Computer Science with Foundation Year

Computer scientists design, develop and analyse software and hardware that can overcome commercial, social and scientific challenges. As industry 4.0 heralds the next generation of connected networks and technologies, develop the skill set for the 21st century ready for a limitless career creating applications and networks for the connected, data-driven generation.

Develop in-demand knowledge and skills The foundation year pathway aims to provide understanding of the key subjects in communication and study skills, basic programming, and essential mathematics. On successful completion, you will progress on to our BCS, Chartered Institute for I.T-accredited BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree.

For three further years of study - or four, if you choose to include an industry placement, our course delivers essential and specialist skills needed by industry. Initially, you’ll learn about programming, and database and computer systems. You’ll look at Java, Linux, artificial intelligence, networking and computer graphics. Later, you’ll explore data mining, data structures and design patterns. You can even choose to focus your studies on specific interests, with modules in virtual reality or information security.

Get closer to industry With our envious campus location, minutes from central Manchester, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved in the region’s thriving tech community. Once you join the full BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree, you can choose to include a placement year to apply what you’ve learnt and develop further skills, adding ‘with professional experience’ to your degree award. There will also be opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities through our computing society.

We are a fast-growing centre for computer and data science. Our research and industry partnerships have influenced the development of commercial software products, and we work across multiple industries to unlock the potential of data and AI. We are also a co-founding member of both the Greater Manchester Cyber Foundry and the Greater Manchester AI Foundry. Through these initiatives, we support the city region’s ambitions to be a digital leader - and help it continue to be a great place for our computing graduates to build successful careers.

In Autumn 2022, we opened our new £65 million hub for science, engineering and the environment - and our new home for computing. Sustainability-designed and 100% electric powered, the building offers unrivalled teaching, learning and research facilities and provides exciting new spaces for industry collaboration.

Features • Initially study a foundation year to develop computing, maths and study skills to progress to study our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree • Gain programming practice through design, implementation and testing, along with an appreciation of more sophisticated programming behaviour • Learn the principles of relational database management system, and their implementation and efficiency, using emerging trends • Explore the theory and practice of website design and development, understanding human-computer interaction and designing and analysing user interfaces • Develop knowledge and understanding of the application pattern-based strategies for resolving common high-level problems • Use high-level real-time 3D graphics toolkits, and your knowledge of Java to develop use of the C++ programming language • Become familiar with AI techniques and terminology for knowledge representation and searching, and gain an understanding of data mining algorithms

This course is not open to international students.