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Computing (Visual Computing and Robotics)
Focus on the implementation and evaluation of systems that depend on computer vision or computer generated imagery.
Focus on technologies and algorithms related to computer vision and computer generated images
Learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be adapted to build the next generation of computing applications
Use sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems as you develop your technical expertise
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MEng
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Duration
4 years
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Start date
October 2023
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UCAS course code
GG47
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£9,250 Home
£37,900 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Applications: places
18 : 1 (2021)
Minimum entry standard 2023
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A*A*A – A*AAA (A-level)
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41 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Computing is a creative and wide-ranging subject that focuses on using sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems that really work.
This course has a strong technical emphasis, and allows you to focus on various technologies and algorithms for arts-related applications. such as computer games, visual effects and computer-generated art.
In this course, you will learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be used and adapted to build the next generation of reliable and secure computing applications.
The core of this programme has been designed to give you an overview of computing, an understanding of the basic concepts and principles, the ability to appreciate and adapt to changes in technology, and practical experience in applied computing.
A special emphasis of your studies will be on the fundamental principles underlying computing and on the engineering considerations involved in computing system design, implementation and usage. You will be introduced to computing architecture and hardware, and the software used to exploit them.
It will also equip you with a strong background in discrete mathematics (logic, sets, relations and grammar), classical mathematics and statistics relevant to applications engineering and management.
You'll attend laboratory and problem-solving classes, as well as completing project and design work. As the course progresses, you will study advanced techniques and modules – many of which draw on current research taking place in the Department.
At the end of your third year, you will gain valuable skills and experience by completing an industrial placement. Your study reaches Master's level in the final year, with a wide choice of optional modules and a substantial individual project on a subject of your choice.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
In your first year, you will study the following core modules.
Core modules
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Introduction to Databases
- Introduction to Computer Architecture
- Computing Practical 1
- Discrete Mathematics, Logic and Reasoning
- Graphs and Algorithms
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
In your second year, you will study all core modules.
You will also select one optional module.
Core modules
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Software Engineering Design
- Models of Computation
- Operating Systems
- Networks and Communications
- Compilers
- Probability and Statistics
- Computing Practical 2
- Computing Group Project
Optional modules
- Symbolic Reasoning
- Computational Techniques
In your third year, you will study the following core modules.
You will also select six optional modules. A minimum of two modules must be chosen from Group A.
Core modules
- Software Engineering Group Projects
- Industrial Placement (First Part)
- I-Explore
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department. You will be taught alongside students from other courses, with options including business, management and many more.
The Industrial Placement does not contribute to your final degree classification.
Optional modules – Group A
- Computer Vision
- Robotics
- Graphics
- Introduction to Machine Learning
Optional modules – Group B
- Network and Web Security
- Logic-Based Learning
- The Theory and Practice of Concurrent Programming
- Custom Computing
- Data Processing Systems
- Communicating Computer Science in Schools
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Simulation and Modelling
- System Performance Engineering
- Operations Research
- Distributed Algorithms
- Type Systems for Programming Languages
- Technical option from outside the Department of Computing
Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.
In your fourth year, you will study the following core modules.
You will also select a total of seven optional modules.
A minimum of two modules must be chosen from Group A and a maximum of two modules may be chosen from Group C.
Core modules
- Individual Project
- Industrial Placement (Second Part)
Optional modules – Group A
- Mathematics for Machine Learning
- Advanced Computer Graphics
- Deep Learning
- Reinforcement Learning
- Robot Learning
Optional modules – Group B
- Advanced Computer Security
- Scalable Software Verification
- Scalable Systems and Data
- Privacy Engineering
- Cryptography Engineering
- Computational Finance
- Complexity
- Software Reliability
- Principles of Distributed Ledgers
- Program Analysis
- Software Engineering for Industry
- Computational Optimisation
- Machine Learning for Imaging
- Quantum Computing
- Natural Language Processing
- Probabilistic Inference
- Knowledge Representation
- Modal Logic for Strategic Reasoning in AI
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Custom Computing
- Decentralised Finance
- Scheduling and Resource Allocation
Optional modules – Group C
- Communicating Computer Science in Schools
- Elective(s) from outside the Department of Computing
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
Key
- Lectures and tutorials
- Laboratory sessions
- Independent study
Years 1 and 2
- 20% Lectures and tutorials
- 5% Laboratory sessions
- 75% Independent study
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Laboratory-based teaching
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In-class problem solving
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Personal supervision of project work
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Practical
Year 1
- 10% Coursework
- 84% Examinations
- 6% Practical
Year 2
- 10% Coursework
- 57% Examinations
- 33% Practical
Year 3
- 8% Coursework
- 42% Examinations
- 50% Practical
Year 4
- 9% Coursework
- 50% Examinations
- 41% Practical
Assessment methods
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Programming exercises
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Computer-based programming tests
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Written coursework
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Computer-based coursework
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Examinations
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Software demonstrations
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Group work
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Written reports
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Research summaries
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Oral presentations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can track your application via the UCAS hub.
Applications for 2023 entry are closed
Application deadlines — 25 January 2023 at 18:00 (UK time)
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
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.
If your online test performance is sufficient, this will be considered in conjunction with your UCAS application form. Your test score performance in combination with a full assessment of your application form will then inform the decisions of those invited to join us for a series of activities. This enables us to get an impression of your motivation, your suitability for the course and your potential for success in an engineering career. Equally importantly, it gives you a chance to find out more about the courses and about Imperial in general.
Online activities may include:
- a welcome presentation from the Admissions Tutor
- a tour of the facilities at the Department and College
- demonstrations of undergraduate projects
- a 1-1 interview with one of our lecturers
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Due to the shared core content in the first two years of all Computing degrees, it is usually possible to transfer to a different Computing course within the Department until the beginning of the third year.
Transfers from Computing to Joint Mathematics and Computing courses are normally not possible and are dealt with on a case by case basis.
If you wish to progress onto one of the MEng programmes in Year 3, you must achieve an overall average of 60% in your second year.
Transfer between the BEng in Mathematics and Computer Science and MEng in Mathematics and Computer Science is possible until the end of Year 2 subject to meeting certain minimum results criteria.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France and Germany, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally only students who are on track for at least a 2:1 will be eligible for placements in France and Germany. Only students on track to achieve a 1st will be eligible for placements in the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2023 entry
£9,250 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Overseas fee
2023 entry
£37,900 per year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the College, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Your future career
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Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in industry and academia.
With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.
Management consultancy, corporations, computer gaming and special effects are just some of your options.
Other potential career paths could include banking and finance.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 8267
- Email: doc-ugadmissions@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Computing website
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications