Build future-ready skills with a hands-on computer science degree in London
St Mary's University London offers a career-focused BSc Computer Science degree that equips students with in-demand industry skills and strong theoretical foundations. With an emphasis on hands-on experience, this course prepares graduates for diverse roles in the technology sector.
The industry-focused curriculum on our computer science degree ensures students gain future-ready expertise, offering specialist pathways aligned with evolving industry demands. Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with industry partners, such as the Ministry of Defence and FIFA.
The BSc Computer Science degree course is based at our Twickenham campus in the heart of London – Europe’s largest and fastest growing tech hotspot. Learning takes place in state-of-the-art facilities with high-performance computers and advanced software, providing a modern, practical environment. With a strong reputation for academic support and teaching quality, we offer personalised guidance to help every student succeed.
A computer science degree with real-world industry practises
Unlike most UK computer science degrees, this programme eliminates traditional written exams in favour of practical assessments such as projects, portfolios, presentations, and computer-based multiple-choice tests. This approach aligns with real-world industry practices, making graduates more workplace-ready.
Flexible study pathways in computer science
The computer science degree offers a common first year, allowing students from different academic backgrounds to build foundational knowledge before selecting their specialisation. Students can opt for either a general computer science degree with a "pick and mix" approach to module selection or a specialist pathway with a defined curriculum that grants a specialist degree title - providing both flexibility and the opportunity to stand out in a chosen field.
Industry placement & degree title recognition
The programme includes an industry work placement between levels 5 and 6. This placement is officially recognised in the degree title, enhancing graduates’ CVs. Additionally, strong industry involvement through guest lectures, networking events, and industry collaborations ensures real-world exposure throughout the course.
Computer science in action: Our e-sports arena
When studying a computer science degree at St Mary’s University London, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art e-sports arena. With sixty high-performance gaming PCs and professional setups, the arena supports hands-on learning in areas such as software development, networking, operating systems performance and collaborative problem-solving, bringing theory to life beyond the classroom.
About the Placement Year
A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.
It will enable you to:
- apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
- build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
- develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
- get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.
Support from St Mary’s every step of the way
Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.
Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.
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Course content
Our London-based computer science programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, ensuring graduates are career-ready. Students gain hands-on experience through industry guest lectures, workshops, hackathons, job fairs, and tech meet-ups – building a strong understanding of the industry and real-world applications of their skills.
Collaboration with industry partners enhances professional networks and provides insight into current technological challenges. Career-focused modules further prepare students for the workplace, including a team project in the second year, where students develop software applications for real clients, and an advanced topics in Computer Science module in the final year, featuring talks from industry experts. Final-year dissertations also encourage students to undertake projects with real-world impact.
Throughout the course, students develop expertise in key areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analysis and user experience (UX).
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2026 and 2027 entries
Start date
Standard offer
120 UCAS points
Contextual offer
96 UCAS points
About Contextual Offer:
Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria. Read more about contextual offers.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
GCSE
Grade 4/C or above in Maths and English Language.
International requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and accept a wide range of international qualifications. International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£9,790
International
£17,445
(£1200 during placement year)
*Please note: Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government. The above Home fees for September 2026 are confirmed by the UK Government subject to Parliamentary procedure in early 2026. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
- Contact time
- 18%
- Independent study
- 40%
- Guided learning
- 42%
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
With our BSc Computer Science degree, you’ll graduate from a London university with job-ready technical skills and practical industry experience. Alongside core computing knowledge, you’ll develop transferable skills such as clear communication, adaptability and creative approaches to solving real-world problems.
Exceptional graduate outcomes
The hands-on approach and strong focus on employability in our computer science degree lead to outstanding results – 96% of St Mary’s graduates are in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2024).
When you start your course at St Mary's, you will have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information. You will also need to apply directly if you want to study any course part-time.
If you're an international student and you would like to apply for Foundation and Placement Year courses, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
September 2026
January 2027
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions.
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