work in a variety of IT professions. You could find employment in computer-aided design (CAD), cyber security, forensic computer analysis, games development, software engineering, search engine optimisation (SEO), IT consultancy, web development and data analysis amongst many others.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent, eg Functional Skills at Level 2)

If you meet the UCAS points criteria but obtained a D/3 in English and/or Maths at GCSE you may be offered a University test in these areas.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 25 Jul 2019 Last validation date 13 Apr 2023  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes
Route code CMPSFY

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 03 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC3101 Cyber Security Fundamentals Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
CS3101 Programming Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
CT3102 Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED AM
MA3101 Mathematics Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
          NORTH SPR+SUM WED AM

Stage 1 Level 03 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC3101 Cyber Security Fundamentals Core 30        
CS3101 Programming Core 30        
CT3102 Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things Core 30        
MA3101 Mathematics Core 30 NORTH SPR+SUM WED AM

Stage 2 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC4057 Introduction to Information Systems Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
CS4001 Programming Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
CS4051 Fundamentals of Computing Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
CT4005 Computer Hardware and Software Architectures Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
MA4005 Logic and Mathematical Techniques Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM

Stage 3 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC5051 Databases Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
CS5001 Networks and Operating Systems Core 30        
CS5002 Software Engineering Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM
CS5003 Data Structures and Specialist Programming Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
CS5052 Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law Core 15        

Stage 4 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CS6002 Distributed and Internet Systems Core 30        
CS6051 Mobile Applications Core 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
CS6053 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Core 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
CS6055 Formal Languages Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
CS6P05 Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
FC6W51 Work Related Learning II Core 15