2026

International Foundation
Programme for
Computer Science [Link]/ifp-cs
World class. Worldwide.
Join the World Class

1 A stepping stone to undergraduate study

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.

2 Gain a solid academic foundation in Computer Science

The programme provides a robust introduction to mathematics,
statistics and programming, equipping students with the skills
and academic confidence for degree level studies.

3 In-demand digital skills and knowledge

Familiarise yourself with the widely used coding language
Python, learn how to interpret and summarise data, and perform
mathematical calculations.

4 Study at your own pace, on your schedule

Fill in the gaps in your knowledge of maths and statistics, on
your own terms. Study independently and at your own pace,
while working full-time or attending to other commitments.

5 A mark of excellence
Earn an internationally recognised qualification from the University
of London. The University has a track record of teaching, innovation
and research dating back more than 160 years.

2 International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

 Contents
International Foundation Programme
Key dates for Computer Science

January intake Join the World Class 2

Applications open: A trusted name in global education 4
16 June 2025 Collaboration with Coursera 6
Applications close: Programme structure 7
5 December 2025 How you study 8
Registration open: Entrance requirements and further information 10
16 June 2025
Registration close:
15 December 2025
Study session starts:
12 January 2026

September intake
Applications open:
17 February 2026
Applications close:
25 August 2026
Registration open:
3 March 2026
Registration close:
8 September 2026
Study session starts:
21 September 2026

[Link]/ifp-cs 3
About University of London

teaching and learning projects to pursue their ambitions and fully

involving students and staff from participate in the opportunities
universities across Europe and Asia. that are opening in diverse fields
of employment. This programme
As an avid supporter of distance
introduces them to basic
learning, Etain brings her varied
mathematical and statistical
experience and interest in learning
concepts and provides a first step in
technology to the International
programming. It will equip them with
Foundation Programme. With
the skills to apply this knowledge
computers and technology playing
to practical real-world problems.
an increasingly important role
Dr Etain Casey across a range of occupations
Additionally, the programme will
teach students how regulations
Associate Programme Director and activities, it is vital that more
and governance are developing to
International Foundation students can learn foundation
ensure safety and security in world
Programme for Computer Science skills in computer science.
digital communications and critically
Etain firmly believes that this assess how these developments
Etain Casey is the Associate
programme will enable students reflect common values and ethics.
Programme Director for the
International Foundation Programme
for Computer Science at the
University of London, with over
25 years’ experience working in
higher education at Russell Group
universities. She has a PhD in
Philology from the University of
Oulu, Finland, specialising in the
study of education and teaching in
higher education. Etain earned her
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 is a Fellow of the UK Higher
Education Academy and has held
posts at King’s College London
and the Open University. She has
worked as an expert consultant for
the European Union and the Council
of Europe, collaborating on various

4 International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

A trusted name in London made global
global education Founded in 1836, the University of
London is one of the oldest and
The University of London is
most prestigious universities in the
internationally recognised for
UK and is internationally regarded as
its high academic standards.
a centre of academic excellence. In
This reputation is based on the
1858, we made our degrees available
outstanding teaching and research
to study anywhere in the world.
of our 17 federation members.
Today, we have around 40,000
Upon finishing a programme of
students in 190 countries,
study, graduates automatically
studying on 100-plus degrees,
become part of the University of
diplomas and certificates.
London alumni community, a diverse
global network. Among former
students are seven Nobel Prize
winners, including Nelson Mandela
and Charles Kao, a pioneer in the
development of fibre-optics.

[Link]/ifp-cs 5
Collaboration with Coursera

‘This programme marks another

milestone in our partnership
with the University of London.
This programme provides
a strong, comprehensive
foundation that delves into
the core concepts of computer
science, equipping students
An academic first approach US-imposed restrictions to successfully adapt to a
We are extremely proud to have United States export control rapidly evolving technological
been the first university to partner regulations prevent Coursera from
with Coursera when it embarked offering services and content to
landscape. Rich academic
on its first bachelor’s degree users in certain countries or regions. resources – including easily
back in 2018. The University More information about which accessible online lectures,
of London has more than 53 countries or regions are affected can
courses on the Coursera platform, be found at: [Link]/intl-restrictions hands-on projects, and
generating over 3.4 million
Coursera must enforce this tutorials – allow students to
Coursera learner enrolments.
restriction in order to remain in learn at their preferred pace.
Coursera has over 148 million compliance with US law and, for
registered learners spread over that reason, we advise that all By bridging the gap between
more than 7,100 courses and learners check this information
more than 930 specialisations. before applying to the programme.
theoretical knowledge and
They’ve partnered with some of practical expertise, we
the world’s leading universities, believe this programme will
which include Johns Hopkins
About Coursera
University, University of Michigan, Coursera was founded by Daphne enable students to navigate
The Hong Kong University of Koller and Andrew Ng with a vision of future shifts of technology
Science and Technology, and providing life-transforming learning
Shanghai Jiao Tong University. experiences to anyone, anywhere. and drive innovation.’
It is now a leading online learning
Coursera’s courses are used by
leading brands to train and update
platform for higher education, where Marni Baker Stein
learners from around the world
their staff. You can read more about Chief Content Officer at Coursera
come to learn skills of the future.
Coursera at: [Link]

6 International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

Programme structure

Mathematics for Statistics for Introduction to Computer

Computer Science Computer Science Science and Programming*
This module introduces the You will master the fundamental This module aims to provide
mathematical concepts and principles of probability theory and students with a solid foundation in
tools needed for further study gain an understanding of statistical computer science and programming
in computer science and STEM. inference methods, particularly using Python, a versatile and
By the end of the module, you concerning common measures widely used language. You will gain
will have gained a grounding in like means and proportions. By practical experience through hands-
arithmetic and algebra, and become the end of the module, you will on exercises and learn to apply
familiar with the fundamentals learn how to use simple causal theoretical knowledge to real-life
of calculus and trigonometry. models and know when it is problems. Upon completion of this
appropriate to do so, and apply a course, students will be proficient
variety of methods for explaining, in implementing and manipulating
summarising and presenting data various data structures such as lists,
and interpreting results clearly. tuples, dictionaries, and arrays using
libraries like NumPy and Pandas.
*Module name to become
Programming for Computer
Science from September 2026.

