Intakes
October, February, June
October, February, June
Bath Spa University
4 years
Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, London
During 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 through the study of foundational computing and professional development modules.
At Level 4 of study, the programme emphasises interpreting and evaluating data relevant to computing and IT. You will learn and apply fundamental theories and concepts of the discipline to make informed decisions, assess problem-solving approaches, effectively communicate ideas to a non-computing audience and engage in work-based group project learning.
At Level 5, you will extend your knowledge and skills of computer science principles, focusing on applying concepts and techniques within the broader contexts of technology, software and data to solve problems in business and industry. Your learning will culminate in creating, presenting and demonstrating products or services for an industry-related project.
At Level 6, you will focus on advanced computer science principles across business, industry and commerce. You will critically assess problem-solving methods, develop expertise in high-demand areas like machine learning, cybersecurity and programming and showcase your expertise through a comprehensive double-module project aligned with a core theme.
All modules you complete are 20 credits, unless otherwise stated.
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cyber Security | 20 credits |
| Machine Learning | 20 credits |
| IT Project Management | 20 credits |
| Requirements Management | 20 credits |
| Computer Science Project | 40 credits |
Please note: The modules listed are those currently offered and may be subject to change during our ongoing review processes. However, the core learning outcomes and themes will remain largely consistent.
Assessment on the course is designed to provide suitable opportunities for all students to demonstrate a full range of knowledge, skills and competences that are key in computing , information technology, and software contexts. Assessment methods include portfolios, educational guides, practical programming tasks, open-book in-class practical exercises, database implementations, website creation, case studies, software applications, individual and group presentations and technical reports.
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, in line with developments in the subject area or based upon feedback from an External Examiner. An External Examiner is an independent academic expert from a Higher Education Institution that acts as a safeguard to academic standards.
Applicants Must be Aged 18+ and:
Applicants Aged 21+:
We welcome applications from students 21+ who do not
match the standard entry requirements but who can demonstrate willingness and commitment to studying
this subject, and who can evidence academic, professional or vocational experience in a related field.
Have the following English qualification: GCSE grade 4/C or CEFR B1. If you do not have this
qualification, you can carry out an English test provided at a GBS campus.
Next Steps:
1) Please fill out an application form by clicking on the ‘Apply
Now’ button on this page.
2) Send your supporting documents when requested by GBS.
3) A panel
interview takes place to assess listening and speaking skills. You’ll also be tested on your writing via
a personal reflection statement.
4) GBS makes a final decision on your application.
| Course name | Fees for New and Existing Students from August 2026 |
| BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year - (BSU) | £9,790 (per year) |
Following the Government’s announcement that Undergraduate tuition fees for UK Undergraduate students will change for students enrolling or re-enrolling after 1 August 2026 GBS has updated the Fees information, as shown above.
Tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years, both for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by the government.
Funding Your Study
You may be able to borrow money from the UK Government to help pay your tuition fees and to help with
your living costs while studying.
This could take the form of a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the
cost of your tuition fees, and/or a Maintenance Loan to support you with living costs whilst
studying.
Please visit our Fees & Funding
page for more information.
After completing the degree, you will be prepared for a wide spectrum of professional roles, laying a robust foundation for a career in the dynamic and high-demand computing and IT industry. The course addresses critical skills gaps in modern workforces. You could consider diverse career paths in areas such as:
Software and web development: Application Developer, Full Stack Developer, Front-End Developer and Mobile App Developer.
Data Science and analytics: Data Analyst, Big Data Engineer, AI Analyst, Data Modeller and Business Intelligence Specialist.
Network and cloud engineering: Network Administrator, Cloud Architect, Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer and Cloud Solutions Specialist.
Cyber security: Cybersecurity Analyst, Vulnerability Assessor, Incident Response Manager, Penetration Tester and IT Security Consultant.
IT Project and systems management: IT Project Manager, Requirements Manager, Business Systems Analyst, Scrum Master and Agile Consultant.
This course provides valuable transferable and technical skills highly sought after by employers. You will develop strong computational, essential management, digital, academic 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 practice-based learning with access to industry-standard resources, preparing you effectively for real-world challenges and global settings while keeping sustainability, ethics and professionalism in mind.
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 aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SFIA skills framework. 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 reliance on authentic, coursework-led assessments over traditional exams 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 (including a placement option), 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. The optional placement year within the Networking Technologies module at Level 5 is a significant highlight. 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 by addressing clear gaps in the contemporary technological workforce. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in cybersecurity, applications development, large dataset management, data analytics, cloud computing and machine learning architectures. 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 practice-focused, summative coursework-based assessment approach complemented by progressive formative exercises. There are no examinations. This method allows for in-depth exploration of concepts and the development of practical skills through hands-on projects, educational guides, portfolios of evidence, system demonstrations and recorded individual presentations based on collaborative group work.
The course incorporates a structured work-based learning journey across all tiers, beginning at the foundation level with professional behaviour development. This scales to practical industry simulations and tool demonstrations at Level 4, standard industry-led workshops and an Industry Related Project at Level 5, and an advanced collaborative capstone project at Level 6. This hands-on approach enhances practical skills, strengthens problem-solving capabilities, and provides valuable experience to showcase to potential employers and assists you in building lasting industry connections.
All our courses/classes are subject to availability.
All our courses/classes are subject to availability.