Computer Science (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)
This courses is designed to enhance your technical expertise, giving you the tools to solve complex problems and stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech industry.
Key information
UCAS code:
I105
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification.
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Overview
Push your potential with our BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Top-Up) degree – a fast-track route that gets you future-ready in one year. This course builds on your existing knowledge, focusing on key computing subjects such as theoretical computer science, systems and security, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
You will explore Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhance your research skills, and complete a final project that addresses real-world ethical, international, or sustainability challenges in the computing industry. With a focus on practical learning and no traditional exams, this degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in computing.
Course highlights
Develop advanced skills in programming, data structures, and software development, working on real-world projects with practical applications.
- Interactive workshops and practical projects give you a deeper understanding
- Surrounded by leading tech companies and start-ups, you’ll be perfectly placed to network, gain experience, and explore career opportunities.
- Learn in a brand-new, purpose-built campus, designed for teamwork, leadership development, and independent study.
Your new home at UoP London
Located just a minute’s walk from Walthamstow’s tube and bus stations, our campus provides easy access to the entire city, placing you at the centre of London’s dynamic business scene.
Come along to an Open Day
Open Days at the London campus vary to those held in Portsmouth.
Contact information
London Campus Enquiries: london@port.ac.uk
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Top-Up) entry requirements
Typical offers
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BEng/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BEng/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
This degree will prepare you to climb the career ladder in any sector that appeals to you and will open doors to a wide variety of careers in the business world. You’ll graduate with the skills to start a successful career in any commercial arena, or even start your own business.
Previous graduates have secured various jobs such as:
- AI and Machine Learning Engineer
- Applications Developer
- Data Analyst
- Research and Development (R&D) Scientist
- Systems Analyst and developer
Our graduates have gone on to work for some of today’s best-known organisations, including: •
- Aviva
- BAE Systems
- BT
- Capita
- DQ Global
- Honeywell/Trend Controls
- MASS
- NHS
- Penningtons Manches Cooper
- Servicenow
Modules
What you'll study
This module encompasses methodologies, project management and analytical skills to manage a large-scale project. You'll have the opportunity to design, implement, test and evaluate a relevant artefact and reflect on the techniques used throughout the process.
You'll demonstrate working machine learning modules and build networks and algorithms. You'll learn the skills needed to explain different types of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in action.
In this module you'll discover contextual understanding of significant ICT trends and breakthroughs. You'll understand their impacts on a multitude of areas including business, government and society.
This module will see you evaluate the emerging research in distributed systems and their development; looking at current architectures, technologies and applications.
You'll develop a conceptual model for evaluating these systems and analyse the impact of attacks on distributed systems.
This module will see you apply the tools of computational complexity to solve real-world, relevant issues.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We're planning for most of your learning to be supported by timetabled face-to-face teaching with some elements of online provision.
A typical week
Students will have 10 hours per week contact time which will consist of:
- timetabled face to face activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 8 hours a week
- timetabled online activities (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 2 hours a week
These taught sessions are typical scheduled on two mornings or two afternoons per week.
You'll also receive guidance on independent study activities to maximise time spent in the classroom.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll get the following types of support via video, phone and face-to-face from our London campus support team to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed:
- academic writing (such as essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
You'll also have access to a personal tutor to support you in your studies.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £16,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
Please note, we'll confirm 2026 course fees soon.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Waltham Forest.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in September 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I105
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in February 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I105
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in May 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I105
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in September 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I105
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in February 2027, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I105
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in May 2027, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I105
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.