Program Overview

Foundation in Computer Science

The Foundation Year is designed for students who either do not meet the requirements for direct BSc entry (level of English, school qualifications, etc.) or would like to gain additional confidence and skills in their subject area and general academic practice prior to the start of their degree course.

The Foundation Year in Computer Science provides an introduction to the academic discipline of Computer Science, and guarantees progression to BSc (Hons) Computer Science or BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (subject to meeting the required criteria).

Progression to: BSc (Honours) Computer Science

Computer science is a vast but specialised subject; as a result, our degree equips you with the technical and professional skills necessary to apply yourself to a broad range of careers. Our UK graduates have gone on to work with major technology companies such as IBM, Google, BBC, and BAE, while others have chosen to take their software design, development and management skills to SMEs, or have set up their own technology-centric businesses. Many of our computer scientists also elect to study for MSc or PhD qualifications.

In the first year, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of the discipline, combined with their modern day application. Throughout your study, you will gain skills and experience from a range of modules, including Software Development, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Professionalism in Practice, and Digital Systems. Taking a practical approach to learning, you are encouraged to build and analyse systems and software, as well as work with end user feedback to refine and adapt solutions.

After gaining an overview of the subject in the first year, you will be motivated by topics that become progressively deeper and more specialised as your skills develop throughout second and third year. In addition to progressing your foundational understanding, programming, and software design skills, you will explore the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence, preparing you for the more advanced AI modules in third year.

Your third year gives you the opportunity to explore a range of well-constructed and enriching modules, as well as undertaking an individual project with one of our academics, allowing you to use and further develop the skills acquired throughout your degree.