BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year

Key details

BSC COMPUTING SCIENCE WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR

Start Year

2022

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

G414

Entry Requirements

CCC

Duration (years)

Learn to program the future and prepare to excel in a range of computing fields, from the information systems of banks and businesses, to the creativity of gaming and web design, to AI, robotics, cloud computing, big data and lots, lots more.

If you’re a digital native who lives and breathes computing, but you don’t yet meet the academic requirements of our degree programmes, this course is for you. On your Foundation Year you’ll gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed for undergraduate level study, all within a nurturing, supportive environment.

Once you’ve successfully completed your Foundation Year, you’ll be able to progress to the BSc Computing Science. Depending on your grades you may also be able to switch to one of our other computing degrees.

About

If you’re passionate about a computing degree, but don’t have the academic qualifications to start immediately, this course is designed for you. We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds. You might have A levels, Access, BTEC, or professional qualifications – or a variety of equivalent alternatives. Maybe you’ve got the right subjects, but didn’t get the grades – or perhaps you’ve got work experience rather than formal qualifications. It all counts.

On the BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year, you will follow the same programme as Computer Science, but you’ll do a foundation year first to equip you with the computing and maths expertise you’ll need to succeed in subsequent years.

Once you’ve completed your foundation year, depending on your grades, you can progress to any of the undergraduate degree courses within UEA’s School of Computing Sciences.

Studying with us means that you will benefit from our research-led approach to teaching and our fantastic facilities, ensuring that you will learn in the most up-to-date environment.

During your foundation year, you will have an average of 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars – though this may vary depending on your module choices. Additionally, you will spend around 25 hours a week studying independently and working on coursework assignments and projects.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll be assessed by a combination of:

Examination (approximately 30%)

Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)

Written assignments (approximately 30%)

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 will: 

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 of 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 course pages specific to those degree programmes.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

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 will explore a topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 4

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. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there is an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.

You’ll be assessed by a combination of:

Examination (typically 20%)

Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 25%)

Project (30%)

Written assignments (typically 25%)

Structure

You’ll undertake an independent research project investigating a specialist area in more depth with one-to-one support from your academic supervisor. You will also select several optional modules from a range that reflect the School’s research interests and strengths.

All of 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 on to Master’s level learning.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

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 will explore a topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.

Admissions Live Chat

Open Days

Year 0

Compulsory Modules (80 credits)

FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING 1

Code CMP-3002A Credits 20

In taking this module you will learn about a wide range of topics that are fundamental to computing science. You will study areas such as history of computing, the binary system, logic circuits, fetch and execute cycles as well as components that made up of modern computer systems. Internet related technologies will also be covered. In the practical work for the module you will use a range of tools and techniques appropriate to the topic being studied.

FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING 2

Code CMP-3006B Credits 20

This module follows on from Foundations of Computing 1. You will learn about a further range of topics that are fundamental to computing science. You will study areas such as database design, accessing databases via dynamic websites, an introduction to machine code, machine learning and an introduction to higher level languages.

INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMMING

Code CMP-3005A Credits 20

Introductory Programming introduces a number of programming concepts at the start of your programming career, using a modern programming language common to many digital industries. We structure learning through lectures, delivering core materials, and tutor supported exercises to reinforce learning, and to prepare students for programming in their following studies.

INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMS DESIGN

Code CMP-3007B Credits 20

In taking this module you will learn how information systems are used in business. You will be introduced to the concept of the lifecycle approach to systems development and basic systems analysis and design techniques using a top down, functional decomposition approach.

Options Range A (20 credits)

BASIC MATHEMATICS I

Code MTHB3001A Credits 20

Taught by lectures and seminars to bring students from Maths GCSE towards A-level standard, this module covers several algebraic topics including functions, polynomials and quadratic equations. Trigonometry is approached both geometrically up to Sine and Cosine Rule and as a collection of waves and other functions. The main new topic is Differential Calculus including the Product and Chain Rules. We will also introduce Integral Calculus and apply it to areas. Students should have a strong understanding of GCSE Mathematics.

INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS

Code MTHB3005A Credits 20

This is a course in mathematics for students who have studied Maths at GCSE level gaining a grade B/C or equivalent and/or more than two years ago. The course includes some AS level material relevant to science. This module is reserved for students on the Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, Environmental Science or Computing Foundation Years.

Options Range B (20 credits)

BASIC MATHEMATICS II

Code MTHB3002B Credits 20

Following MTHB3001A (Basic Mathematics I), this module brings students up to the standard needed to begin year one of a range of degree courses. The first half covers Integral Calculus including Integration by Parts and Substitution. Trigonometric identities, polynomial expressions, partial fractions and exponential functions are explored, all with the object of integrating a wider range of functions. The second half of the module is split into two: Complex Numbers and Vectors. We will meet and use the imaginary number i (the square root of negative one), represent it on a diagram, solve equations using it and link it to trigonometry and exponential functions. Strange but true: imaginary numbers are useful in the real world. The last section is practical rather than abstract too; we will be looking at three dimensional position and movement and solving geometric problems through vector techniques.

FURTHER MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS

Code MTHB3006B Credits 20

This module is ideal for you if you are studying a Science Faculty degree with a Foundation Year or Computing with a Foundation Year and have completed study of the module Introductory Mathematics for Scientists. You will build on the knowledge gained during the Mathematics for Scientists introduction module and advance your skills.

For further years' module information please check out our BSc Computing Science.

Important Information:

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

CCC. Science A-Levels must include a Pass in the practical element.

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable pathways: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Digital Production, Design and Development or Education and Childcare

BTEC

MMM

Scottish highers

BBCCC

Scottish highers advanced

DDD

Irish leaving certificate

6 subjects at H4

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.

European Baccalaureate

60%

International Baccalaureate

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.  Science A Levels must include a pass in the practical element.

We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds.  If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements. 

If you are currently studying your level 3 qualifications, we may be able to give you a reduced grade offer based on these circumstances: 

• You live in an area with low progression to higher education (we use Polar 4, quintile 1 & 2 data) 

• You will be 21 years of age or over at the start of the course 

• You have been in Local Authority care  

• You are studying at a school which our Outreach Team are working closely with.

Alternative Entry Requirements

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level. 

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

Students for whom english is a 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. Please click here to see our full list. 

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time. 

Gap year

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.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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What's a Foundation Year?

Find out why they could be a great opportunity for you.

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Course Reference Number: 4479150

BSc COMPUTING SCIENCE WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR