students looking at a laptop screen

We offer a range of BEng and MEng courses. The Computing degrees are held wholly in the Department of  Computing; the Joint Mathematics and Computing (JMC) are offered jointly by the Department of Computing and the Department of Mathematics.

BEng/MEng Computing

The Computing courses are held wholly within the Department of Computing. The MEng courses are of four year duration and lead to the MEng Honours degree of Imperial College and the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI).

The BEng course is of three year duration and leads to the BEng Honours degree of Imperial College and the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI).

Computing accordion widget

Competence standards

All undergraduate and postgraduate students will be expected to meet the basic academic competency standards as laid down by the admission criteria of their degree programme in the Department of Computing.

The following highlights the key supplementary competences expected of students studying in the Department of Computing:

  • The ability to work as part of a group/team, for the purposes of research, collective problem solving and communication of results/findings.
  • The ability to present key facts, ideas, problem solutions, results etc. both verbally and in written form.
  • The ability to work independently.
  • The ability to use computer systems and appropriate software packages as an aid to research, analysis, problem solving and presentation.
  • The ability to exercise self-learning.
  • The ability to use acquired theoretical and practical knowledge to tackle unseen problems.
  • Knowledge of the general principles and practices of professional codes of conduct.

Students seeking admission to Faculty of Engineering degrees should are also advised to consult the Engineering Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) which identifies key competences for the various levels of the Council’s registrants.

This document provides insight into the expectations of the Engineering Council for practising professionals, post-graduation. 

Computing Programme Structure

Programme Structure

Our Computing degree programmes are designed to ensure that you will have detailed exposure to both the theoretical and practical aspects of Computing. At Imperial we see Computing as an engineering discipline where the emphasis is on building complex computer-based systems that work and are fit for purpose.

In the first two years, there is a carefully planned programme of practical laboratory work where you will solve problems of gradually increasing size and complexity. Each problem is designed to teach a specific aspect of Computing and, at the same time, provide exposure to a range of software and hardware platforms and tools appropriate to the problem. The emphasis throughout is on instilling transferable problem-solving skills and independent learning, rather than on the teaching of specific technologies.

The mathematical foundations of computing, which includes various topics in discrete and continuous mathematics, is taught through a series of core modules in the first two years. Follow-on modules in the third and fourth years allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained to build and reason about complex systems, with key drivers being correctness, usability, security, reliability and performance.

If you enrolled on an MEng programme then at the end of the Spring term of the third year you will embark on a full-time, paid industrial placement which finishes just prior to the start of the final year.  

In the final year you will undertake a major individual project spanning around eight months. This presents an exciting opportunity for you to apply the technical skills you have learnt throughout the course, including research and presentation skills, under the supervision of an academic adviser. The topics covered by individual projects vary enormously, from the very theoretical to the very practical. Many projects are aligned directly with the Department’s cutting-edge research activities.

Students graduate with exceptional practical skills and with the ability to apply their extensive knowledge of key Computing principles to the engineering of complex systems that are fit for purpose, and also to academic and industrial research.

BEng vs MEng

The department offers both a three-year BEng programme and four-year integrated Master’s MEng programme in Computing. Both degree programmes involve substantial group and individual project work. The MEng programme has the added benefit of an industrial placement, and in your final year of your programme you will be able to choose from a range of Master’s level elective modules and gain further exposure to cutting-edge research problems in computing.

Visit our Undergraduate Computing webpage for degree and course information.

Entry Requirements

Please note that we consider all aspects of each application, including academic record, predicted grades/marks, and evidence of motivation for Computing. Competition for the limited number of places on our courses is intense and regrettably, we have to turn down many excellent candidates. Even if your application is very strong, you may unfortunately not receive an offer.

Our offers are individually tailored, and aim at helping our future students to be fully prepared for the challenges ahead, should they join our courses. Our advertised grades are "minimum", and our offers may be more demanding and include further qualifications: please see Qualification Advice for Computing (next tab). We may also consider any applicant marginally below our standard offer (e.g. with a prediction of A in A-level Maths rather than A*).

Imperial has an English language requirement which equates to a Grade 6 in English Language GCSE or an IELTS score of 6.5. Note that, even if students have studied English as part of their qualification, this may not satisfy the College requirement and an IELTS test or equivalent may still be required.

Standard UK Qualifications

A-levels

Minimum Entry Standard

Our minimum entry standard for 2023 entry is A*A*A / A*AAA or overall, to include:

  • A* in Mathematics
  • A* and A in two accepted subjects/AAA in three accepted subjects

Further Mathematics is preferred but not essential.

ICT, Business Studies, General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Typical Offers

Our typical A-level offer is A*AA - A*AAA with an A* in Maths. Typical offers also require STEP II.

For 2020 entry, our typical offer will include A*A*A for applicants taking 3 A levels, and A*AAA for applicants taking 4 A levels. Typical offers also require STEP II.

For further recommendations on A-levels, see the tab on Qualification Advice for Computing. We strongly encourage applicants to take Further Maths at A2 level.

We also accept the Edexcel International A-levels.

International Baccalaureate

Minimum Entry Standard

41 points overall to include:

  • 7 in Mathematics at Higher Level
  • 7 in another relevant subject at Higher Level

Typical Offers

Our typical IB offer is 41-42 points overall with a 7 in Maths at higher level and a 7 in at least one further relevant subject at higher level. Typical offers also require STEP II.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma and Pre-U Subjects

Our minimum requirement is distinction in three principal subjects, including D2 in Maths, and D2,D3 or D3,D3,D3 in two or three other subjects (see Qualifications tab for preferred subjects and those not accepted). Typical offers also require STEP II.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Our standard minimum Scottish Advanced Higher offer is: A1, A, A with an A1 in Advanced Higher Maths. Typical offers also require STEP II. Applied Maths: Mechanics is a preferred subject.

 

Foundation Courses

We only accept students from the two high-quality UK foundation courses described below. These are specialised courses for overseas students whose home qualifications are not usually accepted for study at UK universities.

