Computer Science (With Foundation Year)

From education and healthcare to entertainment and communication, computer science underpins almost every area of today’s increasingly digital world. On this course, you build a strong foundation of understanding before specialising in exciting new fields at the forefront of technological advancement. In addition, you gain the highly desirable critical thinking and practical skills sought after by world-leading employers.

Foundation Year
In the Foundation year you will study three days per week. The focus will be on academic writing skills and numeracy, plus subject-specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree. It provides a balance between content related to your chosen subject and the range of wider skills required for undergraduate study. This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will be required to pass the foundation year in order to progress to the first year of your degree. This course is ideal for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements or those with a non-standard educational background. It will allow you to graduate with a full undergraduate degree in your chosen subject in four years.

Course accreditation/industry endorsement

This course is fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BSC), the Chartered Institute for IT, meaning you qualify for chartered IT professional (CITP) status once you graduate.

Our course is also recognised under the Seoul Accord, meeting international standards for the academic preparation of computing professionals and making your degree relevant to employers worldwide.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• High-tech CCNA Academy computer networking suite

• Specialised IT security laboratory

• New Security Operations Centre

• Dedicated computing rooms

• Cutting-edge technology such as MATLAB simulation software and virtualised environments

• Modern, purpose-built STEM building with bespoke learning spaces and group study hubs

Career-powered links

We have partnered with IXL to offer third-year students the opportunity to undertake further Agile project management certification.

Your student experience

Keep up to date with state-of-the-art technologies, thanks to our blend of theoretical and hands-on learning, informed by the latest industry developments.

Study computer systems architecture to better understand hardware, software, networks and operating systems, all of which are required for designing efficient and scalable solutions.

Gain the ability to understand and produce software based on critical thinking and logical reasoning alongside developing knowledge of algorithm design and problem solving.

Benefit from the expertise of our highly qualified, research-active academics, many of whom act as consultants in their fields.

Extend your learning through field trips to sites such as Bletchley Park.

Be guided by our dedicated academic success tutors, there to support you through your studies.

Course Modules

Year 1
Fundamentals of computer science – Gain maths skills relevant to computer science and an understanding of how computers work internally. Mathematics and concepts for computational thinking - Apply maths-based coding skills to build software applications using programming languages like Python. Databases and computer networks - An introduction to networking and data organisation as well as practical skills in design, configuration and troubleshooting. Principles of programming and data structures - Develop your skills in using a high-level programming language and apply them to real-world problems.

Year 2
Concepts and technologies of artificial intelligence – Explore the main AI concepts and technologies typically used to solve real-world problems. Systems development and modern database practices – The design and development process from requirements spec, analysis and design to initial working prototype. Web technologies and platforms - Use client-side and server-side technologies to implement web applications, producing your own product designs. Information security - Gain advanced knowledge of tools and techniques for cyber defence, threat intelligence and information governance. Desktop applications development and software engineering – Acquire strong programming skills for desktop applications, solving industry-relevant problems.

Year 3
Distributed service architecture - Design, implement and evaluate software solutions using different strategies, paradigms and architectures for distributed systems. Research methodologies and emerging technologies – Plan your Honours project around current or emerging technologies, using research to back up your proposal. Agile project management – Gain valuable project-management skills for your graduate career. Undergraduate project – Work independently to develop and complete a major project on a topic of your choice.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Computer Society