BSc Computer Science with Foundation Year - 2026 entry

Overview

We believe that fair access to higher education is a fundamental enabler for social mobility and are committed to delivering this through our education. We aim to widen participation and raise attainment - bridging gaps in retention, progression and success - to ensure our students enjoy the best possible outcome.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria, or are classed as Mature Students, and who may not have met the entry requirements for first-year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our Contextual offers webpages.

• It covers the core mathematics required to successfully complete a Computer Science degree programme at the University of Exeter
• You’ll be learning in a friendly and structured environment and will be supported academically and personally as you prepare to study a Computer Science undergraduate degree.
• Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress into Year 1 of the BSc Computer Science programme.
• Depending upon the qualifications you’ve gained prior to beginning the Foundation programme it may be possible to transfer to an undergraduate programme in Data Science, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Engineering or Physics which have a foundation year and provided you meet the entry requirements for that programme
• International students looking for a foundation course, please visit our INTO page.

Eligibility criteria

• A-Level: BCC, GCE AL Maths grade C. We will also accept AS Maths at A or Core Maths at A in lieu of A-level Maths. Candidates may offer GCE AL Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths.
• IB: 26/544, Maths HL 4
• BTEC: DMM, Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE A-Level Maths subject: Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computing, and Information Technology.
• GCSE: 4/C, Grade C or 4 in GCSE English language
• Access to HE: 18 L3 credits at Distinction grade and 27 L3 credits at Merit grade, 12 L3 credits in Maths at Pass Grade in an appropriate Mathematics subject
• T-Levels: T-Levels not accepted, N/A
• NB: General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.

Course content

The Foundation Year is part of an integrated 4 year undergraduate degree programme. The information below relates to the Foundation Year only. Please see BSc Computer Science for further information and details of the modules available on the degree programme you can progress to from the Foundation Year.

The course comprises of 90 credits of core maths, to elevate students’ knowledge to A-level grade A standard, plus some aspects of the further maths curriculum, but concentrating on developing core mathematical skills.

The other 30 credits comprise a project that includes key skills for university study.

Foundation year

Compulsory modules

• MTH0001: Principles of Pure Mathematics, 30 credits
• MTH0003: Exploring Mathematics, 15 credits
• MTH0004: Foundation Statistics, 15 credits
• MTH0005: Science: Skills and Culture, 30 credits
• MTH0006: Applied Mathematics, 15 credits
• MTH0007: Programming Skills, 15 credits

Exeter’s foundation has been created to support and prepare students for the challenges of an undergraduate degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences or Engineering.

The programme has been designed for students with the passion and aptitude for a degree, but who may have missed our standard entry criteria for various reasons, and is a call to widen participation and increase access to higher education.

Fees

Please note: The fees for students starting in 2026 have yet to be set. The fees provided below are the fees for students starting in 2025 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2026 entry shortly.

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

• UK students: £9,535 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

Learning and teaching

The way you learn at university may be different from what you have experienced before. Depending on your course, you may encounter a variety of teaching methods.

In the Foundation year of this programme, you will experience a range of teaching and learning activities including lectures, workshops, tutorials, group projects/presentations and/or seminars. The mathematics modules at this stage comprise of 90 credits in total, while 'Science: Skills and Culture' module is 30 credits. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time including guided independent study hours.

Visit our course pages for details of the Learning and Teaching methods on the BSc Data Science degree programme for the subsequent years of your chosen degree programme.

A research and practice led culture

You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising of internationally-recognised experts active across a wide range of topics in your chosen degree programme. As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become involved in a research project yourself.

Private study and support

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services, and we encourage you to discuss subject related questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of summative assessments. You must pass your foundation year and meet the progression criteria to progress to Year 1 of the BSc Data Science programme, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.

Your future

A degree from Exeter is highly valued by employers. Management and personal skills are built into our programmes and our students take advantage of the wide range of extracurricular and personal development opportunities offered by the University, including volunteering and playing an active role in student societies.

Our staff are active in developing our programmes and services to improve the employability of our students. We also have a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides career workshops tailored to computer science, as well as support in job applications and interview skills. The Career Zone run several careers fairs throughout the year which are particularly successful in putting major UK employers in touch with Exeter students. Relevant employers visit the department from the first year to meet and hold mock interviews with students, with the aim of helping them to develop their career ideas at an early enough stage to help with module choices and placement decisions.

Career opportunities for computer scientists are limitless and graduates can be found working in the private and public sector in areas such as software engineering, health, communications, education, life sciences, physical sciences, finance and manufacturing. Computer scientists from Exeter have a reputation as being articulate, numerate, problem solvers, who typically claim great job satisfaction, a good salary and a huge range of career possibilities.

Our single honours Computer Science degrees explore more than simply how computers and software work. They focus on the wider context within which the subject must operate; from the precise technical details to the social, scientific and industrial application. By combining logical thinking with key mathematical skills, they will lead to a wide variety of careers which require graduates who understand the science behind computer technology.

Career Paths

As an Exeter Computer Science and IT graduate you may find yourself working with business IT systems, the web, mobile communications, games technology, or in the management and development of the safety-critical systems that control planes, trains and power stations.

The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Computer Science but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:

• Academic research
• Business Analysts, Architects or Systems Designer
• Cyber Security Professional
• Engineer
• Financial Accounts Manager
• IT Network Professional
• IT Quality and Testing Professional
• Programmer
• Software Developer

Industrial Experience

Our staff are active in developing our programmes and services to improve the employability of our students. We also have a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides career workshops tailored to computer science, as well as support in job applications and interview skills. The Career Zone run several careers fairs throughout the year which are particularly successful in putting major UK employers in touch with Exeter students. Relevant employers visit the department from the first year to meet and hold mock interviews with students, with the aim of helping them to develop their career ideas at an early enough stage to help with module choices and placement decisions.

University of Exeter

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Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

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Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

Allows students to access their university email accounts.

Payment portal:

Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.

MyExeter (student app):

A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.

Library:

Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.

SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

Allows students to view their class schedules.

Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Medicine and Health:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

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Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.