Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Birkbeck traces its roots back to 1946 when Dr A Booth started building the College’s first computer in his Computer Laboratory. The Department of Computer Science was established in 1957 (A Short History). Today the Department continues as a leading centre of computing expertise, specialising in information and knowledge management, web and pervasive technologies, computational intelligence and information systems development.
We welcome applications from international students for full-time taught Masters and research degrees. Our postgraduate degrees are available both full-time, and part-time by flexible evening study. Our undergraduate degrees are available only part-time. Our students come from many different nationalities, ages and backgrounds. Situated in Bloomsbury in the heart of London, students are ideally placed to experience the capital’s places of education, culture and business. Our taught programmes emphasise the use of information technology in organisations, and aim to empower people with the technical and management skills required to succeed in a competitive market place.
We have research collaborations with many industry partners and academic institutions in the UK and abroad, which complement and inform our taught programmes. In the RAE 2008, almost all of the Department's research was judged as being of international significance, with 15% being world-leading, 50% internationally excellent, and 30% internationally recognised.
In 2004 the Department set up the London Knowledge Lab, in collaboration with our neighbouring Institute of Education. The London Knowledge Lab is a unique collaboration of computer scientists, social scientists and educationalists, exploring the ways in which new digital technologies and media are shaping the future of learning and knowledge. The Department also participates in the Institute of Structural Molecular Biology, in collaboration with UCL.
The Department is located in the Birkbeck main building in Malet Street, on the 2nd floor of the extension and on the 7th floor (see location number 7 on this map). The accommodation also includes four computing labs on the 4th floor. If you are visiting the Department please ask for directions at reception in the main building. Our administration office is in room 263. The Department's accommodation at the London Knowledge Lab comprises a lecture theatre, seminar rooms, computing laboratory and staff offices.
