FAQs

Q1: What A-levels/relevant subjects should I select?

A: For Computing courses, please see Qualification Advice for Computing.
For Joint Mathematics and Computing courses, please see Qualification Advice for JMC.

Q2: Do I need any prior computing experience?

A: For Computing courses, please see Qualification Advice for Computing.
For Joint Mathematics and Computing courses, please see Qualification Advice for JMC.

Q3: Why does your department offer BEng and MEng degrees in Computing rather than BSc/MSc degrees and what does this mean?

We are part of the Faculty of Engineering and our approach is overall engineering-oriented, that is, our students learn how to "build" systems, rather than solely how they function. Our BEng and MEng degrees are accompanied by the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI).

Q4: What are the English requirements and is it possible to make alternative arrangements to meet them?

A: The English Language requirement is a College requirement and not something Departments can deviate from. A list of suitable qualifications is available here: English language requirement. The results of past English tests are not taken into consideration when we decide whether to progress an application.

Q5: I have already started my studies at University X, and would like to transfer to your undergraduate programme. Is this possible?

A: Unfortunately, we do not generally accept transfers onto our undergraduate degree programmes. Students already part-way through an undergraduate degree may wish to consider us for postgraduate study - we offer several one-year Masters programmes. Further information on these options can be found under Postgraduate Admissions

Q6: I have already started my studies at University X, and would like to apply for admissions in the first year. What are the requirements?

A: You will need to meet the general requirements discussed at Entry Requirements for Computing and Entry Requirements for JMC. In addition, we would also expect excellent marks in your degree so far, and a strong reference letter from your current personal tutor or lecturer who knows you well.

Q7: What is my fee status and can I change it after having accepted an offer?

A: For fee related questions, please contact the Registry at engineering.admissions@imperial.ac.uk. However, you should first read the information at Fees and funding.

Q8: Is it possible to visit your department and schedule a campus tour?

A: We have an open door policy in the Department during normal office hours Monday to Friday. You are welcome to visit any time and collect a brochure and map so that you can have a look around. A member of the Admissions Team should usually be available to answer questions. Please come to room 370, Huxley Building
Please note that if you visit on a Wednesday, you may wish to book a campus tour in advance. Additionally, note that if you decide to apply to us and your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview afternoon which includes a full tour of the Department and campus and the opportunity to learn more about our degree programmes. 

Q9: If I apply for two or more degrees and get shortlisted for an interview, will I have an interview for each degree?

A: No, we do not hold separate interviews for applicants to different degrees. We decide on the grounds of a single interview.

Q10: If I receive a conditional offer, by when do I need to meet the conditions set in the offer?

A: The deadline for meeting English language conditions is 25th July, and the deadline for completing the other conditions is 31st August. Please note that an IELTS test or equivalent must still be valid when you start your studies.

Q11: My offer includes an Advanced Extension Award (AEA) or a STEP paper in Maths. Why?

A: For Computing courses, please see Qualification Advice for Computing. For Joint Mathematics and Computing courses, please see Qualification Advice for JMC.

Q12: What international qualifications do you accept?

 A: For Computing courses, please see Entrance Requirements for Computing. For Joint Mathematics and Computing courses, please see Entrance Requirements for JMC.

Q13: Can I defer my offer?

A: You need to email us the reasons for your request for deferred entry on ugadmissions@imperial.ac.uk. If granted, please make sure that you make every effort to keep your maths as up to date as possible and we recommend the following books as good preparation for the course:
1. "Analysis with an Introduction to Proof" by S. R. Lay, 4th edition, published by Prentice Hall.  
2. "Mathematical Methods for Science Students" by G. Stephenson, published by Prentice Hall.

Q14: Are the requirements for immediate and deferred entry the same?

A: The requirements for immediate and deferred entry are the same. Thus, it does not matter whether you apply this year or next year. However, if your application is unsuccessful this year, a new application next year is likely to be less competitive.

Q15: Are there bursaries and/or scholarships available?

A: Please see Details of Financial Support offered to students
 Please see Bursaries and Scholarships offered by the Department or College.

Q16: What are my job prospects with a Computing degree?

A: www.unistats.com provides useful information on the job prospects of computing students at Imperial.

Q17: When will I know whether my UCAS application has been successful?

A: We return decisions to UCAS by 31st March on all applications received by the 15th January deadline.

Q18: I have been accepted on the course - how can I best prepare for the year ahead?

A: We recommend the following books as good preparation on the maths side:
1. "Analysis with an Introduction to Proof" by S. R. Lay, 4th edition or further, published by Prentice Hall. 
2. "Mathematical Methods for Science Students" by G. Stephenson, published by Prentice Hall. 
You will learn various programming languages, including Haskell, Prolog, Java, C, C++. We teach all languages from scratch, however, you are welcome to study any of them before coming here.

Q19: If I apply and am accepted onto a degree, can I change to another degree in your Department?

A: Yes, changing degree programme is normally possible within the JMC and Computing degree programmes during the first two years. For example, it is easy to change between G400, G401, and G700.  It is sometimes possible to change between JMC and Computing, but only in the first week of term 1 of the first year, subject to agreement by various people, and subject to there being space on the destination course.  You should not rely on such a transfer being possible.

Q20: I am studying at university X. Would I be able to visit the Department as an exchange/visiting student on one of your undergraduate degrees?

A: We only accept students from our Erasmus partners (currently Aachen, Grenoble & ETH) and from the University of California; these students are selected by the international coordinators at their home university. There are also possibilities for short term visits under the UROP scheme, information about this scheme and how to apply can be found at UROP.

Q21: Will I have any opportunities to gain experience in industry if I study on one of your degrees?

A: Yes, all our MEng degree programmes include a compulsory 6-month or (for JMC) 4-month (remunerated) Placement in Industry.  We have a dedicated Industrial Liaison Officer who helps students organise their placement.

Q22: Will I have opportunities to spend time abroad as part of your degrees?

A: The one-year-abroad option is available only for the Computing course International Programme of Study (MEng). Moreover, all our MEng degree programmes include a compulsory 6-month (Computing) or 4-month (JMC) remunerated Placement in Industry that can be abroad.

Q23: Is the MAT test required for any of your courses?

A: No, it is not required for any of the Computing or JMC courses.  However, If we feel from an  application that the applicant would benefit from additionalMaths training, we may ask for an Advanced Extension Award (AEA) or a STEP paper in Maths. Further information on these qualifications is available at Qualification Advice for Computing and Qualification Advice for JMC. Please note that the MAT test cannot be used as a substitute if an AEA or STEP requirement forms part of an offer.

Q24: Which courses do you offer, what is their content and how do they differ?

We offer several Computing and JMC courses.