Program Overview

Overview of the Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc(Hons) Program

The Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc(Hons) program is designed for students who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to their desired course. This integrated foundation degree is not available to international students, who should instead apply for the international foundation programs delivered by the International Study Centre on campus.

Program Structure

• The duration of the foundation element is one year, and if students successfully pass, they will automatically progress onto the degree.
• The course follows a core computing program in the first year, giving students the fundamental skills and knowledge to prepare them for more advanced topics.
• In the second year, students have the flexibility to transfer to other courses sharing a common first year, including Computing BSc(Hons), Software Engineering BSc(Hons), and Computer Science MSci.
• In the third and final years, students will have the chance to take option modules, enabling them to tailor their studies to meet their specific interests.

Why Study Computer Science BSc(Hons) at Huddersfield?

• Tutors will encourage students to identify problems before working out how to solve them using software.
• Students might get involved in developing solutions that benefit society, for example, using artificial intelligence (AI), or perhaps they'll look at how to use computing applications in engineering or scientific experiments to combat environmental problems.
• The degree allows students to hone vital skills to better succeed in this fast-paced industry – and, like previous graduates, they could go on to secure a role within, for example, AI programming or DevOps.

Entry Requirements

• To find out if students are eligible to start this course in September 2025 and get more information on how to apply, they should see the Clearing pages.
• If students are interested in studying this course in September 2026, they should view the course information.

Course Detail

Foundation Year

• Communication and Research: This module explores the importance of communication in computing and engineering, with the opportunity to practice this in both written and verbal forms and gain confidence in presenting to a group.
• Foundation Mathematics: This module covers the necessary mathematical tools and principles required for first-year studies, including basics in arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry, followed by more advanced areas of sets, matrices, vectors, and calculus.
• Foundations of Computer Science: This module allows students to consider some of the main areas of study within computing and information technology, developing knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing.
• Computational Thinking: This module introduces students to the theoretical foundation of computational thinking, incorporating problem description, decomposition, abstraction, and realization, with the introduction of key programming principles.

Core Modules

• Introduction to Procedural Programming: This module aims to introduce students to core programming concepts using procedural programming fundamentals.
• Computing Science and Mathematics: This module introduces students to basic computing science and mathematical concepts related to software development, including set theory, graphs and trees, finite state machines, grammars and languages, propositional logic, and searching and sorting algorithms.
• Computer Organisation and Architecture: This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and systems software, including the fundamentals of computer hardware and practical elements of working with basic system software at a machine instruction-level.
• Computer Network Fundamentals: This module introduces the core fundamental principles of computer networking, including theoretical concepts of networking, such as addressing, switching, and routing, and practical solutions using live or simulation tools.
• Project 1: Working as part of a team, this module aims to provide students with an understanding of hardware, software, and industry best practices used by businesses, planning, designing, and developing a prototype product.

Option Modules

• Object-Oriented Systems Development: This module allows students to explore the programming language that underpins major operating systems, applications, the Internet, and the World Wide Web, expanding on procedural and object-based coding skills.
• Cyber Security: This module introduces fundamental concepts in computer and network security, enabling the identification of vulnerabilities and the selection and implementation of suitable mitigation technologies.
• Computational Mathematics 1: This module covers the mathematical foundations required for scientific computing, introducing students to fundamental concepts in algebra and developing an understanding of both analytical and numerical methods for solving equations in one variable.
• Data-driven Artificial Intelligence: This module allows students to obtain a fundamental understanding of data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches, particularly advanced machine learning techniques to construct intelligent systems capable of recognizing, classifying, or deciding.

Placements

• This course offers students the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 4, helping them build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course.
• The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance employability and help students develop as individuals.
• Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Siemans Gamesa, the NHS, the Home Office, Nestle, and HMRC.

Fees and Finance

• The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students (subject to parliamentary approval).
• Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations.
• Optional field trips may be offered to destinations in the UK, which students would need to pay for if they choose to attend.

Career Support

• The University provides professional help, support, and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs, and one-to-one guidance sessions.
• The Careers and Employability Service assists students in focusing on life after graduation to help them achieve their ambitions.

Research Excellence

• Research plays an important role in informing all teaching and learning activities at the University.
• The University's researchers carry out work that makes a real difference to people's lives, with three-quarters of all research being world-leading and internationally excellent.

Student Support

• The University offers support networks and services to help students get ahead in their studies and social life.
• Students can find a guide to key terms, including the Student Protection Plan, and information on how the University will support them throughout their personal student journey.