Computer Science with Bioinformatics with Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.

You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.

Who is the Foundation Year for?

• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life

You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.

What Will I Study?

The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.

You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.

‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna

What Happens After the Foundation Year?

Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.

The BSc Computer Science (Hons) with Bioinformatics provides in-depth knowledge in a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of computer science, biomedicine and health informatics. Bioinformatics is a dynamic and interdisciplinary domain that plays a critical role in advancing healthcare, drug discovery, medical diagnostics, genomics and personalized medicine. The carefully designed modules focus on developing computational solutions to complex biological problems, with real-world impact in diagnostic, preventive, predictive and prescriptive domains within healthcare.

You will analyse small-scale problems and design their solutions by applying algorithmic, logical and mathematical underpinnings. The programming, web applications development, data structures, computer architecture and networking fundamentals modules would develop necessary skills for computer scientists and also familiarise them to professional ethos and awareness of security implications.