- Flexible payment : Pay per module
- Next start date : Start immediately
- Fee per 15-credit module : £670
- Total credits : 60
Why CITY ST GEORGE'S
| Study with a University of London member who is: | |
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Top 40 in the UK and top 10 in London |
World Top 350 among the best universities |
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12th most competitive university in the UK |
5th best in London and 17th in UK for |
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Build your foundation in computing for a digital future
Develop foundational computing knowledge and begin your transition into a technology-focused career with the Postgraduate (PG) Certificate in Computer Science. This part-time, 100% online certficate introduces the core principles of computer science and programming. Designed for graduates without a prior computing background, it develops essential technical skills including programming, algorithms, and software development while building the theoretical understanding needed to apply these skills effectively. You’ll begin with a foundation module in programming and algorithms, ensuring students from any academic background can develop the core skills required for further study. You will then explore object-oriented programming and select additional modules aligned with your interests, such as web technologies, databases, cyber security, or artificial intelligence. Delivered fully online with asynchronous learning, this certificate allows you to study flexibly while balancing professional and personal commitments. With 365 start dates each year, you can begin your learning whenever it suits you.
What you’ll learn
This PG Certificate equips you with the essential computing knowledge and practical skills to confidently tackle real-world technology challenges.
You will:
Skills and knowledge you will develop
- Core computer science knowledge: Understand fundamental computing concepts including programming principles, algorithms, and software engineering approaches.
- Programming and problem-solving: Develop practical programming skills and learn how to formulate and solve real-world computing challenges.
- Technical awareness: Understand how computer-based systems operate and how they support organisational and societal needs.
- Professional development: Build confidence in tackling technical challenges and developing solutions to meet user requirements.
How you’ll learn
This certificate is delivered fully online with asynchronous learning to support flexible study. Modules combine video lectures, guided exercises, and self-directed study. You will engage with tutors and peers through discussion boards and receive formative feedback to guide your development.
Each module typically requires 120 hours of study, plus 30 hours for assessment consolidation and submission.
Transform your computing skills into career opportunities
This PG Certificate equips you with foundational computing and programming skills valued across multiple industries. Graduates may pursue entry-level roles or transition into technology-focused positions in sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, government, and digital services.
You also can continue your studies through progression onto a PG Diploma or MSc Computer Science pathway.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for home and international students
To study the Postgraduate Certificate you will need a:
Lower second-class (Hons) undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in a subject area other than Computer Science (or similar).
OR
Master’s degree, or equivalent, in a subject area other than Computer Science (or similar) .
OR
Third-class honours degree or an ordinary degree (without honours), or equivalent, in a subject area other than Computer Science (or similar) with a minimum of two years’ appropriate work experience.
Some students may also be exempt from some programme modules, depending on previous study and work experience, subject to City’s Assessment Regulations.
- English language requirements
You may also need to demonstrate your capability to study in English. Two common methods and the levels required are:
IELTS Academic: 6.0 (minimum of 6.0 in all four components).
TOEFL IBT: 80 (with 20 in each component).
IELTS/TOEFL tests need to have been taken in the last two years.
We also accept GCSE English language grade 4 (C) or evidence from an accepted English language test.
Note: You will not be required to prove your English language capability, if you're a national of a majority English-speaking country, or have completed a university degree (or equivalent) in one.
FAQs
This programme is designed for graduates and professionals who want to gain computing skills without a previous academic background in computer science
No. The programme begins with a module designed to introduce programming and algorithms from beginner level.
The PG Certificate is a shorter qualification worth 60 credits. It provides foundational knowledge and can be used as a stepping stone towards a PG Diploma or MSc degree.
The programme is delivered 100% online with asynchronous learning, allowing you to study at times that suit your schedule.
The programme is studied part-time with a maximum registration period of three years.
Assessment methods include practical programming assignments, technical projects, and written reports.
Graduates can pursue careers in IT support, software development, and data-driven roles, or progress to further postgraduate study.
Programme Modules
This foundation module underpins the complete MSc Computer Science programme and is designed for students who are inexperienced in computer programming. Explore procedural computer programming, data-structures, and algorithms, and learn how to solve problems using computer programmes.
Building upon the programming knowledge and skills developed in Programming and Algorithms, this module introduces the concept of object-orientation and enables you to explore object-oriented programming via an object-oriented programming language. You will learn how to develop algorithms, and to solve problems using computer programs.
Electives
Become familiar with the key concepts of data analytics and big data. Learn about the sources of data, data mining, and what can be achieved by analysing that data, within a business, and other contexts. Alongside data analytics, you will learn about data visualisation techniques and tools.
Develop your knowledge in the principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the problems that are appropriate for AI solutions. Consider how knowledge can be represented, and how that knowledge can be manipulated and searched. You will also learn about artificial neural networks, which can learn from patterns in known data sets to perform tasks on unseen data.
OR
Develop your knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of web technologies. Learn how to create web applications and about a wide range of technologies to develop an understanding of the web landscape with an emphasis on client-side technologies.
As an introduction to databases, you will learn to understand, explore, and build relational databases – the most common form in practice. You will also gain knowledge of non-relational databases, including the principal differences and use-cases compared to relational databases.
OR
As an introduction to databases, you will learn to understand, explore, and build relational databases – the most common form in practice. You will also gain knowledge of non-relational databases, including the principal differences and use-cases compared to relational databases.
Gain an understanding of the principles of computer systems and networking as you explore computer architectures, operating systems, and networks. Learn the purpose of an operating system, and how it supports resource sharing and concurrency. The module also teaches you how to qualitatively and quantitively assess issues that affect performance of computer systems and programmes running on them.
OR
Develop your knowledge in the principles of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the problems that are appropriate for AI solutions. Consider how knowledge can be represented, and how that knowledge can be manipulated and searched. You will also learn about artificial neural networks, which can learn from patterns in known data sets to perform tasks on unseen data.
The internet connects systems to systems and customers to systems. It can also connect criminals to systems, allowing them to steal or misuse valuable information. Learn about cyber security and the variety of techniques used to protect information systems against cybercrimes.
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