Computer Science with Foundation Year

University of Derby
Undergraduate BSc Full-time 4 Years Computer science

A-Level Entry

DDD

UCAS Points

72 points

Avg. Graduate Salary

£27,000

About this course

Software is everywhere, running everything from our desktop computers and mobile phones to home appliances, games consoles, cars, planes and industrial machinery. On this course, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of current issues in Computing and Mathematics.

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE

  • WORKING WITH INDUSTRY: We’re renowned for our contacts with employers, and you’ll benefit from this by being set challenging projects and having the option to take a placement year.

  • EXPERT STAFF: You’ll join a friendly community including our enthusiastic Computing Society and research-active lecturers. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved with research projects which our teaching team are working on.

  • FACILITIES: Use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard labs including Python, Visual Studio, Unreal Engine, Unity, Apache, PHP, MySQL, Azure Cloud Services and DirectX/OpenGL. You'll also have access to our XR (cross-reality) lab and Makerspace - a dedicated, student-led facility where you can turn your ideas into prototypes.

  • FLEXIBILITY: After completing your first year, you’ll have the option to transfer to another degree in our Computing portfolio including BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming and BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

  • NO EXAMS: We’ll assess you via other methods throughout your degree.

    WHAT YOU'LL COVER:

  • You'll study applied computer science with a strong emphasis on practical programming skills. In the first year, you'll cover the fundamentals of computer science before studying a range of areas in your second and third years, including programming, network systems, software engineering, AI and operating systems. You'll also have the option to tailor your degree to your specific interests in your third year with a range of optional modules.

    HOW YOU’LL LEARN: You will learn through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and e-learning. Instead of exams, a variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of: 

  • Coursework 

  • Portfolios 

  • Assignments 

  • Case studies 

  • Oral and graphic presentations 

  • Collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects 

  • Computer-based testing 

    YOUR CAREER: Our Computer Science course is employment focused with industry-standard technologies that ensure you will have the skills and confidence when you graduate to secure the right role in this expanding and exciting industry. You could go on to roles such as: 

  • Software Engineer 

  • Project Manager 

  • Technical Architect  

  • Chief Technology Officer 

  • Network Specialist 

  • Network Administrator 

  • Network Technician 

  • Network Analyst 

  • Network Engineer 

    You will also develop wide-ranging skills, such as numerical and analytical skills, teamwork and project management. 

    STUDY OPTIONS: This course is also available without a Foundation Year option and a Placement Year option.

    • Entry Requirements

    A-Level Grades DDD
    UCAS Tariff Points 72 points
    BTEC MMP

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    5244 Computer system and equipment installers and servicers
    2134 Programmers and software development professionals
    2139 Information technology professionals
    2133 IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
    3131 IT operations technicians
    2141 Web design professionals

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    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science - BSc
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    4 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Derby
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Computer science
    Avg. Graduate Salary
    £27,000

    Offered by

    University of Derby

    Derby

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