Computer Science with Foundation Year

Why choose this course

Surrey has an excellent track record for computer science graduate employability: 95 per cent of our computer science undergraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).

• Our BSc and MEng courses in Computer Science provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for understanding and designing the next generation of computational systems.

• You'll explore a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence and cyber security, and learn languages and tools including Java and Python.

• You’ll be taught by academics at the forefront of their field and you’ll have opportunities to attend lectures from industry experts.

• Our award-winning Professional Training placements scheme has given students valuable workplace experience at companies including Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony and IBM.

Please see below for information about Surrey's computer science university ranking.

We’re preparing you for the future by integrating AI into every course, building digital skills, confidence and creativity that employers value in tomorrow’s workplace.

What you will study
Our computer science courses will develop your understanding of the concepts and principles that form the basis of computing systems. We’ll provide you with the balance of knowledge and skills you need to design, implement and troubleshoot software and complex systems to a professional standard.

You’ll explore a wide range of topics, including:

• Artificial intelligence

• Cyber security

• Software engineering

• Internet scale systems.

This will involve using languages and tools such as Java, C++, SQL, assembler and Python, plus specialist hardware such as embedded sensor systems or TurtleBots.

You can apply to study for a BSc or an MEng computer science course. The MEng builds on the BSc with a masters year and is a direct route to a masters qualification, known as an integrated masters.

Our Year 1 programme is common across the BSc in Computer Science, the BSc in Computer Science and Cyber Security and the BSc in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, so transfer between these programmes is readily possible at the start of Year 2.

Foundation courses
A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. Foundation courses are a great option if:

• You don’t have the grades for a full degree course.

• You have non-traditional qualifications or experience.

• You’re starting university after some time away from education.

• You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Life as a foundation year student
During a foundation year, you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Course Modules

To see the full range of modules for this course please visit our website – the link is under the Course contact details. You will also find full details of the programme, including programme structure, assessment methods, contact hours and Graduate prospects.