University of London (Coursera) BS CS: Full Review 2026
Last tested: 2026-05-01 · Score: 8.3/10
Disclaimer: Tuition costs, program requirements, and accreditation status change. Verify all details directly with the institution before enrolling or committing funds.
Overview
The University of London’s BSc Computer Science, delivered via Coursera and developed with Goldsmiths College and the London School of Economics, is the leading globally-recognized online CS degree for international students. At approximately $22,000 total, it sits below U.S. per-credit programmes like ASU on absolute cost while offering a UK degree that is well-regarded in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK. This is the UK equivalent of regional accreditation. It is not ABET-CAC accredited and is not recognized the same way U.S. regional accreditation is recognized by U.S. employers.
Last verified: 2026-05-01
Verdict
International students who need a globally-recognized UK degree without relocating to the UK
U.S. domestic students — regional accreditation from a U.S. institution is more valuable in the U.S. job market
Approximately $22,000 total
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Cost breakdown (as of 2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Approximate total programme cost | $22,000 |
| Coursera Plus annual subscription (optional) | $399/year |
| Duration | 3-6 years depending on pace |
Total realistic out-of-pocket: Approximately $22,000. This is fixed-cost rather than per-credit, which simplifies budgeting.
Accreditation details
- UK QAA: Recognized degree from a UK university
- ABET-CAC: Not accredited
- U.S. regional accreditation: Not applicable — this is a UK institution
- Global recognition: Strong in Europe, Commonwealth, Middle East, South/Southeast Asia; variable in the U.S.
Programme structure
The programme runs through Coursera’s platform with a combination of Goldsmiths and external faculty. Assessment is exam-based (London-style), which differentiates it from U.S. project-portfolio models. The CS content covers algorithms, web development, databases, machine learning, and software engineering.
Duration ranges from 3 years (intensive) to 6 years (part-time). The programme has no fixed cohort start — enrol any time.
Pros
- + University of London name recognized globally
- + Fixed total cost — no per-credit billing surprises
- + Strong in Europe, Commonwealth, and Asia markets
- + Coursera platform — accessible from any country
- + Goldsmiths and LSE academic oversight
- + No U.S.-only admission requirements (no SAT/GRE)
Cons
- - UK QAA not equivalent to U.S. regional accreditation
- - U.S. federal/DoD roles may not accept
- - No ABET-CAC accreditation
- - Exam-heavy assessment style differs from U.S. project model
- - No U.S. employer pipeline from the institution
Affiliate disclosure
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