Academic Skills for

Computer Science
You will gain the academic skills
necessary to complete the
programme and enter degree-
level education. This module is
divided into two sections that
complement each other. The
qualitative section develops your
critical thinking and effective
communication skills, while the
quantitative section will introduce
you to exploratory data analysis,
with an emphasis on descriptive
statistics and data visualisation.

[Link]/ifp-cs 7
 How you study

The International Foundation

Programme for Computer
Science is offered through online
learning and allows you the
opportunity to flexibly fit your
studies around your schedule.
The programme comprises four
compulsory modules, the successful
completion of which awards students
the International Foundation
Certificate. There are two intakes
per year, in January and September,
with each session lasting 16 weeks,
followed by two additional weeks for
revision and assessment. Modules
can also be studied on an individual
basis subject to availability.

8 International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

Tutor support • the Student Guide, which provides exam is in May and September
information that is common to session exam is in January.
Students will follow a planned
all students and gives guidance
schedule as part of social learning The format and mode of assessment
on a range of issues relating
cohorts, overseen by a module for this programme may change
to your study experience
leader and their online tutors. Much due to events or circumstances
of the learning is self-directed, • the Online Library, which provides beyond our control. Students will
with rich content and self-paced access to over 100 million be informed of their assessment
activities, supported by expert academic electronic items arrangements via their Virtual
tuition at key intervention points. comprising E-books, E-journals, Learning Environment (VLE),
Tutors introduce the modules, conference proceedings etc. In once confirmed. For the latest
respond to queries, provide addition, students can request information on examinations, please
guidance on assessments, and items that are not held in the visit: [Link]/exams
arrange scheduled webinars for library via the Inter-Library loans
discussions with fellow students. service with the British Library
• Senate House Library, which
Online support provides free reference access
for all registered distance and
The programme is delivered online
flexible learning students.
and there is no requirement to come
to the UK as part of your studies.
Our flexible online programme
allows you to work around your
Study materials
own schedule and leads to a All essential resources, activities,
globally recognised qualification. videos, discussions and support are
provided through the VLE. This allows
When you register, we will create
you to fit your studies around your
your Student Portal account. You
work commitments. There is no need
can then access your University
to purchase additional textbooks.
of London email account and
other key resources including:
• the Virtual Learning Environment
Assessment
(VLE), offers online learning Each module is assessed by an
support, study materials and unseen written examination of
access to an online forum three hours, which is delivered
where students can interact, and conducted online. There
exchange ideas and network is no requirement to come
to the UK. January session

[Link]/ifp-cs 9
Entrance requirements
and further information
To be eligible for the but believe that you can Fees
International Foundation demonstrate the requisite
The total fee payable to the
Programme for Computer proficiency, the University may, at its
University of London for 2026–2027
discretion, consider your application.
Science, you must: will be published on our website
once confirmed. On average,
• normally be aged 16 or over
by the registration deadline
Computer requirements fees incur a five per cent year-
on-year increase. For the latest
of the enrolment session. The University of London sets
information on programme fees
minimum basic computer
Applications will be considered please visit: [Link]/fees
requirements because your study
from applicants who do not
resources are accessed via the Please note: student fees shown
meet the normal minimum age
Student Portal and it is vital that on our website are net of any local
requirement for admission. Each
you can access this regularly. VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST)
application will be considered
or any other sales tax payable by
on an individual basis, and the For this programme, you will need
the student in their country of
decision taken at the discretion regular access to a computer
residence. Where the University
of the University of London. with an internet connection to
is required to add VAT, GST or any
use the University of London’s
and other sales tax at the local statutory
online resources and systems.
rate, this will be added to the fees
• have passed a minimum of at shown during the payment process.
For some modules, you will
least four separate subjects at For students resident in the UK,
additionally need audio and
GCSE or GCE O level, with grades our fees are exempt from VAT.
video recording programmes,
A to C, or the equivalent.
Microsoft Excel, STATA, statistical
or other specialist software.
English language For more information about
computer requirements, please
requirements visit: [Link]/computer-reqs
You must satisfy the English
language requirements for the
programme. For more information
How to apply
on the requirements please Please refer to the International
visit: [Link]/english-reqs Foundation Programme for Computer
Science webpages for details on
If you do not meet the English
how to apply: [Link]/ifp-cs
language proficiency requirements

10 International Foundation Programme for Computer Science

 The information contained in this
prospectus was correct at the
date of publication but may be
subject to change. The University
does not intend by publication or
distribution of this prospectus to
create any contractual or other
legal relation with applicants,
registered students, their advisers
or any other persons. For the
most up-to-date information,
please visit our website.
Published by University of London.
Copyright © University of London,
December 2025.

[Link]/ifp-cs 11
For further information on the range of programmes we offer,
please visit our website ([Link]) or contact us at:
University of London
Senate House, Malet Street
London WC1E 7HU
United Kingdom
Telephone enquiries: +44 (0)20 7862 8360
Online enquiries: [Link]/enquiries

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