Overview
Please note - This course is currently subject to validation. To keep updated, please register your interest via the form on this page.
Building on our rich history of training the digital skills workforce of the future, we are delighted to launch a new MSc (Hons) Computer Science conversion programme. This programme is new for 2025 entry and subject to validation - we will update the fees and how to apply section as soon as the course has been fully validated.
Fast track your future in tech
If you're keen to break into the ever-evolving tech industry but don't have the relevant skills and experience, our MSc Computer Science conversion programme is an ideal place to start. Through this new programme you can benefit from our expertise in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence while learning the fundamentals of computer science theory and application.
We will provide you with a solid grounding in foundational concepts and progressively build up your knowledge to an advanced level. Core modules will immerse you in essential areas such as programming, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering, while elective modules open doors to specialised fields such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and more. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through lab sessions and real-world projects, this programme ensures you’ll graduate with the experience and confidence to thrive in the tech industry.
Why Computer Science at LSBU?
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- The course has been designed using guidelines from leading accreditation bodies such as Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered IT Professional (CITP).
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- You will gain a wealth of experience in using industry-standard equipment, computer programming and simulation facilities. These include high performance PCs running KALI Linux and an isolated network for network scanning and penetration testing. You can also use Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Python and SAS.
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- An optional work placement is available to give you invaluable industry experience.
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- You can start the programme in January or September, and there are full-time and part-time study options available.
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- From AI machine learning boot camp to silent film processing, there is a range of extracurricular activities for Engineering students to get involved in.
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
- 2:2 UK honours first degree or international equivalent in any subject, a GCSE Grade 4 in Mathematics or equivalent, a GCSE Grade 4 in English or equivalent, OR:
- We recognise that many people have a wealth of valuable skills and knowledge they've developed at work or through training. If candidates have the potential to succeed in postgraduate or post-experience studies, we'll consider their application on its individual merit. Applications may be considered where candidates demonstrate a combination of educational qualifications and work experience.
- We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.5.
- After admission, perspective students can apply for the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL), following the approved School of Engineering procedure.
Choose your country
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study
If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.
Fee status
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Accommodation
Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Programming
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to programming, focusing on Python for students with varying backgrounds. Beginning with fundamental programming concepts, the course progresses to explore data visualization techniques and key libraries. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, enabling students to develop practical skills in data exploration and analysis. By the end of the course, students gain proficiency in programming, data visualization, and problem-solving, preparing them to apply these skills across diverse fields and disciplines. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Foundations of Calculus and Algebra Statistics
. - Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
This module provides an introductory exploration into the foundational concepts of computer science, computer architecture, and operating systems. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical developments of computing, principles of computer hardware and software, and the fundamental components and functions of operating systems. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Software System Engineering
This is an integrated module presenting 10 credits of Software Engineering (SE) and 10 credits of data structure and algorithms material. For Software Engineering, the emphasis is on the knowledge needed to be able to model, design, implement and evaluate larger software systems effectively. The module starts with development lifecycle models, such as agile development, and then continues to cover requirements specification, requirements analysis, object-oriented concepts, the Unified Modelling Language (UML), and object-oriented design. Software engineering is an inherently practical subject and applying the concepts being taught is a vital component of developing expertise in this area. Consequently, students undertake a substantial group project, working through a number of stages of the development of a larger software application. Students will be expected to largely organize themselves and their work, learning key transferrable skills in team management and organisation. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Container Orchestration for DevOps
A career as a DevOps Engineer will suit you if you are highly skilled in the automation of operation tasks of container management. DevOps Engineers simply application management. This includes integrated functionalities for deploying applications as containers, updating them seamlessly, adjusting their scale according to the requirements, and monitoring their performance. There is a big market share for this job role across sectors like banking, hospitality, insurance, e-commerce, finance, education and healthcare. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Research Methods
The module provides students with the ability to discuss, evaluate and use a variety of research methods and techniques for their chosen subject area of Computer Science and Informatics and to develop a professional and ethical approach to carrying out research-based projects. It also equips students with entrepreneurial and innovation skills increasingly sought by industry and employers. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Dissertation
The module requires students to undertake an independent piece of research / development work, investigating in depth a subject, in which they have a particular interest and of their own selection. The dissertation assesses students’ ability to integrate information from various sources, to conduct an in-depth investigation, where necessary specify, appropriately develop bespoke software/technology-based solutions, to critically analyse results and information obtained and to propose improvements/further work. Each student will submit a dissertation of between 12,000-15,000 words. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Optional modules
- Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
The pervasive nature of visual tasks in everyday life, and the amount of imaging information accrued by either complex medical devices or mobile, wearable, and similar photographic devices, calls for more sophisticated tools able to relieve the burden of image processing and screening from human users. Additionally, many tasks can benefit from image-guided augmented reality scenarios (e.g. surgery) or can be automated through visual-guidance (robotics). This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of image processing and analysis, image understanding and computer vision. After introducing the basics principles and concepts of image formation and image representation, it will present the fundamentals of image processing. It then dives into the modern approaches to processing of images and videos: object detection, object recognition, scene understanding using machine learning and machine intelligence. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Natural Language Processing
