Computer Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Accredited by the British Computer Society

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Computer Science at Swansea is ranked UK TOP 10 for Graduate Prospects

The Complete University Guide 2021

Key Course Details

4 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: G401
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): CCC-CCD
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 9,000

4 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: G401
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): CCC-CCD
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 17,150

4 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: G401
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: CCC-CCD - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 17,150

Accredited by the British Computer Society

Course Overview

5^th for satisfaction with your course by the Guardian University Guide 2021.
UK TOP 10 for Graduate Prospects by the Complete University Guide 2021.
We are ranked Top 20 in the UK for Research Excellence [Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021].
World-ranked [QS World University Rankings].

This Foundation Year option is suitable if you do not have the relevant qualifications to directly start the three-year BSc in Computer Science or BSc Software Engineering programmes. Its content will prepare you and enable you to experience other science subjects at Swansea.

When you continue to the full Computer Science degree, it will put you on course for highly specialised and dynamic careers in software engineering, big data and data science, security analysis or emerging technologies.

Why Computer Science with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

Computer Science at Swansea University has an excellent reputation and major appeal to students from far and wide.

Within six months of leaving, 93% of graduates are either in employment or continuing their studies.
Your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned academics including Professor Matt Jones, whose passion is empowering rural digital communities in the developing world and in the UK.
Swansea University holds a TEF Gold award, UK Government recognition of teaching excellence.

Your Computer Science with a Foundation Year Experience

A flexibly structured degree path means you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year or work in industry for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas.

Our £32.5 million Computational Foundry is home to state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities which include a Vision and Biometric Lab, Maker Lab, Theory Lab, Cyber Security/Networking Lab, User Lab and Visualisation Suite.

Students will benefit from world-leading experimental set-ups, equipment, devices and prototypes to accelerate innovation. You will have the opportunity to learn about and work with these facilities.

Computer Science with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

Our graduates have become: Analyst Developers, Business analysts, Computer Programmers, Electronic Engineers, Graphic Designers, Software Developers and Machine Learning Engineers with companies that include IBM, Google, Disney, Facebook, Microsoft and Sony.

We hold an annual ‘Project Fair’, giving students the chance to display their third year projects to leading Industry experts. Companies such as Google often visit our students to give lectures on ‘how to get a job with tech giants’.

5 reasons to study Computer Science at Swansea

Take a tour of our facilities

A day in the life of our Computer Science student Mikaela

Student profiles

"I received amazing support from the lecturers as well as other staff members. Everyone was friendly and went out of their way to help."

Genalyn Estrada, MEng Computing, Salesforce Developer, Slalom

Modules

You will study the following set of compulsory modules in the early stages of the degree, before specialising according to your own interests in later stages, leading to a dissertation and large scientific project.

Year 0 (Level 3)

Entry Level 3 / Foundation Year

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSC005	Period September-January	15	Computational Probability
CSC061	Period September-January	15	Introduction to Programming
CSC079	Period September-January	15	Fundamentals of Robotics
MA-006	Period September-January	15	Fundamental Mathematics
CS-081	Period January-June	15	Computational Problem Solving
CS-099	Period January-June	15	Computers Unplugged
CSC009	Period January-June	15	Technologies for Information Presentation
MA-004	Period January-June	15	Fundamental Geometry

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CS-110	Period September-January	15	Programming 1
CS-130	Period September-January	15	Professional Issues 1: Computers and Society
CS-150	Period September-January	15	Concepts of Computer Science 1
CS-170	Period September-January	15	Modelling Computing Systems 1
CS-115	Period January-June	15	Programming 2
CS-135	Period January-June	15	Professional Issues 2: Software Development
CS-155	Period January-June	15	Concepts of Computer Science 2
CS-175	Period January-June	15	Modelling Computing Systems 2

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CS-205	Period September-January	15	Declarative Programming
CS-230	Period September-January	15	Software Engineering
CS-250	Period September-January	15	Database Systems
CS-270	Period September-January	15	Algorithms
CS-200	Period January-June	15	Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
CS-210	Period January-June	15	Concurrency
CS-255	Period January-June	15	Computer Graphics
CS-275	Period January-June	15	Automata and Formal Language Theory

Optional Modules

Elective 0 Credit Module

Choose Exactly 0 credits from the following Modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
CS-203	Academic Year	0	Professional Development and Career Planning

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSP354	Period September-June	15	Computer Science Project Specification and Development

Optional Modules

Project Modules

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose CSP344 if you are doing a Technical Project. Choose CSP302 if you are doing a Non-Technical Project.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
CSP302	Period September-June	15	Computer Science Project Dissertation
CSP344	Period September-June	15	Computer Science Project Implementation and Dissertation