UCL UPCSE

The University Preparatory Certificate for Science and Engineering is a high quality foundation programme. Our standard minimum requirement is 80% or above overall, with 80% in Maths and 80% in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

WARWICK IFP Science and Engineering

The Warwick IFP is another high quality foundation programme we accept.Our standard minimum requirement is 80% or above overall, with 80% in Maths and 80% in one other relevant subject.

To meet these requirements, students should choose from the following IFP pathways:

  • Life Sciences 
  • Computer Science 
  • Mathematics & Statistics 
  • Economics 
  • Physical Sciences 
  • Engineering 

Insufficient UK Qualifications

We do not accept the Welsh Baccalaureate and BTEC.

Standard International Qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world. Below is the list of qualifications we typically accept, with standard minimum requirements, followed by the list of qualifications we do not accept. If you have a query about a particular qualification not included in these lists, please contact the Admissions Tutor, providing details on the qualification (subjects, grades etc.).

CountryQualification Requirements
  European Baccalaureate. 85% overall, including 9 in Maths and 9 in one other relevant subject.
Australia 

ATAR 98.5

ACT / WACE - AAA Mathematics and two other relevant subjects         

NSW HSC - 45 Mathematics, 45 in one other relevant subject, 42 in one other relevant subject

NT HSC / SACE / VCE - A+ Mathematics  / A+A in two other relevant subjects

TCE - EA Mathematics / HA, HA in two other relevant subjects    

QCE - VHA Mathematics /  HA, HA in two other relevant subjects

Austria Award of the Matura / Reifeprüfung studied at a Gymnasium AHS or preferably a Realgymnasium AHS. 1 in Maths and 1 in the majority of subjects (at least two other subjects). Overall grade of 1.5 or lower.
Belgium Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts, Certificat d'enseignement secondaire supérieur (CESS), or Diploma van secundair onderwijs. Overall 8.5 out of 10, with 9 in at least two relevant subjects, including Maths.
Bulgaria Diploma za Sredno Obrazvanie awarded with an overall Grade of 5.9, including a grade 6 in Maths and 6 in one additional relevant subject.
Canada  Relevant High School Diploma from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon. 90% Overall, with 90% Mathematics (G12), 90% in one other relevant subject (G12), and 85% in 3 other relevant subjects (G12). 
Caribbean  Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Six units, with at least two double-unit courses, including Maths, with Grade 1 (AAA) in both units. All units to be achieved with grade 1 overall and module grades of AAA.
Croatia Svjedodžba o Maturi/Matura from a Grammar School. Scores of 5 (Excellent) in Maths (Higher Level) and 5 in at least 2 other relevant subjects at Higher Level.
Cyprus Apolytirion of Lykieo from a Lycieum. 19 overall, with a 20 in Maths and 19 in one other relevant subject, as well as A* in Maths A level and A in one more relevant A level.
Czech Republic Maturita. Award of Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce with Výborný grade 1 in the majority of subjects (at least three), including 1 in Maths (Common).
Denmark Studentereksamen. 11 overall, with 12 in Maths, 12 in one other and 11 in one other relevant subjects. 
Estonia Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus and Riigieksamitunnistus. 91% Mathematics Extensive (State Exam), and 5 in all other relevant subjects, including Maths.
Finland Award of ylioppilastutkintotodistus / studentexamensbetyg (Matriculation examination). 4 subjects at grade 6 or 7, with at least four relevant subjects at grade 7, including Maths (advanced).
France Baccalaureate (usually Scientific Stream) or Option Internationale (OIB). 17 or higher overall, including 16 in Maths and 15 in one other relevant subject.
Germany Abitur. 1.3 or less overall, with 14 in Maths (Abiturprüfung) and 14 in one other relevant subject (Abiturprüfung).
Greece Apolytirion. 19 overall, with 20 in Maths and 19 in one other relevant subject, as well as A* in Maths A level and A in one more relevant A level. 
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). 5* in Maths, 5* in Calculus-Stats or Calculus-Algebra and 5 in two or three other relevant subjects.
Hungary Matura/ Érettségi from a gimnazium, including a 5 in Maths (HL) and 5 in two more relevant subjects (HL).
Iceland Studentspróf from a Gymnasium, with an overall score of 9 or better, and scores of 9 in Maths and 9 in one more relevant subject. 
India CISCE – ISC/CBSE-AISSE, with 92% overall with at least 95% in Maths and at least 95% and 90% in two additional core relevant subjects.
Iran Award of High School Diploma in a theoretical stream. 18.5+ overall, including a 19 in Maths. Top 15% Rank in the Konkoor.
Ireland Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC). Pre 2017 - A1A2A2A2A2A2, with A1 in Maths. Post 2017 – H1 in Maths, H1 in three other relevant subjects and H2 in two other relevant subjects.
Israel Bargut (Matriculation Certificate). 90% overall, including 95 in Maths (5-unit subject) and 95 and 90 in at least two other relevant 5-unit subjects.  
Italy Esame di Stato from a Liceo Scientifico (Scientific Stream School). 100 overall with 10 in Maths and 10 and 9 in at least 2 other relevant subjects.
Liechtenstein Matura. 6 in Maths and 6 in at least 4 other relevant subjects.
Luxembourg Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires, normally from stream B or C. 55/60 overall, including 55 or higher in Maths1 and Maths 2 and one other relevant subject.
Malaysia Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). AAA or AAAA, including Maths and other relevant subjects. Further Mathematics preferred additional subject choice, ICT Not Accepted.
Malta Matriculation Certificate Examination. AA at advanced level, including Maths and one other relevant subject and AAAA at intermediate level in relevant subjects.
Monaco Baccalaureat. Grades of 17/20 or better overall, with high scores in other relevant subjects, including 16 in Maths and 15 in at least one other relevant subject.
Montenegro Matura. Overall score of 5, including 5 in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Netherlands VWO (Voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs). 9 overall in a relevant stream, with scores of 9 in relevant subjects, including Maths.
New Zealand National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3. Excellent Overall (L3 NCEA) with Excellent in the majority of subjects, including Maths. 
Norway Vitnemål for videregående opplæring. Grade 5 overall with 6 in Maths and 6 in one other relevant subject, and 5 in all other relevant subjects.
Poland Matura. 9th stanine in Maths (advanced level) and 9th Stanine in the other relevant subjects at advanced level. 
Portugal Diploma Nível Secundário de Educação. 18 overall with 19 in Maths, 19 in one other relevant subject and 18 in other relevant subjects.
Romania Diploma de Baccalaureat. 9.6 overall, with 9.6 in Maths and one other relevant subject.
Serbia Matura/Secondary School Leaving Certificate. Overall score of 5, including 5 in Maths and 5 in at least one other relevant subject.
Singapore A level and SIPCAL: AAA in H2 subjects, including Maths. Polytechnic Diploma: 3.8 Overall with 3.8 in Maths and substantial Maths and Computing course content. National University of Singapore Diploma: 4.5 overall with 4.5 in Maths and substantial Maths and Computing course content. 
Slovakia Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške from a gymnázia. Výborný (1) in the majority of subjects, including Maths.
Slovenia Maturitetno Spricevalo from a grammar school. 5 in the majority of subjects, including Maths. 
Spain Bachillerato. Overall 9, with at least 9.5 in Maths, and 9 and 8.5 in two other relevant subjects. 
Sri Lanka Advanced Level AAA-AAAA, including Maths.
Sweden Swedish Avgångsbetyg/ Slutbetyg. A in the majority of subjects including Maths.
Switzerland Gymnasialer Maturitätsausweis, certificat de maturité gymnasiale and attestato di maturità liceale. 5.5 overall with 5.5 in Maths, and 5.5 and 5 in at least 2 other relevant subjects.
United States of America Advanced Placement. Minimum requirement is three subjects at grade 5, including Calculus BC (with a subscore of 5 in Calculus AB). Prefer five subjects at grade 5, including Calculus BC. 

