International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

The International Foundation Programme for Computer Science comprises four compulsory modules, providing students with introductory knowledge and experience of the subject. Successful completion awards students the International Foundation Certificate with the opportunity to progress to the BSc Computer Science. There are two intakes per year, in January and June, with each session lasting a minimum of 16 weeks, followed by two additional weeks for revision and assessment. Modules can also be studied on an individual basis subject to availability.

Online support

When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Offers online learning support, study materials and access to an online forum where students can interact, exchange ideas and network.
• The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.

Senate House Library 

If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.

Student Support

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students.

You will have access to support through:

• The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
• TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.

Are you affected by US-imposed restrictions?

Our International Foundation Programme for Computer Science uses creative interactive approaches delivered through Coursera, the world’s largest online learning platform, to provide immersive learning experiences.

United States export control regulations prevent Coursera from offering services and content to users in certain countries or regions. More information about which countries or regions are affected can be found on Coursera's website.

Coursera must enforce this restriction in order to remain in compliance with US law and, for that reason, we advise that all learners check this information before applying for the programme.

Assessment

The International Foundation Programme for Computer Science and its modules are assessed by an unseen written examination. Candidates who pass all four modules are awarded the University of London International Foundation Certificate with a grade of 'Pass', 'Merit' or 'Distinction'.

Exams are held in May and October each year.

More about exams.

Dr Etain Casey is a lecturer in Business Management with an interest in business communication and the environmental impacts of transport and trade. She holds an MA in Development Studies from the University of London as part of which she researched economic, business and social engagements in areas across southern Africa. Etain has a PhD in Philology from the University of Oluo, Finland specialising in the study of education and teaching in higher education. Etain brings a range of knowledge and skills to the International Foundation Programme for Computer Science.

She has over twenty-five-years' experience working in higher education at Russell Group universities and has held posts at King’s College London and the Open University. She is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. She is an avid supporter of distance learning and her interest in learning technology has encouraged her to participate in creating innovative modules for open and distance learning to improve students’ access to knowledge and skills with a wide global reach.

Etain has worked as an expert consultant for the European Union and the Council of Europe collaborating on a variety of teaching and learning projects which involved students and staff from universities across Europe and Asia. She strongly supports the aim of widening participation in education globally and brings her experience to the International Foundation Programme for Computer Science.

What qualifications do you need?

To be considered for registration for the International Foundation Programme for Computer Science, you will need to meet the following minimum criteria:

• Age 18+ by 31 December in the year of registration.
• have passed at least four separate subjects at GCSE or GCE O level, with grades A* to C, or the equivalent. 

Meet the English language requirements.

Find equivalent qualifications where you live, see am I qualified?

Even if you don't meet the standard requirements, we will consider each application on its own merits under our Special Admissions procedure.

English language requirements

We will need to see evidence that you have a good standard of English. This may include:

• GCSE in English language (grade C) or equivalent.
• Proof that you spent five years at a secondary school taught only in English.
• A proficiency test passed within the last three years.

If you don't have this evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may still consider your case.

The following proficiency tests are accepted for the programme, provided they have been awarded within the past three years:

• APTIS: overall score of at least 140, with at least 21 in Listening, 29 in Reading, 39 in Writing and 29 in Speaking.
• (IELTS) International English Language Testing System: 5.5 overall, with 5.0 in each sub-test (Academic or General or IELTS Indicator Online Test).
• Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 95.
• Password English Language Test: 5.5 overall, with 5.0 in each sub-test.
• Pearson Test of English, Academic: 46 overall, with 46 in both Reading and Writing.
• (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language (including Special Home Edition test): 75 overall, with 18+ in Reading and Writing sub-tests and 16+ in Speaking and Listening.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this programme, you will also need a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.

More about computer requirements.

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be offered a place on the BSc Computer Science, with academic direction provided by Goldsmiths, University of London.

The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2025-2026 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase. 

Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.

* If you decide to choose an alternative course to the one you originally registered for (and it is permitted by the Regulations), you must pay a new course fee. (2024-25)

**The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. (2024-25)

More about programme fees.

Sales Tax

Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax.

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).

There may be additional sources of support for the programme depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study.

You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.

More on how to pay your fees

You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.

More on the University of London Careers Service

After successfully completing the International Foundation Programme for Computer Science and advancing to the University of London’s online BSc Computer Science degree, you will be able to consider a variety of careers, including:

• application programmer
• mobile app developer
• web developer
• video game developer
• SFX and post-production designer
• systems analyst.