Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year

Our Computer Science degree offers an integrated Foundation year to prepare you for degree-level learning.

• Begin with a Foundation year to build the logical and mathematical knowledge you'll need for a Computer Science degree.

• Develop your professional skills through industry-informed projects. Learn the methods and tools needed to design and develop digital solutions.

• This course is practical and hands-on. With project and coursework-based assessment, you'll create high-end, skill-showcasing projects to boost your employability.

BSc (Hons) Computer Science at Bath Spa is hands-on, experimental and solutions-focused. Our integrated foundation year is designed to provide you with an accessible path to study Computer Science.

During the integrated foundation year, you'll have opportunities to explore computing concepts and experiment with a range of tools in preparation for degree-level study.

In addition to an introduction to industry and career development, you’ll also be introduced to academic and study skills in preparation for the next stage of your learning.

From the outset, you’ll gain a confident understanding of the principles of Computer Science. You'll use your knowledge to design and create algorithms for digital solutions.

You’ll focus on choosing the right tools and technologies, performance implications, and grow an awareness of sustainability in the sector. You’ll also increase your skillset through learning to collaborate with others and how to effectively communicate your ideas.

A primary focus of the course is industry knowledge and job readiness. We collaborate closely with technology firms in the South West to ensure the course remains up-to-date and aligned with present market needs. Our connections with the industry provide great chances for you, meaning you can work on live briefs,real projects and show your skills. This will help the tech sector notice you.

The Computer Science degree at Bath Spa University responds to the market's need for skilled and adaptable people. Equipped with strong technical knowledge and well-developed problem-solving skills, our graduates are well-prepared for a successful tech career. Our Computer Science graduates are current, creative, and prepared to make an impact on the digital economy both in the UK and worldwide.

More about the Integrated Foundation Year
The Integrated Foundation Year is designed to develop your ideas, skills and confidence in readiness for progressing to year one of your degree programme.

Year 0 - the foundation year
The Foundation Year is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in your future studies. You’ll join a supportive and engaging learning environment that will help you develop an understanding of computing concepts and enhance your core logical and mathematical knowledge.

Year one
Strong fundamentals. You'll start with an induction to computer science through computer systems architecture, networking, and learning about the ideas behind modern computing innovations. Programming skills and software design principles form the second pillar which enables more sophisticated projects throughout the course. You'll finish the year by developing knowledge around data storage and management across the Internet.

Year two
Solution Development. Your second year of study broadens and deepens your knowledge, with the beginnings of specialisation needed for advanced modules. Your understanding of software development is enhanced with object-oriented programming and software engineering. You'll also grow your confidence in modelling and developing computational solutions.

Building physical computing projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and Artificial Intelligence algorithms encourages experimentation and pushes you into new spaces. You will finish the year by choosing from different modules that match your interests. These may include computer graphics and data visualization.

Year three
Showcase your talent. The final year centres on projects that enable you to apply technical expertise learnt from previous years and modules. You’ll also go further with specialist options aligned with real world domain-specific scenarios. This year provides the opportunity to highlight your professionalism, creative thinking and ability to expand your knowledge.

The assessment of BSc (Hons) Computer Science mainly involves coursework and project-based evaluation. You’ll design and develop a varied collection of digital solutions including prototype software solutions, experimental interfaces, algorithm designs. Project assignments are complemented by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, reports, examinations, and presentations.