A number of countries offer A-Levels or qualifications based on the UK A-Level. The qualifications below can be considered as being equivalent to A-Level standard and therefore meeting our entry requirements. Students would need to achieve the standard minimum A level entry requirements.

Bahamas Bahamas GCE A Level
Brunei Brunei-Cambridge A-Level
Macao Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/GCE A-Level
Maldives UCLES A Level                      
Mauritius Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/GCE A-Level
Namibia Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/GCE A-Level
Tanzania Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/East African Advanced Certificate of Education
Seychelles Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate
Swaziland Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate
Uganda Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/Advanced Certificate of Education
Zimbabwe  ZIMSEC/GCE A-Level

Insufficient International Qualifications

We do not accept the following qualifications:

CountryInsufficient Qualification
Afghanistan Baccalauria/Baccalaureate Certificate
Albania Certificate of Maturity/Secondary School Leaving Certificate
Algeria School leaving qualifications/Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement Secondaire
Angola Habilitação Literárias
Argentina School Leaving Qualifications (e.g. Titulo de Bachiller)
Armenia Mijnakarg Yndhanur Krtoutian Attestat (Certificate of completed Secondary Education)
Azerbaijan Secondary School Leaving Certificate
Bahrain Tawjahiya (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Bangladesh School leaving qualifications
Belarus Certificate of Secondary Education
Benin Baccalaureat
Bermuda School Certificate
Bhutan Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate/Indian School Certificate
Bolivia Bachiller 
Bosnia-Herzegovina Secondary School Leaving Diploma
Botswana Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination
Brazil Certificado de Ensino Medio or University entrance examination
Burkina Faso Baccalaureat/Diplome de Bachelier
Burundi Diplôme des Humanités Complètes
Cambodia Certificate of Upper Secondary Education
Cameroon Baccalaureat
Central African Republic (The) Baccalaureat
Chad Baccalaureat
Chile Licencia de Educación Media
China Senior Higher School Diploma, Chinese University Entrance Examination or ‘GaoKao’
Colombia Bachillerato
Congo Baccalaureat
Costa Rica Bachiller
Cuba Titulo de Bachiller
Cyprus Turkish-Cypriot School Leaving Qualifications: Devlet Lise Diplomasi (State High School Diploma) and Lise Bitirme Diplomasi (High School Finishing Diploma)  
D R Congo (The) Diplôme d'Etat d'Etudes Secondaires du Cycle Long
Djibouti Baccalaureat
Dominican Republic Bachillerato/Perito
Ecuador Bachillerato
Egypt The Thanaweya A’ama
El Salvador Bachiller/Bachillerato
Eritrea Eritrean Secondary Education Certificate Examination
Ethiopia School Leaving Certificate/Higher Education Entrance Examination
Fiji School Leaving Certificate/Form 7 examination
Gabon Baccalaureat
Gambia (The) West African Senior School Certificate Examination
Georgia Secondary School Leaving Certificate
Ghana West African Senior School Certificate Examination
Guatemala Bachillerato
Guinea Baccalaureat
Haiti Baccalaureat
Honduras Bachillerato
India Qualifications other than ISC-CISCE/CBSE-AISSE class XII
Indonesia Surat Tamat Sekolah Menengah Umum Tinglat Atas/STTB: SMA (Senior Secondary School Certificate of Completion)
Iraq  Certificate of Preparatory Education/Sixth Form Baccalaureate
Ivory Coast (The) Diplôme de Bachelier de l'Enseignement du Second Degré / Baccalauréat
Japan Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Jordan Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Kazakhstan Attest/Svidetel’stvo o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Kenya Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Kuwait Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a’ama (General Secondary School Certificate)
Kyrgyzstan Certificate of Completed Secondary Education
Latvia Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību
Lebanon Baccalaureat General
Lesotho School Leaving Certificate
Liberia Senior School Certificate
Libya Secondary Education Certificate
Lithuania Brandos Atestatas
Macedonia Matura
Madagascar Baccalaureat
Malawi Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE)
Malaysia Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM/Certificate of Education) or Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
Mali Baccalaureat
Mauritania Diplôme de Bachelier de I'Enseignement du Second Degré
Mexico Bachillerator General
Moldova Certificate of Secondary Education
Mongolia School Leaving Certificate (Gerchilgee)
Morocco Diplôme du Baccalauréat
Mozambique Certificado de Habilitações Literarias (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Myanmar School Leaving Certificate
Nepal Higher School Certificate
Nicaragua Bachillerato
Niger Baccalaureat
Nigeria West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE)
Oman Thanawiya Amma (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Pakistan Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSC)
Panama Bachillerato
Papua New Guinea Higher School Certificate
Paraguay Titulo de Bachillerato
Peru Certificado de Educación Secundaria Común Completa
Philippines High School Diploma
Puerto Rico High School Graduation Diploma
Qatar Thanawaya Aa’ma Qatari (Qatar General Secondary Education Certificate)
Russian Federation Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Rwanda Diplôme des Humanités Complètes
Samoa Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Saudi Arabia Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Senegal Diplôme de Bachelier de l'Enseignement du Second Degré / Baccalauréat
Sierra Leone West African Senior School Certificate
Solomon Islands (The) Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Somalia Secondary School Leaving Certificate
South Africa Senior Certificate/Matriculation Certificate
South Korea Il Banky e Kodung Hakkyo (General High School Diploma)
Sudan Sudan School Certificate
Surinam VWO Certificate
Syria Al Shahada Al Thanawiya (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate or the Senior High School Diploma
Tajikistan Certificate of Completed Secondary Education/ Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education
Thailand Mathayom Suksa 6 (M6)
Togo Baccalauréat
Tonga Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Tunisia Baccalauréat
Turkmenistan Certificate of Secondary Education/Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education
Turkey Devlet Lise Diplomasi (State High School Diploma)/ Lise Bitirme Diplomasi (Private High School Diploma)
UAE Tawjihiyya (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Ukraine Matura or Attestat
United States of America SAT Subject Tests/High School Diplomas
Uruguay Titulo de Bachillerato Diversificado
Uzbekistan Attestat o rednem obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Vanuatu Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Venezuela Titulo de Bachiller
Vietnam Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc (Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate)
Yemen Al Thanawiya (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Zambia Zambia School Certificate

