BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year
BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year is a four-year course that starts by developing the academic, digital and employability skills needed for degree-level study. It covers programming, databases, web and application development, cloud technologies, data science, networking, cyber security and machine learning. It may suit adults returning to education who want a structured route into computing and IT.
Awarded by Bath Spa University
About this course
This computing degree begins with a foundation year designed to build core digital knowledge, academic study skills and professional confidence before moving into degree-level computing. Early study includes digital foundations, fundamentals of computing, academic integrity, study strategies, career exploration and job-search techniques.
The degree develops practical knowledge across programming, databases, web and application development, computer systems, networking and cloud technologies. You will also explore user-centric design, data science, cyber security, machine learning and information systems development.
As the course progresses, you will work with requirements management and IT project management, alongside group and industry-related project work. A final computer science project provides an opportunity to bring together technical, analytical and project skills in a substantial piece of work.
What you will study
Foundation year topics include Academic Integrity and Assessment, Digital Foundations, Fundamentals of Computing, Study Strategies and Academic Development, Personal Development and Career Exploration, and Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour.
Degree-level modules cover Computer Systems and Internet Technologies, Introduction to Databases, Introduction to Programming, User-Centric Design, Web Development, Application Development, Cloud Technologies and Data Science.
Later study includes Information Systems Development, Networking Technologies, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, IT Project Management and Requirements Management. You will also complete a Group Project, an Industry Related Project and a Computer Science Project.
Modules
Year 0 (Foundation Year)
- Academic Integrity and Assessment
- Digital Foundations
- Fundamentals of Computing
- Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour
- Personal Development and Career Exploration
- Study Strategies and Academic Development
Year One (Level 4)
- Computer Systems and Internet Technologies
- Group Project
- Introduction to Databases
- Introduction to Programming
- User-Centric Design
- Web Development
Year Two (Level 5)
- Application Development
- Cloud Technologies
- Data Science
- Industry Related Project
- Information Systems Development
- Networking Technologies
Year Three (Level 6)
- Cyber Security
- Machine Learning
- IT Project Management
- Requirements Management
- Computer Science Project
Assessment
Assessment includes coursework, portfolios, practical programming tasks, open-book in-class practical exercises, database implementations and website creation. You may also complete case studies, software applications, individual and group presentations, technical reports and educational guides.
Entry requirements
Applicants aged 18 or over need a Level 3 qualification equivalent to 60 credits or 80 UCAS tariff points.
Applicants aged 21 or over who do not meet the standard entry requirements may be considered where they can show willingness and commitment to study, together with relevant academic, professional or vocational experience.
English language requirements
English language proficiency equivalent to GCSE English at grade 4/C or CEFR B1 is required. Applicants without this qualification may be able to take an English test.
Careers
This course may support progression into computing and IT roles such as Application Developer, Full Stack Developer, Front-End Developer, Mobile App Developer, Data Analyst, Big Data Engineer, AI Analyst, Data Modeller, Business Intelligence Specialist, Network Administrator, Cloud Architect, Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer or Cloud Solutions Specialist.
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