BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

The BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year is designed to provide a strong grounding in use of computing and IT to solve real world problems.

The programme is based around 3 themes: Technology, Software, and Data. These themes are embedded in modules each year and built upon in subsequent years, providing you with an understanding of database systems, internet technologies, data, cyber security, networking, and business information systems – all essential features for computing and IT job roles.

Course overview

On your Foundation Year, you will have the opportunity to develop academic and employability skills essential for higher education study while being introduced to key concepts in computing.

The following year of study will teach you to interpret and evaluate data relevant to computing and IT. You will learn and apply fundamental theories and concepts of this discipline to make informed decisions and assess problem-solving approaches within the themes of Technology, Software, and Data.

As you advance to Level 5, your knowledge and skills of computer science principles will extend by focusing on applying concepts and various techniques within the broader contexts of Technology, Software, and Data to solve problems in business and industry. Your learning will culminate in an industry-related project, allowing you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills learned. Additionally, you will enhance your communication abilities by presenting your findings to a diverse audience, a crucial skill for all tech roles.

In your last year, you will have the opportunity to further investigate the three core themes: Technology, Software, and Data. This further study will focus on applying computer science principles and techniques across various sectors such as business, industry, and commerce to solve problems. Your skills and knowledge will be showcased through a comprehensive project module, which will be aligned with one of the core themes. This project will challenge you to apply your learning to real-world problems, demonstrating critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technical ability.

Programme

Curriculum

Year 0 (Foundation)

Academic Integrity and Assessment (20 credits)
Digital Foundations (20 credits)
Fundamentals of Computing (20 credits)
Job Search Techniques and Professional Behaviour (20 credits)
Personal Development and Career Exploration (20 credits)
Study Strategies and Academic Development (20 credits)

Year 1

Computer Systems and internet Technologies (20 credits)
Group Project (20 credits)
Introduction to Databases (20 credits)
Introduction to Programming (20 credits)
User-Centric Design (20 credits)
Web Development (20 credits)

Year 2

Application Development (20 credits)

Cloud Technologies (20 credits)

Data Science (20 credits)

Industry Related Project (20 credits)

Information Systems Development (20 credits)

Networking Technologies (20 credits)

Year 3

Cyber Security (20 credits)

Machine Learning (20 credits)

Project Management (20 credits)

Requirements Management (20 credits)

Project (40 credits)

Assessment

This course uses an authentic assessment strategy to ensure that each module takes you into realistic real-life situations, providing a formative pathway for assessing the learning goals of both specific modules and the overall programme. The assessments in the majority of the modules allow you to use your own business ideas, therefore allowing you to receive detailed feedback and time to reflect and develop your proposals further.

Assessment on the course is designed to provide suitable opportunities for you to demonstrate a full range of knowledge, skills and competencies that are key in the business environment. Assessment methods include essays, reports, real-life simulations, presentations, projects and group debates.

You will be required to work in your own time to complete research, homework tasks or group work. Self-study is vital to your success in this course and lecturers will give you guidance on how best to approach this throughout the study period.

Assessment methods at ECBS are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based upon feedback from an External Examiner. An External Examiner is an independent academic expert from an external Higher Education Institution that acts as a safeguard to academic assessment standards.

Entry Requirement

Education

80 UCAS tariff points (or above) or 60 Credit Ofqual qualification at Level 3.

Applicants aged 21+

If applicants aged 21+ do not meet the standard entry requirements, we will also consider those with life/work skills which would make them suitable for undergraduate study with our Foundation programme.

All Applicants

All applicants are assessed by the GBS Admissions Team via interview for listening and speaking and for writing via a Personal Reflection Statement. Applicants must also be able to evidence a minimum of B1 English, either via exam taken on campus or equivalent accepted English language qualification.

Documents required:
– Application form
– Supervised Personal reflection statement
– Personal interview

Fees & Funding

Funding your study

You can apply for financial help from the government to support your studies by visiting gov.uk/studentfinance. This could take the form of a Tuition Fee Loan, Maintenance Loan or Maintenance Grant.

A Tuition Fee Loan will cover the cost of your up-front fees and will be paid to your university or college. The Tuition Fee Loan must be repaid once you have finished your course and are earning £26,575 a year or more.
If you are eligible, you can apply for a Maintenance Loan too. The Maintenance Loan is paid directly into your bank account at the start of term. The loan repayments only start once you leave your course and when your earnings are more than £26,575 a year. For more information, please visit gov.uk/studentfinance.
Maintenance Grants are paid into your bank account at the start of term. You don’t have to pay it back, but any funds you get will reduce the amount of Maintenance Loan you are eligible for.

New students must prove they have been living in the UK for five years before their course start date in order to get living cost support from Student Finance England.

Course fees

For more information on course fees, the yearly cost is shown on this course page. If you would like to discuss fees further, please call us 020 3011 2638.