How to apply

All applications for all our undergraduate Computing degrees are made through UCAS in the first instance. Note that we cannot accept direct applications from applicants. The college provides a complete description of how to go about applying through UCAS. You are advised to get your application in as early as possible before the 31 January UCAS deadline.

ONLINE ADMISSIONS TEST

Applicants demonstrating sufficient potential will be invited to complete an online admissions test, which will test their logical, reasoning and problem-solving skills. No prior preparation is required for the test. The test will include a practice session, and should not take more than 90 minutes.

The test must be taken on a computer with an internet connection.

Interviews

Candidates are invited to the department to attend an interview day based on the strength of their UCAS applications and their performance in the online admissions test. Applicants are not judged by academic ability alone, but upon a wider profile to assess their potential for success in an engineering degree. Interviews also give you the opportunity to raise questions about the courses or College life in general.

Candidates passing their interview will usually be made an offer within 4-5 weeks of the interview day. The interview day consists of:

  • a welcome presentation by the Admissions tutor and Director of Studies
  • a tour of the College and Department facilities
  • demonstrations of undergraduate projects
  • a one-to-one academic interview with one of our lecturers

Interview days:

08 November 2023

22 November 2023

29 November 2023

06 December 2023

24 January 2024

07 February 2024

21 February 2024

28 February 2024

Qualification Advice

A-level Selection

Many applicants ask us what A-levels we would recommend. In an effort to provide helpful advice, we have developed the following suggestions:

 
Category 1:
Compulsory A-levels
Category 2:
Highly-Recommended A-levels
Category 3:
Very useful A-levels*
 Maths

Computer Science

Further Mathematics

Physics

Ancient Language
Biology
Chemistry
Economics
Electronics
English Literature
History
Law
Modern Languages
Philosophy
Politics 
Psychology
Summary of the table's contents

We strongly encourage applicants to take Further Maths at A2 level. If your school offers Further Maths, we expect you to take it. If your school does not offer you the chance to take Further Maths, please make sure this is stated in your school reference. We will take this into account and will still welcome your application.

Some candidates choose to take Further Maths independently through a local Further Maths Network Centre. We also accept AEA or STEP Maths qualifications in place of Further Maths and may include these in your offer. If your school does not offer you Further Maths, our preferred A-level is a science subject, such as Physics or Computer Science.

*We do not accept ICT, Business Studies, General Studies and Critical Thinking.

We should emphasise that, with the exception of the required A-level Maths and the A-levels we do not accept, Category 2 and 3 are only a set of suggestions. If your A-level selection does not match this exact pattern, you should not worry unduly.

We do understand that some schools do not offer Computing for students wishing to study the subject for A-level. We will not hold this against an applicant as we do not require Computing as an A-level subject for any applicant, so if you would prefer to take another subject, then this would be fine.

For students looking for a good grounding in the principles of Computing pre A-level, we do recommend the new OCR GCSE in Computing. Again, however, this is not a requirement for admission to any of our degrees.

Relevant Subjects Selection

Many applicants ask us what relevant subjects we would recommend, for example at higher level for the IB. Below are our suggestions:

  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Biology

Computing Experience?

Each year, a large number of our incoming students have no prior programming experience.

If you are in this category and are thinking of applying to our courses but are worried that a lack of computing experience will leave you at a disadvantage, don't be: we teach a variety of programming languages from scratch in the first and second year, so this is not a problem. You do not need to have taken A-level Computer Science for our degrees.

We look for people who are good at Maths and are excited by computing and its many applications and are or have the potential to be great problem-solvers, lateral-thinkers or systematic thinkers. We welcome people with a wide variety of A-level subjects for our courses.

STEP Qualifications

All applicants (particularly those not taking an A-level in Further Maths) are encouraged, and may be asked, to take a STEP exam in Maths. These can often be sat at your local examination centre. Please note that regardless of whether an applicant is planning to take a STEP exam in maths or not, one or more may form part of a conditional offer that we make to an applicant.

STEP

The STEP Maths exam consists of 2 papers. Extra tuition is advisable; the style of question is markedly different to that of A-level. For applications to Computing courses, where requested, we will usually ask for a Grade 2 in STEP II.

International Programme of Study

Applicants for admission to the G402, MEng Computing in International Programme of Study, should normally hold a GCSE in a foreign language at grade B or above, or otherwise be able to demonstrate linguistic competence.

BEng/MEng Joint Mathematics and Computer Science

The Mathematics and Computer Science (JMC) courses are offered jointly by the Department of Computing and the Department of Mathematics.

The MEng courses are of four year duration and lead to the MEng Honours degree of Imperial College and the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI).

The BEng course is of three year duration and leads to the BEng Honours degree of Imperial College and the Associateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute (ACGI).

JMC accordion widget

Competence standards

All undergraduate and postgraduate students will be expected to meet the basic academic competency standards as laid down by the admission criteria of their degree programme in the Department of Computing.

The following highlights the key supplementary competences expected of students studying in the Department of Computing:

  • The ability to work as part of a group/team, for the purposes of research, collective problem solving and communication of results/findings.
  • The ability to present key facts, ideas, problem solutions, results etc. both verbally and in written form.
  • The ability to work independently.
  • The ability to use computer systems and appropriate software packages as an aid to research, analysis, problem solving and presentation.
  • The ability to exercise self-learning.
  • The ability to use acquired theoretical and practical knowledge to tackle unseen problems.
  • Knowledge of the general principles and practices of professional codes of conduct.

Students seeking admission to Faculty of Engineering degrees should are also advised to consult the Engineering Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) which identifies key competences for the various levels of the Council’s registrants.

This document provides insight into the expectations of the Engineering Council for practising professionals, post-graduation. 

JMC Programme Structure

The Departments of Mathematics and Computing of Imperial College offer a three-year and a four-year joint degree course.

  1. BEng Mathematics and Computer Science (3 year)
  2. MEng Mathematics and Computer Science (4 year)

All courses lead to the Associate of the City and Guilds Institute (ACGI).

These programmes, offered jointly by the two departments, are designed as mathematical courses oriented towards computing science and are suited to mathematically able students with interests in both subjects. The programmes give a firm foundation in Mathematics, in particular Pure Mathematics, Numerical Analysis and Statistics, and cover all the essentials of Computer Science, with an emphasis on developing software and reasoning formally about it, as well as more theoretical topics. The teaching is divided approximately equally between the two Departments.

Students take set courses from each Department in each of the first two years, with some options available in the second year. In each of the third and fourth year students select a total of eight courses from either department to support their particular interests and areas of specialisation. Students are able to switch between JMC degree courses at any stage during the first year. Note that progress on the 4 year MEng degrees require that the student maintains a sufficient performance (2:1 level) throughout the first two years of the degree. As with other MEng degrees in Computing, students may be required to transfer to the 3 year BEng degree if they do not meet this level.

With the spread of computing procedures and mathematical ideas into many areas, there is high demand for professionals who are expert in both computing and mathematics. Graduates in these courses are also well qualified for careers that normally require graduates from one or other of the two disciplines.

JMC Courses

UCASCoursesLength
GG14 Mathematics and Computer Science (BEng) 3 years
GG41 Mathematics and Computer Science (MEng) 4 years

 

List of courses and regulations

Entry Requirements

Please note that we consider all aspects of each application, including academic record, predicted grades/marks, and evidence of motivation for Joint Maths and Computing. Competition for the limited number of places on our courses is intense and regrettably, we have to turn down many excellent candidates. Even if your application is very strong, you may unfortunately not receive an offer.

Our offers are individually tailored, and aim at helping our future students to be fully prepared for the challenges ahead, should they join our courses. Our advertised grades are "minimum", and our offers may be more demanding and include further qualifications: please see Qualification Advice for Joint Maths and Computer Science (next tab). We may also consider any applicant marginally below our standard offer (e.g. with a prediction of A in A-level Maths rather than A*).

Imperial has an English language requirement which equates to a Grade 6 in English Language GCSE or an IELTS score of 6.5. Note that, even if students have studied English as part of their qualification, this may not satisfy the College requirement and an IELTS test or equivalent may still be required.

Standard UK Qualifications

A-levels

Our typical A-level offer is A*A*A or A*A*AA including A*s in Maths and Further Maths. Typical offers also require STEP II/III.

For further recommendations on A-levels, see the tab on Qualification Advice for Joint Maths and Computing.

We also accept the Edexcel International A-levels.

International Baccalaureate

Our typical IB offer is 42 points overall with a 7 in Maths at higher level and a 7 in one further relevant subject at higher level. Typical offers also require STEP II/III.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma and Pre-U Subjects

Our minimum requirement is distinction in three principal subjects, including D2 in Mathematics and D2 in Further Mathematics. Typical offers also require STEP II/III.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Our standard minimum Scottish Advanced Higher offer is: A1A1A or A1A1AA with an A1 in Maths and A1 in Maths of Mechanics. Typical offers also require STEP II/III.

Foundation Courses

We only accept students from the two high-quality UK foundation courses described below. These are specialised courses for overseas students whose home qualifications are not usually accepted for study at UK universities.

UCL UPCSE

The University Preparatory Certificate for Science and Engineering is a high quality foundation programme. Our standard minimum requirement is 80% or above overall, with 80% in Maths and 80% in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Warwick IFP Science and Engineering

The Warwick IFP is another high quality foundation programme we accept.Our standard minimum requirement is 80% or above overall, with 80% in Maths and 80% in one other relevant subject.

To meet these requirements, students should choose from the following IFP pathways:

  • Life Sciences 
  • Computer Science 
  • Mathematics & Statistics 
  • Economics 
  • Physical Sciences 
  • Engineering 

Insufficient UK Qualifications

We do not accept the Welsh Baccalaureate and BTEC.

