Recognition and accreditation of prior learning for BSc Computer Science

BSc Computer Science and specialisms

If you already hold qualifications with similar learning outcomes to Computer Science modules, you can apply for your prior learning to be recognised and accredited. If this is successful, you will not need to study those modules to complete your award.

How it works / How to apply.

New students

When submitting your online application, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The rules for recognition of prior learning are described in the BSc Computer Science Programme Regulations.

You may apply for recognition of prior learning mapped against modules to a total of 120 UK credits at FHEQ Level 4 only.
We will not recognise or accredit prior learning for modules at FHEQ Level 5 or 6.
Your prior learning will not be considered for the award of a Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science whether as an intermediate or exit award.

You can apply for automatic or discretionary recognition of your prior learning.

Performance based admission

If you wish to enter the programme via the Performance Based Admissions route (Entry Route 2), you may apply for recognition of prior learning at the point of application. Any accreditation of prior learning will be formally applied to your record once you have been successfully admitted onto the full BSc programme.

We will not recognise or accredit prior learning for either of the two modules taken as part of this entry route. They must be passed in order to progress onto the full BSc programme.

If you do not successfully pass the two Performance-Based Admission modules and cannot therefore be admitted onto the full BSc programme, any application fees paid for discretionary RPL are non-refundable.

Current and previous University of London students

If you are a current University of London student registered on a BSc in Computing and Information Systems or Creative Computing, your prior learning will be considered at the point you request to transfer. You should make a request by using the ask a question tab in the Student Portal.

We will accept applications for RPL for the Computing and Information Systems or Creative Computing courses as listed, provided you have successfully passed those courses and are still within your maximum period of registration.

If you have completed your programme of study or been granted an exit award, you must have obtained this qualification within the five years preceding the application for RPL.

If your registration on the programme has ceased, we will consider RPL for any relevant courses which you have successfully passed within the last five years.

For all other qualifications obtained outside of the University of London you must have passed the whole of the qualification(s) on which your application for RPL is based within the five years preceding the application.

Automatic RPL

There are certain qualifications which we will recognise and accredit automatically. Automatic RPL applications are free of charge.

The courses that comprise these qualifications have already been assessed and are considered by the University to have a similar syllabus or similar learning outcomes to modules on the Computer Science programme.

If you have passed the correct subjects and satisfy the conditions we specify, we will recognise prior learning as detailed in the list below; however, you must still make a formal application and provide the necessary evidence. Please note, we are unable to fully consider your application until we have received the necessary documentary evidence.

Discretionary RPL

You may apply for recognition and accreditation of prior learning on a discretionary basis. Discretionary RPL is considered on a case by case basis. You will need to satisfy the University that you have covered a similar syllabus, as part of a previous qualification, at the same level, depth and breadth.

A formal application is required and an RPL application fee is payable. The RPL application fee is non-refundable, even if your prior learning is not recognised.

Please note that we are unable to give advice on discretionary RPL until we have received the completed RPL application form, the fee payable and any documentary evidence we have requested in support of the application.

Automatic Recognition of Prior Learning

Mapping against specific qualifications

Recognition of Prior Learning is the recognition of previously acquired learning which can be mapped against particular learning outcomes of modules within a programme.

If prior learning is recognised for a specific module, you will not be required to study or be assessed in that module and you will be considered to have achieved the learning outcomes for the purposes of the award.

Your transcript will indicate the credit value for any module where prior learning is recognised and accredited. The process is referred to as accreditation of prior learning. The mark obtained for the earlier qualification will not be carried forward to your record and will not contribute towards your award.

The University reserves the right not to recognise prior learning if the qualification of the respective professional body or institution changes after the publication of this list.

We will not recognise or accredit prior learning for a module later than 14 days after the module start date. You will be deemed to have started a module once you have been given access to the learning materials on the VLE.

Further information on rules regarding RPL is covered in Section 3 of the Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations. See the Regulations section.

This table is only for students registered on one of the BSc Computer Science programmes:

