Why study this course?
Our Computer Science (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree has a built-in foundation year designed to teach you the fundamentals of computer science, preparing you for the following three years of your university course.
If you don’t have the traditional qualifications needed to start an undergraduate degree this course provides the perfect start to your computing career.
Our Computer Science (including foundation year) degree course has been accredited with full CITP status by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. This accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. As a graduate of this course, accreditation will also entitle you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
More about this course
Our Computer Science (including foundation year) bachelor’s degree will help you specialise in the design and implementation of modern software systems.
During your foundation year you’ll learn to use a range of tools and development platforms designed to help you understand the role of computer-based systems. You’ll focus on the fundamentals of programming, cyber-attack prevention, computer networking and mathematics. These skills will help you progress through the following three years of the course.
The foundation year on this course is shared with a number of other computing-related foundation degrees, which allows you to study with students who are interested in a variety of different subjects.
Following the foundation year, you’ll study the same modules and course content as those who study our Computer Science BSc (Hons) degree.
Later in the course you’ll learn more practice-based skills including weekly tutorial and workshop exercises. You’ll come to understand software design and programming language so that by the end of the course you’ll be able to confidently develop programmes of your own.
You’ll be supported throughout the course by our tutors who will help you recognise your own strengths and build your academic confidence. Regular feedback will aid you in the transition from your foundation year to the final years of the course.
You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the traditional three-year course.
Should you decide you want to specialise in a more specific computing-related subject following your foundation year, we will be able to facilitate this.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited as fully meeting the educational requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) registration.
You’ll be eligible to apply for Membership of the British Computer Society (MBCS) upon graduating.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 0 modules include:
Cyber Security Fundamentals (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to Robotics and Internet of Things (core, 30 credits)
Mathematics (core, 30 credits)
Programming (core, 30 credits)
Year 1 modules include:
Computer Hardware and Software Architectures (core, 30 credits)
Fundamentals of Computing (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Information Systems (core, 15 credits)
Logic and Mathematical Techniques (core, 30 credits)
Programming (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (core, 15 credits)
Data Structures and Specialist Programming (core, 30 credits)
Databases (core, 15 credits)
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (core, 15 credits)
Smart Data Discovery (core, 15 credits)
Software Engineering (core, 30 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (core, 15 credits)
Distributed and Internet Systems (core, 30 credits)
Formal Languages (core, 15 credits)
Mobile Applications (core, 15 credits)
Project (core, 30 credits)
Work Related Learning II (core, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
Completing this degree will give you the skills needed to work in a variety of IT professions. You could find employment in computer-aided design (CAD), cyber security, forensic computer analysis, games development, software engineering, search engine optimisation (SEO), IT consultancy, web development and data analysis amongst many others.
What is a degree with foundation year?
This is a four-year degree course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). It’s the perfect route into university if you don’t meet the necessary entry requirements for the standard undergraduate degree. You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the three-year course.