Standard International Qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world. Below is the list of qualifications we typically accept, with standard minimum requirements, followed by the list of qualifications we do not accept. If you have a query about a particular qualification not included in these lists, please contact the Admissions Tutor, providing details on the qualification (subjects, grades etc.).

CountryQualification Requirements
  European Baccalaureate. 85% overall, including 9 in Maths and 9 in one other relevant subject.
Australia 

ATAR 98.5

ACT / WACE - AAA Mathematics and two other relevant subjects         

NSW HSC - 45 Mathematics and one other relevant subject / 42 in one other relevant subject

NT HSC / SACE / VCE - A+A+ Mathematics and one other relevant subject / A in one other relevant subject

TCE - EA Mathematics / HA, HA in two other relevant subjects    

QCE - VHA Mathematics /  HA, HA in two other relevant subjects.

Austria Award of the Matura / Reifeprüfung studied at a Gymnasium AHS or preferably a Realgymnasium AHS. 1 in Maths and 1 in the majority of subjects (at least two other subjects). Overall grade of 1.5 or lower.
Belgium Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts, Certificat d'enseignement secondaire supérieur (CESS), or Diploma van secundair onderwijs. Overall 8.5 out of 10, with 9 in at least two relevant subjects, including Maths.
Bulgaria Diploma za Sredno Obrazvanie awarded with an overall Grade of 5.9, including a grade 6 in Maths and 6 in one additional relevant subject.
Canada 

Relevant High School Diploma from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon.

90% Overall with 90% Mathematics (G12), 90% in one other relevant subject (G12), 85% in 3 other relevant subjects (G12).

Caribbean  Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Six units, with at least two double-unit courses, including Maths, with Grade 1 (AAA) in both units. All units to be achieved with grade 1 overall and module grades of AAA.
Croatia Svjedodžba o Maturi/Matura from a Grammar School. Scores of 5 (Excellent) in Maths (Higher Level) and 5 in at least 2 other relevant subjects at Higher Level.
Cyprus Apolytirion of Lykieo from a Lycieum. 19 overall, with a 20 in Maths and 20 in one other relevant subject, as well as A* in Maths A level and A* in Further Maths A level.
Czech Republic Maturita. Award of Vysvědčení o maturitní zkoušce with Výborný grade 1 in the majority of subjects, including 1 in Maths (Common).
Denmark Studentereksamen. 11 overall, with 12 in Maths and 12 in at least one more relevant subject, and 11 in one relevant subject. 
Estonia Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus and Riigieksamitunnistus. 91% Mathematics Extensive (State Exam), and 5 in all other relevant subjects, including Maths.
Finland Ylioppilastutkinto / Studentexamen (Matriculation examination). 4 subjects at grade 7 including Maths (advanced) 
France Baccalaureate (usually Scientific Stream) or Option Internationale (OIB). 17 or higher overall, including 16 in Maths and 15 in one other relevant subject.
Germany Abitur. 1.2 or less overall, with 14 in Maths (Abiturprüfung) and 14 in one other relevant subject (Abiturprüfung).
Greece Apolytirion. 19 overall, with 20 in Maths and one other relevant subject, as well as A* in Maths A level and A* in Further Maths A level.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). 5* in Maths, 5* in Calc-Stats or Calc-Algebra and 5 in two or three other relevant subjects.
Hungary Matura/ Érettségi from a gimnazium, including a 5 in Maths (HL) and 5 in two more relevant subjects (HL).
Iceland Studentspróf from a Gymnasium, with an overall score of 9 or better, and scores of 9 in Maths and 9 in one more relevant subject. 
India CISCE – ISC/CBSE-AISSE, with 92% overall with at least 95% in Maths and one more core relevant subject, and at least 90% in one additional core relevant subject. Rank on common merit list from JEE performance or STEP required.
Iran Award of High School Diploma in a theoretical stream. 18.5 overall, including a 19 in Maths. Top 15% Rank in the Konkoor.
Ireland Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC). Pre 2017 - A1A2A2A2A2A2, with A1 in Maths. Post 2017 – H1 in Maths, H1 in three other relevant subjects and H2 in two other subjects.
Israel Bargut (Matriculation Certificate). 90% overall, including 95 in Maths (5-unit subject), 95 in one more relevant 5-unit subject, and 90 in at least one other relevant 5-unit subject.  
Italy Esame di Stato from a Liceo Scientifico (Scientific Stream School). 100 overall with 10 in Maths and one more relevant subject, and 9 in at least one relevant subject.
Liechtenstein Matura. 6 in Maths and 6 in at least 4 other relevant subjects.
Luxembourg Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires, normally from stream B or C. 55/60 overall, including 55 or higher in Maths 1 and Maths 2 and one other relevant subject.
Malaysia Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). AAA or AAAA, including Maths, Further Maths and other relevant subjects. ICT and Business Studies Not Accepted.
Malta Matriculation Certificate Examination. AA at advanced level, including Maths and one other relevant subject and AAAA at intermediate level in relevant subjects.
Monaco Baccalaureat (Scientific stream preferred). Overall grade of 17 or higher, with 16 in Maths and 15 in at least one other relevant subject.
Montenegro Matura. Overall score of 5, including 5 in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Netherlands VWO (Voorbereidend wetenschappelijk onderwijs). 9 overall in a relevant stream, with scores of 9 in relevant subjects, including Maths.
New Zealand National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3. Excellent Overall (L3 NCEA) with Excellent in the majority of subjects, including Maths. 
Norway Vitnemål for videregående opplæring. Grade 5 overall with 6 in Maths and one other relevant subject, and 5 in all other relevant subjects.
Poland Matura. 9th stanine in Maths (advanced level) and 9th Stanine in the other relevant subjects at advanced level. 
Portugal Diploma Nível Secundário de Educação. 18 overall with 19 in Maths and one other relevant subject, and 18 in other relevant subjects.
Romania Diploma de Baccalaureat. 9.6 overall, with 9.8 in Maths and one other relevant subject.
Serbia Matura/Secondary School Leaving Certificate. Overall score of 5, including 5 in Maths and 5 in at least one other relevant subject.
Singapore A level and SIPCAL: AAA in H2 subjects, including Maths. Polytechnic Diploma: 3.8 Overall with 3.8 in Maths and substantial Maths and Computing course content. National University of Singapore Diploma: 4.5 overall with 4.5 in Maths and substantial Maths and Computing course content. 
Slovakia Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške from a gymnázia. Výborný (1) in the majority of subjects, including Maths.
Slovenia Maturitetno Spricevalo from a grammar school. 5 in the majority of subjects, including Maths. 
Spain Bachillerato. Overall 9, with at least 9.5 in Maths, 9 in one relevant subject and 8.5 in one relevant subject. 
Sri Lanka Advanced Level AAA-AAAA, including Maths and Further Maths. 
Sweden Swedish Avgångsbetyg/ Slutbetyg. A in the majority of subjects including Maths.
Switzerland Gymnasialer Maturitätsausweis, certificat de maturité gymnasiale and attestato di maturità liceale. 5.5 overall with 5.5 in Maths and one other relevant subject, and 5 in at least one other relevant subject.
United States of America Advanced Placement. Minimum requirement is three subjects at grade 5, including Calculus BC (with a subscore of 5 in Calculus AB). Prefer five subjects at grade 5, including Calculus BC. 

