Computer Science Foundation degree Course overview
The Foundation route will allow you to improve your computing skills and acclimatise to University teaching and assessment styles, with a view to joining one of our Computer Science, Games Technology, Cyber Security and Data Science degrees the following year.
Although the computer science foundation year does not confer an official award, successful completion will enable entry onto one of City's Computer Science courses, including:
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Computer Science with Games Technology
- MSci Computer Science
- MSci Computer Science with Games Technology
- MSci Computer Science with Cyber Security
- MSci Data Science.
A range of Computer Science modules will develop your understanding of the fundamentals, your programming skills and building web applications. Mathematics modules will ensure you have the logical and analytic skills for more advanced theoretical Computer Science topics.
Finally, you will receive training on basic employability and transferable skills.
Elective modules in your third year let you tailor your degree to your developing interests, such as computer vision, AI and advanced game technology.
- Develop systematic knowledge of computer science, with a focus on how software and programming can be used to solve real-world problems
- Learn to evaluate solutions to computer science problems
- Develop commercially valuable skills for your future career
- Work with City’s internationally renowned research groups to develop knowledge at the forefront of computing science
- Acquire state-of-the-art approaches to a wide variety of technologies
- Learn to code creatively and use programming languages accurately
- Study in City’s computing labs, which include the latest hardware and software, such as state-of-art NVidia GPUs
- Boost your expertise and employability with an optional one-year work placement
- Gain three years of professional experience with our innovative Professional Pathway Scheme, combining paid employment and study.
Structure
Course content
In your foundation year you will develop your understanding for the fundamentals of Computer Science with six core modules introducing you to the basics.
Introduction to Programming with Python
The aim of this module is to provide you with familiarity of the principles of procedural computer programming. You will learn programming concepts, structures, and methods and be able to design and code simple programs and debug (error correct) them using Python; a high-level computer programming language.
Web Development
The aim of this module is to teach you the basic principles that underlie internet applications, as well as techniques and technology used in the design and construction of web sites. You will learn how to construct interactive websites using industry standard technologies such as HTML and CSS, and be able to design and build websites that provide a good user experience.
Computer Fundamentals
The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to the principles and technologies that underlie computers and computer systems. You will learn how computer hardware and software operates, how information is represented digitally, how to use operating systems and how to use computer systems safely and securely.
Discrete Mathematics
The aim of this module is to consolidate your knowledge of the mathematics of objects that are not continuous but can be counted. Topics include the integers (whole numbers), set theory, graph theory and the study and proof of logical statements.
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
The aim of this module is to provide you with familiarity of fundamental statistical techniques and an understanding of their application in practice, along with the theory of probability which underlies them.
Employability and Transferable Skills
The aim of this module is to help you gain a better understanding of your future career options as a Computer Science student, and to provide you with a toolbox of useful transferable kills, both for choosing and entering a suitable future career and for succeeding in your University studies.
Teaching and assessment
The Foundation Programme employs continuous assessment based around frequent class tests and group work.
Students can also expect a higher number of contact hours per week (around 14 hours) in the form of teaching and tutorials, than in the subsequent years of our Computer Science degrees where self-study plays a larger part.
Assessment methods
You will be assessed using a variety of methods including examinations, coursework and practical skills.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2018/19 entry is as follows:
Foundation year
50% written, 50% coursework.
Fees and funding
Fees for year 2023/24
UK
£9,250
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2023/24 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase in the region of 5%.
Funding options
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2022/23 academic year only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase which is normally 2%.
- Fee waivers are available for this course.
- Means tested support is available for 2022/23 entry.
Additional expenses
Future Finance offers students loans of between £2,500 and £40,000 to help cover tuition fees and living expenses. All students and courses are considered. All loans are subject to credit checks and approval for further details please visit our finance pages.
Additional expenses
Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.
Career
Software and programming are growth areas where qualified graduates are in demand. This broad-ranging degree keeps your career options open and could lead to roles such as:
- Software Engineer
- Mobile Application Developer
- Systems Architect.
Our recent Computer Science graduates have joined employers such as:
- Visa
- IBM
- Apple
- Metro Bank
- TATA Consultancy
- Avast
- Expedia Group.
City's Computer Science degree is accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), exempting you from their professional examinations and offering a pathway to chartered status.
How to apply
Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
This course is not currently accepting applications.
Please note, this course is only available to those who we would classify as Home students. Please contact us if you are unclear about your fee status. For overseas students who do not meet the entry requirements for year 1 entry, we recommend our affiliated foundation course providers - INTO City, University of London.
You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.
You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.
Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.
UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.
You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £26.50 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £22.
Admission enquiries
For general enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office:
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.
Telephone lines are currently open between 10am - 3pm.
If your enquiry is about admission to a particular course, please use the contact details provided on the course page.
When to apply
Your application for entry in September 2023 should arrive at UCAS between September 2022 and 25th January 2023. Applications that arrive after 25th January 2023 will be considered only at City's discretion.
Contacting UCAS
Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ
Telephone:
- from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
- from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468
For callers with hearing difficulties:
- from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
- from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.
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Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.