Computing Science (faster route) BSc/MSci
The Computing Science faster route offers focussed, high achieving candidates joining us straight from school the option to complete the Honours Degree in 3 years or MSci degree in 4 years. Computing Science is wide-ranging: from programming and engineering large software systems, to the design and evaluation of human-computer interfaces, algorithms, machine learning, parallel and distributed systems, artificial intelligence and data science.
The Computing Sciences programmes have consistently been designed to teach fundamental principles of computation and computing systems (eg modelling and abstraction, problem-solving, analysis of algorithms, etc), principles that are likely to endure. At the same time, our students gain experience of state-of-the-art computing technologies through practical and project work, and placements where available; but, more importantly, you learn how to adapt to the rapid rate of technological change.
- September start
- Session dates
- Computing Science (faster route) BSc (Hons): 3N7R 3 year degree
- Computing Science (faster route) MSci: 7G3F 4 year degree
Programme structure
Year 1
Students on the Computing Science faster route do not undertake Year 1.
Year 2
You will study object-oriented programming, object-oriented software engineering, data structures and algorithms, algorithmic foundations, computer networks, operating systems and web application development. We also provide a broad introduction to other key areas of the subject, including computer systems, databases, and human-computer interaction.
Years 3, 4 and 5
At honours (years 3 and 4), you will cover the essential aspects of computing science in depth. Our curriculum is driven by our world-leading research sections and we offer opportunities for programme specialisms from year 3 onwards. Together with team projects and a substantial individual project, the programme provides excellent preparation for professional computing scientists.
Computing Science can be taken as an MSci, which includes an additional year. Students on the MSci programme follow the BSc Honours degree programme, followed by an additional year studying advanced modules and a substantial research-oriented project.
Course details
Year 1
Students on the Computing Science faster route do not undertake Year 1.
Year 2
Core courses
- Computing Science 1F - Computing Fundamentals
- Computing Science - 1S Systems
- Succeeding in University Study in Computing Science [COMPSCI2023]
- Introduction to Object Oriented Programming
- Object-Oriented Software Engineering 2
- Algorithmic Foundations 2
- Networks and Operating Systems Essentials 2
- Algorithms & Data Structures 2
- Web Application Development 2
Optional courses
- 40 credits of electives from any Level 1 subject
Year 3
Core courses
- Introduction to Gnu/Linu [COMPSCI9001]
- Professional Software Development (H)
- Algorithmics I (H)
- Data Fundamentals (H)
- Human-centred Systems Design and Evaluation (H)
- Systems Programming (H)
- Team Project (H)
Optional courses
- Computing Science Education Theory and Practice (H)
- Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Cyber Security Fundamentals (H)
- Database Systems (H)
- Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (M)
- Networked Systems (H)
- Operating Systems (H)
- Programming Languages (H)
- Quantum Computing H
- Robotics Foundations (H)
- Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (H)/Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (M)
Year 4
Core courses for all students
Additional core courses for MSc students
Optional courses
- Advanced Networked Systems (H)
- Advanced Systems Programming (H)/Advanced Systems Programming (M)
- Algorithmics II (H)
- Artificial Intelligence (H)
- Big Data: Systems, Programming, and Management (H)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Coaching Software Teams (H)/Coaching Software Teams (M)
- Computational Game Theory (M)
- Computational Social Intelligence [COMPSCI4080]/Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Computer Architecture (H)
- Computer Vision Methods and Applications (H)
- Computing Science Education Theory and Practice (H)
- Constraint Programming (M)
- Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Cryptography and Secure Development (M)
- Cyber Security Fundamentals (H)
- Data Product Engineering H
- Database Systems (H)
- Deep Learning (M)
- Distributed and Parallel Technologies (H)/Distributed and Parallel Technologies (M)
- Extended Reality Interaction (M)
- Forensics (M)
- Functional Programming (H)
- Human-Centred Security (M)
- Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Human Computer Interaction (M)
- Information Retrieval (H)/Information Retrieval (M)
- Machine Learning (H)/Machine Learning (M)
- Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (M)
- Modelling Reactive Systems (H)/Modelling Reactive Systems (M)
- Networked Systems (H)
- Operating Systems (H)
- Patient Centred Health-Technologies
- Programming Languages (H)
