Computing Science (in partnership with BUiD) BSc/MSci
Computing science is wide-ranging: from programming and engineering large software systems, to the design and evaluation of human-computer interfaces, algorithms, computer and network systems, artificial intelligence, information retrieval and big data systems.
- September start
- Session dates
- Computing Science (BUID) BSc (Hons) 4 year degree
- Computing Science (BUID) MSci: 5 year degree
You may apply for transfer to the MSci mid-BSc.
Programme structure
Years 1 and 2
Students follow the curriculum of the BUiD programmes of:
Students should consult with staff at BUiD to ensure they take appropriate modules.
Year 3 and 4
In 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.
Optional Year 5
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. A decision regarding whether a student can transfer to the MSci will be taken by the University at the end of Year 3.
Course details
Years 1 and 2
Students follow the curriculum of the BUiD programmes of
Students should consult with staff at BUiD to ensure they take appropriate modules.
Years 3, 4 and 5
Core courses:
- ALGORITHMICS I (H)
- DATA FUNDAMENTALS (H)
- HUMAN-CENTRED SYSTEMS DESIGN AND EVALUATION (H)
- SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING (H)
- PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (H)
- TEAM PROJECT (H)
- INDIVIDUAL PROJECT (H) (SINGLE)
- PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ISSUES (H)
As an Honours student (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 courses and a substantial research-oriented project.
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
Students should consult the BUiD website for details of entry requirements into year 1.
For entry to the University of Glasgow at Level 3 BUiD students should obtain a mid 2:1 classification (65%) in their first two years of study on the programmes shown above.
There are a maximum of 10 places guaranteed for BUiD students.
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 module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no sub-test under 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
- IELTS One Skill Retake accepted.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ib, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
Cambridge English Qualifications
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
School Qualifications
- iGCSE English or ESOL 0522/0500, 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
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- West African Examination Council, Senior Secondary School Certificate, English grade C6
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
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 an IELTS test (Academic module) from any of the 1000 IELTS test centres from around the world and we do not require a specific UKVI IELTS test for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages & Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
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
Recent graduates are employed as software engineers and systems analysts with companies such as:
- JP Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- Skyscanner
- Yahoo.
Accreditation
Honours graduates are eligible for membership of the British Computer Society and, after relevant work experience, they can apply to become full Chartered IT Professionals (CITP) and partial Chartered Scientists (CSci)/Chartered Engineers (CEng). MSci graduates are eligible for full CITP and partial CSci. Honours degrees hold the Euro-Inf Bachelor Quality label; MSci degrees hold the Euro-Inf Master Quality Label.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Please consult the BUiD website for details on tuition fees for the first two years of the programme.
Fees for the University of Glasgow part of the programme:
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.
University of Glasgow – BUiD Scholarship
This scholarship is for students transferring to the University of Glasgow from the British University in Dubai as part of our articulation agreement.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Students should consult the BUiD web-pages for applying to year 1 of the programme.
Students intending to transfer to this programme from BUiD from Level 3 may apply directly to the University of Glasgow.
You will require a copy of your transcript showing courses already taken and in progress in the first two years of your degree; a copy of your English language test result and a copy of the photo page of your passport.
We would encourage students to apply in January/February for September start.
- Application form: coming soon
- Application deadline: 30 June
Students who have yet to complete year 2 of their programme at BUiD, or to obtain the necessary English language qualification may receive an offer of a place conditional on meeting these two requirements. There is no need to wait to obtain these to submit an application.
Subject league tables
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Computer Science]
Related programmes
Undergraduate events