A number of countries offer A-Levels or qualifications based on the UK A-Level. The qualifications below can be considered as being equivalent to A-Level standard and therefore meeting our entry requirements. Students would need to achieve the standard minimum A-level entry requirements.

Bahamas Bahamas GCE A Level
Brunei Brunei-Cambridge A-Level
Macao Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/GCE A-Level
Maldives UCLES A Level                      
Mauritius Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/GCE A-Level
Namibia Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/GCE A-Level
Tanzania Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/East African Advanced Certificate of Education
Seychelles Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate
Swaziland Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate
Uganda Cambridge Overseas Higher School Certificate/Advanced Certificate of Education
Zimbabwe  ZIMSEC/GCE A-Level

Insufficient International Qualifications

We do not accept the following qualifications:

CountryInsufficient Qualification
Afghanistan Baccalauria/Baccalaureate Certificate
Albania Certificate of Maturity/Secondary School Leaving Certificate
Algeria School leaving qualifications/Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement Secondaire
Angola Habilitação Literárias
Argentina School Leaving Qualifications (e.g. Titulo de Bachiller)
Armenia Mijnakarg Yndhanur Krtoutian Attestat (Certificate of completed Secondary Education)
Azerbaijan Secondary School Leaving Certificate
Bahrain Tawjahiya (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Bangladesh School leaving qualifications
Belarus Certificate of Secondary Education
Benin Baccalaureat
Bermuda School Certificate
Bhutan Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate/Indian School Certificate
Bolivia Bachiller 
Bosnia-Herzegovina Secondary School Leaving Diploma
Botswana Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education Examination
Brazil Certificado de Ensino Medio or University entrance examination
Burkina Faso Baccalaureat/Diplome de Bachelier
Burundi Diplôme des Humanités Complètes
Cambodia Certificate of Upper Secondary Education
Cameroon Baccalaureat
Central African Republic (The) Baccalaureat
Chad Baccalaureat
Chile Licencia de Educación Media
China Senior Higher School Diploma, Chinese University Entrance Examination or ‘GaoKao’
Colombia Bachillerato
Congo Baccalaureat
Costa Rica Bachiller
Cuba Titulo de Bachiller
Cyprus Turkish-Cypriot School Leaving Qualifications: Devlet Lise Diplomasi (State High School Diploma) and Lise Bitirme Diplomasi (High School Finishing Diploma)  
D R Congo (The) Diplôme d'Etat d'Etudes Secondaires du Cycle Long
Djibouti Baccalaureat
Dominican Republic Bachillerato/Perito
Ecuador Bachillerato
Egypt The Thanaweya A’ama
El Salvador Bachiller/Bachillerato
Eritrea Eritrean Secondary Education Certificate Examination
Ethiopia School Leaving Certificate/Higher Education Entrance Examination
Fiji School Leaving Certificate/Form 7 examination
Gabon Baccalaureat
Gambia (The) West African Senior School Certificate Examination
Georgia Secondary School Leaving Certificate
Ghana West African Senior School Certificate Examination
Guatemala Bachillerato
Guinea Baccalaureat
Haiti Baccalaureat
Honduras Bachillerato
India Qualifications other than ISC-CISCE/CBSE-AISSE class XII
Indonesia Surat Tamat Sekolah Menengah Umum Tinglat Atas/STTB: SMA (Senior Secondary School Certificate of Completion)
Iraq  Certificate of Preparatory Education/Sixth Form Baccalaureate
Ivory Coast (The) Diplôme de Bachelier de l'Enseignement du Second Degré / Baccalauréat
Japan Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Jordan Tawjihi (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Kazakhstan Attest/Svidetel’stvo o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Kenya Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Kuwait Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a’ama (General Secondary School Certificate)
Kyrgyzstan Certificate of Completed Secondary Education
Latvia Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību
Lebanon Baccalaureat General
Lesotho School Leaving Certificate
Liberia Senior School Certificate
Libya Secondary Education Certificate
Lithuania Brandos Atestatas
Macedonia Matura
Madagascar Baccalaureat
Malawi Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE)
Malaysia Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM/Certificate of Education) or Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
Mali Baccalaureat
Mauritania Diplôme de Bachelier de I'Enseignement du Second Degré
Mexico Bachillerator General
Moldova Certificate of Secondary Education
Mongolia School Leaving Certificate (Gerchilgee)
Morocco Diplôme du Baccalauréat
Mozambique Certificado de Habilitações Literarias (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Myanmar School Leaving Certificate
Nepal Higher School Certificate
Nicaragua Bachillerato
Niger Baccalaureat
Nigeria West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE)
Oman Thanawiya Amma (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Pakistan Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSC)
Panama Bachillerato
Papua New Guinea Higher School Certificate
Paraguay Titulo de Bachillerato
Peru Certificado de Educación Secundaria Común Completa
Philippines High School Diploma
Puerto Rico High School Graduation Diploma
Qatar Thanawaya Aa’ma Qatari (Qatar General Secondary Education Certificate)
Russian Federation Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Rwanda Diplôme des Humanités Complètes
Samoa Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Saudi Arabia Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Senegal Diplôme de Bachelier de l'Enseignement du Second Degré / Baccalauréat
Sierra Leone West African Senior School Certificate
Solomon Islands (The) Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Somalia Secondary School Leaving Certificate
South Africa Senior Certificate/Matriculation Certificate
South Korea Il Banky e Kodung Hakkyo (General High School Diploma)
Sudan Sudan School Certificate
Surinam VWO Certificate
Syria Al Shahada Al Thanawiya (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate or the Senior High School Diploma
Tajikistan Certificate of Completed Secondary Education/ Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education
Thailand Mathayom Suksa 6 (M6)
Togo Baccalauréat
Tonga Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Tunisia Baccalauréat
Turkmenistan Certificate of Secondary Education/Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education
Turkey Devlet Lise Diplomasi (State High School Diploma)/ Lise Bitirme Diplomasi (Private High School Diploma)
UAE Tawjihiyya (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Ukraine Matura or Attestat
United States of America SAT Subject Tests/High School Diplomas
Uruguay Titulo de Bachillerato Diversificado
Uzbekistan Attestat o rednem obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Vanuatu Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate
Venezuela Titulo de Bachiller
Vietnam Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc (Upper Secondary School Graduation Certificate)
Yemen Al Thanawiya (General Secondary Education Certificate)
Zambia Zambia School Certificate

