Computing (International Programme of Study) MEng

Computing (International Programme of Study)
  • Undergraduate
  • MEng

Computing (International Programme of Study)

Enrich your computing degree with the chance to study abroad in this integrated Master’s course.

Enrich your computing degree with the chance to study abroad

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

  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    G402

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 per year Home

    • £43,300 per year Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    17 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*A*A – A*AAA (A-level)

  • 41 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

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 gives you the opportunity to spend your fourth year studying abroad at a leading European university, or the first two terms of your third year at the University of California.

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 computing applications.

The core of this programme has been designed to give you an overview of computing. This includes an understanding of basic concepts and principles, the ability to appreciate and to 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.

This course will also equip you with a strong background in discrete mathematics (logic, sets, relations and grammars), classical mathematics and statistics relevant to applications engineering and management.

Throughout the programme, you will 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.

You also have the chance to complete an integrated year abroad in your final year at one of our partner universities where you can challenge yourself in a different academic and cultural environment.

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.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

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 nine core modules.

You will also select one module from the list of optional modules.

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

If you choose to take your third year abroad, you have the opportunity to study at the University of California.

Other universities are available if you take your fourth year abroad.

This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.

First two terms abroad (University of California)

If you spend the first two terms of your third year abroad at the University of California, your third term at Imperial will consist of the following core module. 

  • Industrial Placement (First Part)

All of your other modules for this year will be taken at the University of California.

Full third year at Imperial

If you spend your third year studying at Imperial, you will complete three core modules.

You will also select six optional modules.

Core modules

  • 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

  • The Theory and Practice of Concurrent Programming
  • Computer Vision
  • Graphics
  • Custom Computing
  • Communicating Computer Science in Schools
  • Network and Web Security
  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Robotics
  • System Performance Engineering
  • Operations Research
  • Distributed Algorithms
  • Type Systems for Programming Languages
  • Data Processing Systems
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Technical Option (outside Department of Computing)
  • Software Engineering Group Projects
  • Networked Systems

Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.

If you choose to take your fourth year abroad, you have the opportunity to study at one of our other partner universities. We currently have exchange agreements with:

  • UPM Madrid, Spain
  • EPFH Lausanne, Switzerland
  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland
  • MIT, USA

This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.

First two terms abroad

If you spend the first two terms of your third year abroad, your third term at Imperial will consist of the following core module. 

  • Industrial Placement (Second Part)

Your modules and study programme abroad in the first two terms will vary by institution.

Full fourth year at Imperial

If you studied at the University of California in your third year, you will study at Imperial for your fourth year.

You will complete three core modules and seven optional modules in total. A maximum of two optional modules can be from Group B.

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

  • Scalable Software Verification
  • Scalable Systems and Data
  • Privacy Engineering
  • Cryptography Engineering
  • Advanced Computer Graphics
  • Computational Finance
  • Complexity
  • Software Reliability
  • Advanced Computer Security
  • Deep Learning
  • Machine Learning for Imaging
  • Principles of Distributed Ledgers
  • Program Analysis
  • Quantum Computing
  • Software Engineering for Industry
  • Computational Optimisation
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Mathematics for Machine Learning
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Modal Logic for Strategic Reasoning in AI
  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Custom Computing
  • Robot Learning
  • Scheduling and Resource Allocation

Optional modules – Group B

  • Communicating Computer Science in Schools
  • Technical Option (outside Department of Computing)

Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.

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

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Laboratory-based teaching
  • Person participating in classroom discussion.
    In-class problem solving
  • 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

  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming exercises
  • Computer-based programming tests
  • Person completing coursework
    Written coursework
  • Computer-based coursework
  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Software demonstrations
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Papers from a written report
    Written reports
  • Research summaries
  • 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 now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.

Submit your application via UCAS | G402

UCAS institution code: I50

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£9,250 per year

Year abroad

2025 entry

£1,385 for that year

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£43,300 per year

Year abroad

2025 entry

100% of the fee for that year

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*

  • 96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*
  • 4%

90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*

  • 90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
  • 10%

*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024

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Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in industry and academia.

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With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

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Management consultancy, corporations, computer gaming and special effects are just some of your options.

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Other potential career paths could include banking and finance.

Course data

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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.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications