Computer Science (Software Engineering)
Entry requirements
A level
If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based A-level, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject specific modules. If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based A-level equivalent, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
With three Higher Level subjects at 655. If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based Higher Level, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics equivalent.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based Higher Level, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics or equivalent.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based A-level equivalent, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics.
Scottish Advanced Higher
If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based Advanced Higher, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics or equivalent.
Scottish Higher
If you do not have a Science or Mathematics-based Higher, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics or equivalent.
T Level
Each application will be considered on its individual merits. Where the T Level subject area does not directly match the degree programme being applied for, the personal statement and reference will be particularly important in demonstrating interest, enthusiasm and suitability for the subject.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Develop the skills you need to pursue a career in software design and development, with a focus on software engineering techniques.**
**Why study BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)**
If you study the BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering), you'll become a specialist in software engineering techniques. You'll be prepared for a career in software design and development, which are in demand in today's job market. During the degree you'll:
- Develop software using advanced coding techniques. Understanding the full power of modern programming languages.
- Consider the security issues raised by the development of networked software systems.
- Develop databases using advanced data storage techniques, such as NoSQL.
- Build applications using object-orientated programming languages and dynamic web tools.
- Experience working on projects using a range of software development techniques both individually and in groups.
**Computer Science pathways**
As well as BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering), we offer several pathways that allow you to focus on the following specialisms:
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science)
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cybersecurity)
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science (User Experience)
**Create your own projects**
The degree is hands-on and practical from the start. You'll be creating your own web and mobile applications, data visualisations, and games. You'll also explore your potential through practical projects whilst learning relevant technical skills for your future career.
**Placements**
In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to take a full-year industry placement (making this programme four years full-time, or seven years part-time).
This gives you valuable experience to build confidence, further develop skills and industry insight, and enhance your career prospects. By the end of your degree, you’ll have built a portfolio of work to kickstart your career in the creative industry.
Modules
Year 1
In your first year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:
Introduction to Programming
User Experience and the Web
Logic and Computer Architecture
Computing Project 1
Graphics 1
Algorithms 1
Identity, Agency & Environment 1
Identity, Agency & Environment 2
Year 2
In your second year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:
Software Development and Design
Computing Project 2
Object Oriented Programming
Algorithms 2
Networks and Operating Systems
The Goldsmiths Elective
Optional modules
You'll then take 2 optional modules from the following list:
Data Programming for Artificial Intelligence
Interaction Design
Fundamentals of Computer Science
Information Security
Goldsmiths’ Social Change Module
Optional placement year
Our degrees include an optional industrial placement year after the second year of study. You'll be responsible for securing a placement, but we can support you through this process.
Although we encourage you to take the opportunity of a placement year, you can also complete your degree in three years.
Year 3 (or year 4 with placement year)
In your final year, you'll complete the following compulsory modules, including a compulsory project Computer Science.
Final Project in Computer Science
Dynamic Web Applications
Databases and Advanced Data Techniques
Extended Object Oriented Programming
Network And System Security
Optional modules
You'll then take 2 optional modules from a list produced annually by the Department of Computing.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects. If you opt for an industrial placement year, your placement tutor will assess your work. If you complete the placement year successfully, you earn the endorsement 'with work experience' on your degree certificate.
The Uni
Goldsmiths, University of London
Computing
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Computer science
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Computer science
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is a newly-classified subject area for this kind of data, so we don’t currently have very much information to display or analyse yet. The subject is linked to important and growing computing industries, and over time we can expect more students to study them — there could be opportunities that open up for graduates in these subjects as the economy develops over the next few years.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Computer science
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£27k
£32k
£38k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Explore these similar courses...
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Course location and department:
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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):
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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).
This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.
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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.
You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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