How to Apply

Applying

All applications for all our undergraduate Joint Maths Computing (JMC) degrees are made through UCAS in the first instance. Note that we cannot accept direct applications from applicants. The college provides a complete description of how to go about applying through UCAS.  You are advised to get your application in as early as possible before the 31 January UCAS deadline.

  1. BEng Mathematics and Computer Science (GG14)
  2. MEng Mathematics and Computer Science (GG41)

ONLINE ADMISSIONS TEST

Applicants demonstrating sufficient potential will be invited to complete an online admissions test, which will test their logical, reasoning and problem-solving skills. No prior preparation is required for the test. The test will include a practice session, and should not take more than 90 minutes.

The test must be taken on a computer with an internet connection.

Interviews

JMC is a specialised course combining modules from Computing and Mathematics degrees. We expect applicants to have a strong mathematical background. Candidates are invited to the department to attend an interview day based on the strength of their UCAS applications and their performance in the online admissions test. Applicants are not judged by academic ability alone, but upon a wider profile to assess their potential for success in an engineering degree. Interviews also give you the opportunity to raise questions about the courses or College life in general.

Candidates passing their interview will usually be made an offer within 4-5 weeks of the interview day. The interview day consists of:

  • a welcome presentation by the Admissions tutor and Director of Studies
  • a tour of the College and Department facilities
  • demonstrations of undergraduate projects
  • a one-to-one academic interview with one of our lecturers

Interview days:

08 November 2023

22 November 2023

29 November 2023

06 December 2023

24 January 2024

07 February 2024

21 February 2024

28 February 2024

Qualification Advice

A-level Selection

Many applicants ask us what A-levels we would recommend. In an effort to provide helpful advice, we have developed the following suggestions.

Category 1:
Compulsory A-levels
Category 2:
Highly recommended A-levels
Category 3:
Useful A-levels**
Maths
Further Maths*

Physics

Computer Science

Ancient Language
Biology
Chemistry
Economics
Electronics
English Literature
History
Law
Modern Languages
Philosophy
Politics 
Psychology

*If you are not able to take A-level Further Maths to A2, you should take the STEP III Maths qualification instead of the Further Maths A-level. Some candidates choose to take Further Maths independently through a local Further Maths Network Centre.

**We do not accept ICT, Business Studies, General Studies and Critical Thinking.

We should emphasise that, with the exception of the required A-level Maths, A-level Further Maths and the A-levels we do not accept, Category 2 and 3 are only a set of suggestions. If your A-level selection does not match this exact pattern, you should not worry unduly.

We do understand that some schools do not offer Computing for students wishing to study the subject for A-level. We will not hold this against an applicant as we do not require Computing as an A-level subject for any applicant so if you would prefer to take another subject, then this is fine.

For students looking for a good grounding in the principles of Computing pre A-level, we do recommend the new OCR GCSE in Computing. Again, however, this is not a requirement for admission to any of our degrees.

Relevant Subjects Selection

Many applicants ask us what relevant subjects we would recommend, for example at higher level for the IB. Below are our suggestions:

  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Chemistry
  • Economics
  • Biology

Computing Experience?

Each year, a large number of our incoming students have no prior programming experience.

If you are in this category and are thinking of applying to our courses but are worried that a lack of computing experience will leave you at a disadvantage, don't be: we teach a variety of programming languages from scratch in the first and second year, so this is not a problem. You do not need to have taken A-level Computer Science for our degrees.

We look for people who are good at Maths and are excited by computing and its many applications and are or have the potential to be great problem-solvers, lateral-thinkers or systematic thinkers. We welcome people with a wide variety of A-level subjects for our courses.

STEP Qualifications

All applicants are encouraged, if possible, and may be asked, to take a STEP exam in Maths. These can often be sat at your local examination centre. Please note that regardless of whether an applicant is planning to take a STEP exam in maths or not, one or more may form part of a conditional offer that we make to an applicant.

STEP

The STEP Maths exam consists of 2 papers. Extra tuition is advisable; the style of question is markedly different to that of A-level. For applications to Joint Maths and Computing courses, where requested, we will usually ask for a Grade 2 in STEP II and/or Grade 2 in STEP III.