Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive program in Computer Science with a Foundation Year, designed for students who do not meet the standard entry requirements. This program provides a transformative journey, empowering students to navigate the ever-changing field of computer science.

Course Description

The Computer Science with a Foundation Year program is a five-year course that includes a foundation year, followed by a BSc or MComp degree. The foundation year is designed to prepare students for their degree by teaching the fundamentals of maths, physics, and engineering in innovative ways.

Specialist Teaching Facilities

The program features specialist teaching facilities, including high-spec computers with graphics processing units and a robotics arena in dedicated labs. Lecturers are renowned computer scientists and internationally recognized researchers whose research shapes the cutting-edge teaching.

Combining Theory with Practice

In the final year, students have the opportunity to specialize and work alongside research staff as part of a group research project. They can also participate in Genesys Solutions, a student-led software development organization, throughout their final year, solving customer problems using agile software engineering and lean startup practice.

Professional Skills and Group Work

The program emphasizes the development of professional, communication, and presentation skills, making students well-rounded and highly prized candidates. Flexible study options allow students to transfer between courses, understanding which areas of computer science spark their interest and adding flexibility to their education.

Support Throughout the Degree

A dedicated student welfare advisor is available to provide support, and students have access to outstanding facilities, study spaces, and support, including 24/7 access to the online library service.

Modules

The program includes a range of modules, including:

• Introduction to Engineering
• Foundations of Physics with Computing
• Further Foundation Mathematics
• Core Foundation Mathematics
• Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics

After successfully completing the foundation year, students can start their BSc or MComp degree, exploring computer science courses and modules.

Learning and Assessment

Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, and seminars. Students will also learn important group work skills and have the opportunity to work with clients to solve real-world problems. Assessment is by a combination of exams and tests, coursework, and practical work.

Entry Requirements

The standard offer for this course includes:

• A Levels: BBB; BBC
• International Baccalaureate: 32; 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry, or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in Engineering or IT + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
• BTEC Diploma: DD in Engineering, Computing, or IT + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
• T Level: Distinction in the Digital Production, Design, and Development T Level, including grade B in the core component + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
• Scottish Highers: AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry, or Biology
• Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels: B + BB (any A Level subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry, or Biology
• Access to HE Diploma: Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units) and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A

Graduate Careers

Graduates from the School of Computer Science are highly sought-after across a diverse range of industries, including software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, web or mobile development, IT, and digital consultancy. Roles that alumni have gone on to include software developer, data analyst, full stack software engineer, game programmer, QA developer, Java programmer, and technical lead.

School of Computer Science

The School of Computer Science is a vibrant, diverse, and supportive community of like-minded people. The school is ranked number one in the Russell Group for teaching on the course, assessment, and feedback, and organization and management. Many lecturers are leading computer scientists with international reputations, and their research shapes and inspires what students are taught.

University Rankings

The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university, ranked 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is also ranked number one in the Russell Group for student experience and has a strong reputation for research, with 92% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been confirmed, but the 2025 annual tuition fee is £9,535 for home students and £30,570 for overseas students. The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help fund study, including automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 for overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026.

Visit and Apply

The university hosts five open days each year, and students can also attend online events, subject tasters, and offer holder days. To apply, students can visit the UCAS website, and the university also offers a student funding calculator to help students work out what they are eligible for.