- Quantum Computing H
- Recommender Systems (H)/Recommender Systems (M)
- Research Methods And Techniques (M) for MSci
- Robotics Foundations (H)
- Secured Software Engineering (M)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Startup Growth Engineering (H)
- Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (H)/Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (M)
- Theory of Computation [COMPSCI4072]
- Web Science (H)/Web Science (M)
Year 5 (MSc students only)
Core courses
Optional courses
- Project Research Readings In Computing Science (M)
- Advanced Networked Systems (H)
- Advanced Systems Programming (H)/Advanced Systems Programming (M)
- Algorithmics II (H)
- Artificial Intelligence (H)
- Big Data: Systems, Programming, and Management (H)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Coaching Software Teams (H)/Coaching Software Teams (M)
- Computational Game Theory (M)
- Computational Social Intelligence [COMPSCI4080]/Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Computer Architecture (H)
- Computer Vision Methods and Applications (H)
- Computing Science Education Theory and Practice (H)
- Constraint Programming (M)
- Conversational Interfaces (M)
- Cryptography and Secure Development (M)
- Cyber Security Fundamentals (H)
- Data Product Engineering H
- Database Systems (H)
- Deep Learning (M)
- Distributed and Parallel Technologies (H)/Distributed and Parallel Technologies (M)
- Extended Reality Interaction (M)
- Forensics (M)
- Functional Programming (H)
- Human-Centred Security (M)
- Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Human Computer Interaction (M)
- Information Retrieval (H)/Information Retrieval (M)
- Machine Learning (H)/Machine Learning (M)
- Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (H)/Mobile Human-Computer Interaction (M)
- Modelling Reactive Systems (H)/Modelling Reactive Systems (M)
- Networked Systems (H)
- Operating Systems (H)
- Patient Centred Health-Technologies
- Programming Languages (H)
- Quantum Computing H
- Recommender Systems (H)/Recommender Systems (M)
- Research Methods And Techniques (M) for MSci
- Robotics Foundations (H)
- Secured Software Engineering (M)
- Software Product Release Engineering (H)/Software Product Release Engineering (M)
- Startup Growth Engineering (H)
- Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (H)/Text as Data - An Introduction to Document Analytics (M)
- Theory of Computation [COMPSCI4072]
- Web Science (H)/Web Science (M)
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2025
Entry requirements for Computing Science (faster route)
SQA Higher faster route entry requirements
- AAABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Advanced Highers – AAA including Computing and Mathematics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
Applicants must also meet the standard offer threshold (see Computing Science) with S5 grades to be considered for faster route.
A-level faster route entry requirements
- Three A-levels at Grades A*AA which include Computing and Mathematics attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
IB faster route entry requirements
- 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Computing Science and Mathematics.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford English Test
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
Career prospects
Our graduates are employed by worldwide names as well as local and international startup companies. We actively support our graduates in creating their own startups. We encourage you to explore our LinkedIn Channel for a flavour of where our graduates work and the DiscoverUni platform to explore our impressive graduate employment and salary statistics.
Accreditation
British Computer Society & Institution of Engineering and Technology accreditation.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc (Hons)
MSci
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 29 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
ATAS: Academic Technology Approval Scheme
Please note that this programmes in this subject at Masters level require ATAS. If yours is not one of the exempt nationalities, then you will need to apply for an ATAS certificate before commencing your programme of study and applying for your visa or extension of stay.
Please apply as early as possible as the process can take a number of months to complete.
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) was introduced on 1 November 2007. It is used to help stop the spread of knowledge and skills that could be used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This is in common with other governments around the world.
The ATAS is designed to ensure that people who are applying to study certain sensitive subjects in the UK do not have links to WMD programmes.
- more information about the scheme and ATAS certificate (UK Government website).
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Computer Science]
Related programmes
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