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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. 

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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. 

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Intakes
September, February, June
Duration
4 years
Awarding Institution
Bath Spa University
Awarded Degree
BSc (Hons) Computing with Integrated Foundation Year
Delivery
Weekdays and/or evenings
Locations
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds
Fees
£9,250 per year

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) 

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 GBS 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.

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

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. 

  • Curriculum
  • Assessment
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees & funding

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) 

Enrolling for February 2025

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FAQs

This course provides valuable transferable skills highly sought after by employers. You will develop strong computational, essential management, and robust problem-solving skills. Crucially, you will also gain excellent digital literacy skills, vital in today's technology-driven world. The course focuses on practical application, preparing you for real-world challenges. 

GBS UK's BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year stands out due to its strong emphasis on work-based learning. This provides students with valuable practical experience tackling real-world challenges. The course also prioritises the development of highly sought-after transferable skills, including computational thinking, problem-solving, and project management, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within the IT sector. The absence of examinations allows for deeper learning through project work. 

The course includes a Foundation Year focusing on study skills, digital foundations, and computing fundamentals. Level 4 modules introduce computer systems, programming, databases, web development, and user-centric design. Level 5 delves into application development, information systems, cloud and networking technologies, and data science. Level 6 culminates in machine learning, cybersecurity, and project management modules. All levels incorporate practical projects. 

The BSc (Hons) Computing course offers valuable opportunities for students to enhance their skills and boost their career prospects through simulated work-based opportunities and projects. This provides real-world experience, enabling students to apply their theoretical knowledge within a professional environment, building a strong portfolio and networking opportunities. Furthermore, the course fosters collaboration through group projects, developing teamwork and communication skills vital for professional success. These opportunities directly contribute to enhanced graduate employability. 

A BSc (Hons) in Computing from GBS UK opens doors to many high-demand careers. Graduates are well-prepared for roles related to cyber security, data analytics, AI, IT and project support. The course's practical focus and emphasis on emerging technologies make graduates highly competitive in the job market. The diverse skills gained make graduates adaptable to a rapidly changing technological landscape. 

This course utilises a coursework-based assessment approach. There are no examinations. This method allows for in-depth exploration of concepts and the development of practical skills through hands-on projects and assignments, mirroring real-world work situations. This practical, project-focused assessment approach directly benefits graduates by building their portfolio of skills. 

The course incorporates work-based learning, engaging students with real-life issues relevant to their chosen field. This hands-on approach enhances practical skills, strengthens problem-solving capabilities, and provides valuable experience to showcase to potential employers. The experience gained through work-based learning boosts employability and provides a clear advantage in the job market. 

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What our students say

“

It’s my first year here. I chose this university because it gave me the opportunity to have choice. I study two days per week - it’s very flexible. It makes it easy to study.

Manea Bianca Stefana

The campus is very new and comfortable. One of the best I saw. I like because I can work – I have a child and I can study and I can work and be with my family. This is very good for me. Because I have lived in this country only second year and English is a new language for me, when I study here I can teach my child at home new words.

Elena Todorova

My favourite part of studying here is because its close and the class sizes are small. I can have more interaction with the teacher and ask questions. I enjoy learning here - the teachers are friendly and they explain everything well.

Raimon Larrainzer Make
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“

It’s my first year here. I chose this university because it gave me the opportunity to have choice. I study two days per week - it’s very flexible. It makes it easy to study.

Manea Bianca Stefana
“

The campus is very new and comfortable. One of the best I saw. I like because I can work – I have a child and I can study and I can work and be with my family. This is very good for me. Because I have lived in this country only second year and English is a new language for me, when I study here I can teach my child at home new words.

Elena Todorova
“

My favourite part of studying here is because its close and the class sizes are small. I can have more interaction with the teacher and ask questions. I enjoy learning here - the teachers are friendly and they explain everything well.

Raimon Larrainzer Make

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