BSc (Hons) Computing Science with a Foundation Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- G414
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
=4th
in the UK for Computer Science for Graduate Prospects - Outcomes
The Complete University Guide 202495%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
The Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
This Computing Science with a Foundation Year course is specifically designed to help you build your academic confidence. After the Foundation year, the School of Computing Sciences has several Year in Industry study and integrated Master options that you can choose from. Learn to programme the future and gain a solid foundation in a range of computing fields, including managing and storing data for banks and businesses; creating and designing action-packed games; improving web usability and user experience, or developing next- generation apps, AI, robotics, cloud computing, big data and lots, lots more. This flexible course is ideal if you’re a digital native who already lives and breathes computing. You might like solving real-world problems, or coding your next-generation apps and websites, designing your own games, or building your own hardware.
You’ll acquire a strong grounding in the theory of computing science, as well as gaining experience and skills in software engineering and problem solving. You’ll become a competent programmer in a range of modern general-purpose languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript, C and C++. You’ll explore the underlying principles of the subject and learn to adopt a logical, systematic approach to developing solutions to real-world problems. You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your studies by spending a year in industry – putting what you’ve learnt into practice and transforming theory into reality.
All our computer science courses follow an identical structure in the first two years. This means that you can easily transfer between them if you decide you want to incorporate a year abroad, a year in industry or continue to Master’s level learning. Jobs in computer sciences have one of the highest starting salaries. In core modules, you’ll cultivate the essential skills of a computing professional. And in optional modules you’ll be able to sample some of the wide range of problems that arise in both research and industry. You’ll also gain transferable skills that will help your long-term development, such as working in teams, project management and presenting ideas.
You’ll also benefit from our expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computer vision, graphics, computational biology, data science and speech processing, and software engineering and systems engineering. You’ll also learn from the latest research done at UEA.
IT industries are growing fast and provide various job opportunities each year. You can work as a software and computer games developer, data scientist, website designer or specialist in user experience (UX). You’ll also have huge career possibilities in cybersecurity, network and systems engineering.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your foundation year will give you an important grounding in computing, programming and essential mathematics before you move on to the rest of your degree. By the end of this year, you’ll:
- Understand the fundamentals of computing
- Be able to program in a high-level language
- Feel confident in mathematics for computing science
- Understand the essentials of computing for business
You can then move on to the three-year BSc in Computing Science course, where you’ll start by mastering the core material underpinning computer science.
All our computer science courses follow an identical structure in the first two years. This means that you can easily transfer onto the year abroad, year in industry, or with education programmes.
Alternatively, you could choose to follow your Foundation Year with one of the School of Computing’s other degrees.
For the years of study beyond the Foundation Year, please see the full BSc Computing Science course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – where the lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture material.
We use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas we’re focusing on. Importantly, you’ll be working with the software development tools and practices used in the industry right now, building your experience in each year. Upon graduation, you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality software for a range of platforms.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. In your final year project, you'll explore a topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)
- Written assignments (approximately 30%)
Employability
After the Course
Once you successfully finish your Foundation Year, you’ll go straight onto one of the main degree programmes within the School of Computing Sciences.
The experience you gain from this course will be valuable for many roles with a wide range of employers – particularly in the technology, finance and creative sectors, which demand technical expertise, adaptability and broad perspectives.
As a professional in this rapidly evolving sector, the ability to learn new skills is as important as what you know already. After successfully completing your degree, you’ll have the knowledge to forge an exciting career, continually learning and extending yourself.
You could go on to work as a software engineer, web or app developer, programmer, systems analyst, data scientist, artificial intelligence developer, academic/industrial researcher, entrepreneur, teacher or even researcher.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Software engineer
- Programmer
- Systems analyst
- Data scientist
- Academic/industrial researcher
- Web/App/Artificial intelligence developer
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC.
Contextual offer: CDD.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM.
Contextual offer: MMP.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: MMM.
Diploma: MM plus C at A level.
Contextual Offer: MD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A level.
Contextual Offer: M plus CD at A level.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General StudiesAccess to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4.
Scottish Highers
BBCCC.
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
CCC
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: