BSc (Honours) Computer Science with Foundation Year

Program Overview

BSc (Honours) Computer Science with Foundation Year

Course Summary

This course provides a comprehensive education in computer science, with a foundation year to prepare students for the degree. The program covers a wide range of topics, including programming, software engineering, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, and artificial intelligence.

How You Learn

The course is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern software IDEs, industry-standard software, and state-of-the-art hardware.

Modules

Year 1

• Foundations In Computing 1: This module introduces basic computing knowledge and skills, including programming, databases, and web technologies.
• Foundations In Computing 2: This module extends on the first module, exploring computing to a greater depth, including programming, data structures, and software engineering.
• Maths For Foundation Computing: This module develops mathematics skills relevant to the IT discipline, including topics such as fractions, decimals, percentages, and algebra.
• Study Skills For Computing Students: This module is designed to help students develop the skills needed for study at Honours level, including time management, note-taking, and referencing.

Year 2

• Databases And The Web: This module introduces technologies needed to create modern web-based applications, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
• Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures: This module introduces concepts of computer architecture, discrete mathematics, and numerical skills related to computer science.
• Programming For Computer Science: This module introduces computer programming, including problem-solving, top-down design, and functional decomposition.
• Software Projects: This module uses real projects for students to apply and continue to develop their software development knowledge.

Year 3

• Advanced Programming: This module continues to build on programming knowledge, looking at object-oriented programming in a modern programming language.
• Algorithms And Data Structures: This module imparts key concepts in computer science, including algorithms, data structures, and complexity.
• Professional Software Projects: This module provides a platform for students to work collaboratively in small teams to build complex software applications.

Year 4

• Development Project: This module emphasizes the necessity of incorporating ethical design principles into AI and data science projects.
• Software Architecture And Design: This module gives students the opportunity to apply the principles of good design, usability, and security to the development of software.

Future Careers

This course will provide students with skills that are in high demand in an increasingly digital society. Average starting salaries in the computing sector begin at around £30,000 per year. Students will be prepared for careers in software development, web-based applications, mobile app development, systems and IT support, project management, and IT consultancy.

Equipment and Facilities

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern software IDEs, industry-standard software, and state-of-the-art hardware. The university has invested over £100m in new facilities to help students study how and when they want.

Where Will I Study?

Students will study at City Campus, which is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 80
• GCSE: English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4, Maths at grade C or 4
• Access: An Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2
• International students: IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent

Fees and Funding

• Home students: Tuition fees for 2026/27 are not yet confirmed. The tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year.
• International students: The tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,000 per year.