Computing and Information Systems (CIS):
BSc, Diploma and Work Experience Entry Route
Entrance requirements
BSc Computing and Information Systems
To be eligible for the BSc degree you must:
- normally* be at least 17 years old and either have passes in:
- two subjects at GCE 'A' level plus at least three further subjects at GCSE/GCE 'O' level (at not less than grade C or a 'pass' if taken prior to 1975) or
- three subjects at GCE ‘A’ level (with one ‘A’ level at not less than grade D) or
- three subjects at GCE 'A' level, plus one further subject at GCSE/GCE 'O' level (at not less than grade C) or
- two subjects at GCE 'A' Level and two further subjects at GCE 'AS' Level and
- have a level of competence at least equivalent to a pass at GCE 'AS' level in a mathematical subject. Strong passes at GCSE/GCE 'O' level in mathematics will also be considered for admissions purposes (the University will consider qualifications of a comparable standard to GCE 'AS' and GCSE/GCE 'O' levels - the decision on comparable qualifications is taken at the discretion of the University) and
- have fluent comprehension and writing skills in English.
Diploma in Computing and Information Systems
To be eligible for the Diploma you must:
- normally* be aged 17 years or older before 1 September in the year you first register with the University (there can be no exceptions to this requirement) and
- EITHER have passed a minimum of four separate subjects at GCSE/GCE ‘O’ level (at not less than grade C) including Mathematics or equivalent examination and
- provide proof of competence in English acceptable to the University (it may be necessary for you to have passed a recognised test of proficiency, at the appropriate level, within the past three years) and
- have been admitted to a full- or part-time course of instruction at a recognised centre, which is listed offering this programme on the Directory of Institutions.
- OR must have been admitted to a full- or part-time course of instruction at an institution with 'Advanced' status, having successfully completed the entry test of that institution.
Work Experience Entry Route to BSc Computing and Information Systems
To be eligible for the Work Experience Entry Route you must:
- normally* be aged 21 years or older before 1 September in the year you first register with the University (there can be no exceptions to this requirement) and
- have passed a minimum of four separate subjects at GCSE/GCE ‘O’ level (at not less than Grade C) including Mathematics and
- provide proof of competency in English acceptable to the University (it may be necessary for you to have passed a recognised test of proficiency, at the appropriate level, within the past three years) and
- have at least two years relevant work experience (i.e. with computing or IT elements either from a job in a computing-oriented company or a job in computing or IT).
| *Applications will be considered from applicants who do not meet the normal minimum age requirement for admission. Each application will be considered on an individual basis, and the decision taken at the discretion of the University of London. |
Note: applicants with other qualifications not listed above and/or suitable work experience will be considered by the University on an individual basis. There are many other acceptable qualifications [PDF: 9pgs, 160KB], both from the UK and overseas, which the University accepts instead of British 'O' and 'A' levels.
If you do not satisfy the criteria for automatic acceptance we will still consider your application on an individual basis under our Special Admissions procedures. If we cannot accept you with your current qualifications and experience, we will advise you what qualifications you could take in order to become eligible in the future.
IT requirements (BSc only)
The recommended minimum configuration is as follows:
- IBM-compatible PCs; Pentium 133; 32Mb RAM; 3Gb IDE Hard Drive; CD-ROM; 3.5" floppy, 16 Bit Colour (32 recommended), 800 x 600 resolution (1024 x 768 recommended), sound card and speakers (recommended for CD).
- At Level 2, access to a suitable network is very important for full learning benefit. If you
do not have such access, it will not be impossible for you to complete the degree, but you would
not have the same study experience as a student with this access. The highest level of access
you will require for effective study will be as a (temporary) network manager so that you can
experiment with configuration. In particular, lack of appropriate network access will affect
your ability to study for the unit ‘Data communications and enterprise networking’ in
the most effective way possible.
Note: Other machines, apart from those that are PC-compatible, are acceptable provided they run equivalent software.
Software
You are advised to make use of common operating systems, as follows:
- Windows™ (e.g. 95, 2000 or NT), with UNIX (e.g. Linux on PCs) as a useful addition. No systems are recommended specifically, but under Windows™, an integrated package such as Microsoft Office is sufficient.
- Netscape Navigator 4.5 and above, or Internet Explorer 5 and above (Note: Netscape version 6 browsers are not recommended as they are currently incapable of running some of the interactive elements of the CD).
- Word processor, spreadsheet and database.
- A Java resource, for example Java Development Kit (free from http://java.sun.com/).
- To enable viewing of the CD-ROM exercise files and other site functionality, Acrobat Reader 5, Flash MX plug-in, Shockwave 8 plug-in, JavaScript-enabled, Java-enabled.
- For Level 2, an implementation of PROLOG conforming to the Edinburgh syntax (such as LPA PROLOG, BIN PROLOG or Quintus PROLOG). ML. Linux recommended (e.g. Redhat Linux, on CD for about £20, or free from www.redhat.com).
- For Level 3, additional software is required for some units. Please see Level 3 unit outlines on pages 13 and 14 of the prospectus for details.
Accreditation of prior learning (APL)
APL means that you are not required to take a particular course as part of your degree. APL may be awarded for up to four full courses at Level 1, or a maximum of two courses at Level 2. APL is not awarded for any course at Level 3.
To be eligible, you must satisfy the University that you have already passed examinations that compare in level, content and standard to the syllabuses from which you want APL. Some APL we award is 'automatic'; all other APL is considered on a 'non-automatic' basis.
To be considered for APL you must satisfy our criteria and make an application. Any APL awarded is only valid for a limited period which will be specified in your decision letter. If you do not attempt an examination during this period, the APL will expire. If you still want the APL to count towards your degree you will need to apply again. All non-automatic APL isconsidered on payment of a fee of £66 per course.
Note: for further details about APL please see the Exemptions section of our website.