BSc (Hons) Computing Science with a Foundation Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- G414
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
=4th
in the UK for Computer Science for Graduate Prospects - Outcomes
The Complete University Guide 202495%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
The Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Learn to build a better future by studying computing. In this flexible BSc Computing Science course, you’ll gain a solid foundation in many areas of computing. You’ll explore topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), neural networks, data management for banks and businesses, and even how to design engaging video games. You’ll also learn how to improve web experiences, develop next-generation apps, work with robotics, use cloud computing and big data, and much more.
This Computing Science course is perfect for digital natives who love computers. If you enjoy solving real-world problems by writing code, designing websites, creating your own games, or even building hardware, this course is for you. You’ll learn the basic theories behind computing and gain practical experience in software engineering and problem solving. You’ll master several programming languages like Java, Python, JavaScript, C, and C++, and learn to use modern tools such as TensorFlow and Unity. These skills will help you think logically and develop practical solutions.
Our teaching At UEA is informed by world-leading research in areas such as AI, machine learning, computer vision, graphics, data science, and more.
This BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year course is specifically designed to help you build your academic confidence. After the foundation year, you can decide to study abroad, spend a year in industry, or pursue a Master’s degree. You’ll build essential skills as a computing professional through core modules and can explore a range of topics in optional modules. Along the way, you’ll also develop transferable skills such as teamwork, project management, and effective communication.
With IT industries growing fast, this course opens up many career opportunities, including roles in software development, game design, data science, cybersecurity, network engineering, and many other exciting fields.
Study and Modules
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’ll:
- 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 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 full BSc Computing Science course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
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'll explore a topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Assessment
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.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)
- Written assignments (approximately 30%)
Employability
After the Course
Once you successfully finish your foundation year, you’ll go straight onto one of the main degree programmes within the School of Computing Sciences.
The experience you gain from this course will be valuable for many roles with a wide range of employers – particularly in the technology, finance and creative sectors, which demand technical expertise, adaptability and broad perspectives.
As a professional in this rapidly evolving sector, the ability to learn new skills is as important as what you know already. After successfully completing your degree, you’ll have the knowledge to forge an exciting career, continually learning and extending yourself.
You could go on to work as a software engineer, web or app developer, programmer, systems analyst, data scientist, artificial intelligence developer, academic/industrial researcher, entrepreneur, teacher or even researcher.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Software engineer
- Programmer
- Systems analyst
- Data scientist
- Academic/industrial researcher
- Web/App/Artificial intelligence developer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC.
Contextual offer: CDD.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM.
Contextual offer: MMP.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Pass. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall.
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4.
Scottish Highers
BBCCC.
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Progression from a Foundation Year may also be dependent on meeting the prerequisite module requirements of the course you wish to progress to. Please note subsequent changes to study or course can affect your tuition fee liability and the amount you are required to pay.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
CCC
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall
- English 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. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Progression from a Foundation Year may also be dependent on meeting the prerequisite module requirements of the course you wish to progress to. Please note subsequent changes to study or course can affect your tuition fee liability and the amount you are required to pay.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: