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Computer requirements

Students will require regular access to a portable computer with an internet connection to use the University of London’s online resources and systems.

Students must be able to download and install software to their Windows or MacOS device to include secure examination browsers for online assessment purposes (if offered on your programme of study). Depending on the security settings for each assessment you may be required to have full administrator rights on your computer to install and run the software needed to take part in the assessment. Full administration rights are likely to apply to a computer that you own but not to one provided by your employer, for example.

Computer requirements

The portable computer must have at least the following minimum specification:

  • Windows: 10 and 11 on 64-bit platforms
  • MacOS Big Sur (version 11) and higher
  • CPUs newer than 2011 (Intel Sandy Bridge (Core i3, i5 and i7 or newer))
  • OpenGL 2.0 graphics driver
  • Local storage for the recording of proctored examinations (75MB per hour)
  • Web camera & microphone (internal or external)
  • A broadband internet connection capable of streaming live video.

Minimum device requirements are subject to change and older operating systems may become obsolete over time.

It should also have the following applications installed:

  • Word processor (for Microsoft Word documents)
  • A PDF reader (e.g. Adobe)

Additional requirements

Some programmes may have additional requirements, such as:

  • Video and audio recording options (e.g. microphone, webcam).
  • Microsoft Excel.
  • STATA, statistical, or other specialist software.

Where this is the case, you will find information on our programme pages. Where applicable, you will be provided with any additional requirements for your assessment platform in advance of your assessment.

You may also wish to use a printer and/or storage device(s) for your documents.

We are developing further security protocols and therefore students will require a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or tablet/iPad) for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This is a key security feature that adds an extra layer of protection for your account and data, requiring two or more steps to verify your identity when logging in. This may include accepting a sign-in notification on your smartphone or entering a unique code sent via SMS or phone call to your mobile device. It is your responsibility to ensure that your mobile device meets the specified requirements for MFA. Full details, including specifications, will be provided ahead of implementation.

Please note: full mobile access is not available for all programmes. Proctored assessments will not work on any smartphone, tablet, Chromebook, Linux Operating Systems or other mobile device of any kind.