The module covers theoretical and practical aspects of Natural Language Processing to design, develop and implement Collaborative and Cognitive Communication Systems for robotics while linking AI and NLP to human psychology patterns and applying it to Chabot’s, digital assistants and context-aware personalized interfaces. The lecture sessions will deliver state-of-the-art theories, models and algorithms covering neural Language models, speech tagging, Vector Semantics and Embedding, information extraction and sentimental analysis. The lab sessions will deliver hands-on practical sessions using Chabot frameworks, Python NLP libraries and tool kits for NLP. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Systems: Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures Systems
To develop an in-depth, critically evaluative knowledge of concepts of security in networks and systems and the acquisition of knowledge about the processes, techniques, and security technologies to achieve an end-to-end security system. The course will analyse the security requirements and the vulnerabilities that threaten the smooth functioning of a computer system / network and will inform about ways of prevention, protection, recognition, and treatment of malicious attacks using appropriate technologies and security tools. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Machine Learning
The module introduces you to the basic theory, concepts, and techniques of machine learning using Python. It will cover the main topics and essential theory in the area. The module also focuses on developing practical skills in designing and developing machine learning systems using suitable software and algorithms in order to solve real-world problems. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Deep Learning
The module introduces neural networks and deep learning, one of the key topics in modern applied AI. The module will provide the student with an in depth understanding of all the components of neural networks, from the different computational building blocks to the functions to be optimized and finally to the different optimization strategies. The module will present how neural networks can be trained and validated to learn from data to solve specific tasks, and how they evolved into deep neural networks, convolutional neural networks and graph networks, presenting their major architecture concepts. The module will introduce some core concepts of the legal aspects of data protection and decision fairness in the application of deep learning technologies. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Data Management
Data Management and Data Quality are increasingly at the heart of every commercial and research enterprise, as the value of data increases along with the need for adaptive security. This module will give you a critical and evaluative knowledge of the theory, practice and research of software engineering techniques for Data Management amid today’s complex and changing business/commercial/research environments. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Computer Networks and Infrastructure Security
Explore the fundamentals of network engineering in this comprehensive module. Learn the principles of designing, implementing, and managing computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks. Dive into topics such as network protocols, routing, switching, security, and troubleshooting. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies used in modern networking environments. The emergency of cloud computing has challenged the way networking is viewed. We will look at how to plan and implement networks in the cloud. The module will provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to the students and equip for the world of work. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Placement
The placement gives you the opportunity to spend a year in the workplace, honing your transferable skills and proving your academic learning in the development of real-world systems. The assessment of the placement is designed to support and accredit the experience by formalising personal development outcomes, and by contextualising prior learning. Regular on-line contact with tutors, peer-contact and placement support will be maintained throughout the year. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Careers
Employability Service
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
When you graduate from this course, with its strong emphasis on Python programming, you are primed for great employability and career prospects. Python's unmatched versatility and its dominance across industries like web development, data analysis, machine learning, and automation will make your knowledge and skills valuable.
Employers are eager to hire graduates who can quickly tackle new challenges and harness the power of Python's extensive libraries and frameworks. With the demand for computer science professionals skyrocketing across industries, our graduates are poised for success in a wide range of exciting roles—from software developers to data scientists. Whether you're eyeing dynamic tech startups or established industry leaders, the opportunities are endless, offering diverse career paths that promise innovation, impact, and growth.
Your career development is our top priority. We provide dedicated career talks, job postings on Moodle, and access to employability resources like the Job Shop and Career Gym, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving job market. The Career Management Talks each semester provide students with information of the Informatics labour market and systematic support on skill development such as CV writing skills and job interviews.
Placements
You have the option of taking an industrial placement in the UK as part of your study programme. This is a great opportunity to understand the way that the industry functions and to gain an appreciation of the commercial environment. You’ll spend time in the workplace, honing your skills and enacting what you've learnt in real-world systems. Regular online contact with tutors, peer-contact and placement support will be maintained throughout the year.
All modules have been mapped according to Engineering Council guidelines.
Examples of commercial organisations that we have consulted with to enhance the development of our programmes include:
1. Amazon Web Services (IS software development and IT infrastructure). We have consulted with AWS on Data Engineering and Cloud/Security Technologies and on various aspects of IS software development and IT infrastructure. All proposed postgraduate courses can benefit directly from the support of a state-of-the-art virtualised environment. Our team have spent a considerable amount of time discussing our new course plans with experts from the AWS team in order to ensure our proposed curriculum aligns with expected industry standards and best practice.
2. Taylor and Francis Group (IT Publishing Industry). We have collaborated in web development and security projects, including various aspects of software development and IT infrastructure. They have supplied guest speakers providing advice in software project management for IT based projects. We have consulted with them on ways to enhance course content and delivery.
Teaching and Assessment
- Academic expertise: The majority of our teaching body have a standing with a professional body such as The Chartered Institute of IT (BCS), and either a research background or industry experience in their teaching area. The teaching of some modules may also be supported by postgraduate students.
- Teaching methods: There will be a combination of lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory activities. Modules support the development of study, communication, self-management and teamwork skills (in certain modules cross discipline).
- Independent study: You will be required to undertake self-study and prepare solutions/discussions relating to various topics.
- Assessment methods: You will be assessed through coursework.
- Subject-related resources: Our labs are equipped with high-performance PCs running KALI Linux for hands-on activities like network scanning and penetration testing. Students benefit from access to over 200 PCs and Macs, and various ICT tools, including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Python, and SAS.
- Learning support: Personal tutoring, academic skills support sessions, peer-led support sessions, practical skills workshops, online learning materials, opportunities for work placements and projects with employers, tailored field trips and much more.