Awarding body	Qualification	BSc Computer Science modules for which prior learning is recognised
University of London	BSc in Computing and Information Systems FHEQ Level 4 (4 x 30 credit modules) Mathematics for computing [CO1102] Information systems: foundations of e-business [CO1108] Introduction to computing and the internet [CO1110] Introduction to Java and object-oriented programming [CO1109]	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
University of London	BSc in Creative Computing FHEQ Level 4 (4 x 30 credit modules) Mathematics for computing [CO1102] Introduction to computing and the internet [CO1110] Introduction to Java and object-oriented programming [CO1109] Creative computing I: image, sound and motion [CO1112]	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
University of London	BSc in Computing and Information Systems or Creative Computing Mathematics for Computing [CO1102]	2 x 15 credit modules: Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Computational Mathematics [CM1015]
University of London	BSc in Computing and Information Systems or Creative Computing Introduction to computing and the internet [CO1110]	2 x 15 credit modules: Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030]
University of London	BSc in Computing and Information Systems or Creative Computing Introduction to Java and object-oriented programming [CO1109]	2 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010]
City University of Hong Kong	Associate of Science in Network and Systems Administration or Associate of Science in Information Systems Development	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Crescendo International College	Diploma in Computer Science	Eight 15 credit modules at Level 4: FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Google	Google IT Support Professional Certificate Note: This certificate is made up of five courses. Students must have successfully completed all five before applying for recognition of prior learning with the University of London.	1 x 15 credit module: How Computers Work [CM1030]
HELP CAT	Diploma in Computer Science	Eight 15 credit modules at Level 4: FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Multimedia University, Malaysia	Diploma in Information Technology	Eight 15 credit modules at Level 4 FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore	Diploma in Business and Financial Technology Diploma in Business Intelligence and Analytics Diploma in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics (previously named Cyber Security and Forensics) Diploma in Infocomm and Security Diploma in Information Technology Diploma in Multimedia and Infocomm Technology Diploma in Business Informatics (last offered in 2017) Diploma in Financial Informatics (last offered in 2017) Diploma in Business Enterprise IT (last offered in 2017)	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore	Diploma in Game Development and Technology Providing the following two modules have been successfully completed: SIM Bridging Module Numerical Mathematics SIM Bridging Module Discrete Mathematics	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore	Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering Diploma in Financial Informatics Diploma in Information Technology Providing that for each qualification listed above, the following two modules have been successfully completed: SIM Bridging Module Numerical Mathematics SIM Bridging Module Discrete Mathematics	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Republic Polytechnic, Singapore	Diploma in Business Information Systems Diploma in Information Technology Diploma in Infocomm Security Management Diploma in Financial Technology (previously Diploma in Business Applications) Diploma in Digital Design & Development (previously Diploma in Mobile Software Development) Providing that for each qualification listed above, the following two modules have successfully been completed: SIM Bridging Module Numerical Mathematics SIM Bridging Module Discrete Mathematics	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Singapore Institute of Management	Diploma in Information Technology Providing the following two modules have been successfully completed: SIM Bridging Module Numerical Mathematics SIM Bridging Module Discrete Mathematics	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Singapore Polytechnic	Diploma in Information Technology (Data Science & Digital Analytics Specialisation) Diploma in Business Information Technology	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Singapore Polytechnic	Diploma in Information Technology (Game Development) Diploma in Information Technology (Solutions Development) Diploma in Information Technology (Software & Applications Specialisation) Diploma in Infocomm Security Management Providing that for each qualification listed above, the following module has been successfully completed: SIM Bridging Module Numerical Mathematics	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Singapore Polytechnic	Diploma in Computer Engineering Providing that for each qualification listed above, the following module has been successfully completed: SIM Bridging Module Discrete Mathematics	*FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules:** Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Singapore Polytechnic	Diploma in Applied AI and Analytics	*FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules:** Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
St Martin’s Institute of Higher Education, Malta	Diploma in Computing Diploma in Computing with Information Systems Diploma in Computing with Games Design and Development Diploma in Computing with Finance Diploma in Computing with eBusiness and Digital Marketing Diploma in Computing with Web Development Diploma in Computing with User Experience	FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules: Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Computational Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore	Diploma in Big Data & Analytics Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Diploma in Financial Business Informatics Diploma in Game Design & Development Diploma in Information Technology Diploma in Big Data Management & Governance Diploma in Business Intelligence and Analytics Diploma in Mobile & Network Services Diploma in Infocomm and Network Engineering Diploma in Computer Engineering Providing that for each qualification listed above, the following module has been successfully completed: SIM Bridging Module Numerical Mathematics	*FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules:** Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Numerical Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore	Diploma in Digital Forensics Providing the following module has been successfully completed: SIM Bridging Module Discrete Mathematics	*FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules:** Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Numerical Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Malaysia	Diploma in Science (Internet Technology) Diploma in Science (Business Information Systems) Diploma in Science (Computer Science and Computer Mathematics) Diploma in Science (Information Systems Engineering) Diploma in Information Technology (Mobile Application Development) Diploma in Computer Science (Data Science)	*FHEQ Level 4: 8 x 15 credit modules:** Introduction to Programming I [CM1005] Introduction to Programming II [CM1010] Numerical Mathematics [CM1015] Discrete Mathematics [CM1020] Fundamentals of Computer Science [CM1025] How Computers Work [CM1030] Algorithms and Data Structures I [CM1035] Web Development [CM1040]