AND

September to June (Year-Long) Modules

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You may choose to make no selection in this section.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
CSC309	Period September-June	15	Invention and Innovation in Computing

AND

September to January Modules

Choose Maximum Of 45 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : The maximum credit limit applies to the modules in this section and also the CSC306/CSC348 and CSC318/CSC345 sub-sections.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSC313	Period September-January	15	High Integrity Systems
CSC368	Period September-January	15	Embedded System Design
CSC372	Period September-January	15	Optimisation
CSC385	Period September-January	15	Modelling and Verification Techniques
CSC390	Period September-January	15	Teaching Computing via a School Placement

AND

CSC318 / CSC345

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You may choose to make no selection in this section.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
CSC318	Period September-January	15	Cryptography and IT-Security
CSC345	Period September-January	15	Big Data and Machine Learning

AND

CSC306 / CSC348

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You may choose to make no selection in this section.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
CSC306	Period September-January	15	Writing Mobile Apps
CSC348	Period September-January	15	Web Application Development

AND

January to June Modules

Choose Maximum Of 45 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : The maximum credit limit applies to the modules in this section and also the CSC306/CSC348 and CSC318/CSC345 sub-sections.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSC325	Period January-June	15	Artificial Intelligence
CSC349	Period January-June	15	User Experience
CSC364	Period January-June	15	Software Testing
CSC371	Period January-June	15	Advanced Object Oriented Programming
CSC375	Period January-June	15	Logic for Computer Science
CSC384	Period January-June	15	Introduction to Video Games Programming

AND

CSC318 / CSC345

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You may choose to make no selection in this section.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
CSC318	Period January-June	15	Cryptography and IT-Security
CSC345	Period January-June	15	Big Data and Machine Learning

CSC306 / CSC348

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You may choose to make no selection in this section.

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name	Guidance
CSC306	Period January-June	15	Writing Mobile Apps
CSC348	Period January-June	15	Web Application Development

Entry Requirements

Offers for our main degree programmes are around AAB-BBB at A-level or DDD for BTEC. Our MEng and MSci programmes have one grade higher entry. Entry offers for our foundation year will be CCC at A-level or DMM at BTEC. We exclude General Studies, Key Skills and reject or make higher offers to some subject combinations.

BTEC students: BTEC extended diploma must be either Computing or Information Technology.

We require GCSE Mathematics Grade 5/C or higher, or AS level Mathematics. Unfortunately, GCSE Maths-Numeracy is not accepted to replace GCSE Mathematics in our entry requirement. If you are re-sitting your GCSE Mathematics, please state this on your application form so that we can include as a condition of the offer.

We also require GCSE English Grade 4/C.

How You're Taught

Teaching during Covid19

Teaching block one (TB1) runs from September until January and during this block, for this year, this course will be taught in a ‘blended’ way. This means that some teaching will be done online and some will be on campus. The online teaching, where you will be physically apart from your lecturer, can be ‘live’ with your lecturer present and where you’ll be able to interact. Some of it may be self-directed which means that you can access the learning materials at a time to suit you.

The exact mix of these activities will vary by discipline and year; not all activities will be used in all cases.

	LIVE	SELF-DIRECTED
ON-LINE	Lectures Online computer labs Some academic mentoring Office hours	Lecture material videos Independent study Formative tests Supporting Assessments
ON-CAMPUS	Most Computer labs Small group seminars Academic mentoring in groups Project supervision	Group work (Year 2) Projects ( Year 3 and 4)

This course offers some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' rights to use the Welsh Language.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh once you leave school or college is a natural step for you and a way of ensuring your chances of getting the best education. The smaller class sizes will provide you with a great opportunity for support. It will also be a valuable addition to your CV and career development. Opportunities are available for students who are fluent and confident in the language as well as for those who are less confident or who are learners. It is also possible to choose Welsh-medium seminar and tutorial classes for modules taught primarily through the medium of English.

Professional Body Accreditation

The BSc in Computer Science with Integrated Foundation is accredited by the British Computer Society, and allows graduates to join immediately as professional members.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will join our Computer Science community, bring taught by world-leading lecturers ho are all passionate about their research working towards the United Nations Sustainable Goals to shape the world for the better. Our research areas include Crypto currencies, data security, cyberterrorism and Future interaction technologies.

Professor Arnold Beckmann Head of Department

Dr Monika Seisenberger Programme Director

Dr Phillip James Admissions Tutor

See all our Computer Science staff

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	EU	International
September 2020	£ 9,000	£ 9,000	£ 16,650
September 2021	£ 9,000	£ 17,150	£ 17,150

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

EU Transitional Bursary available for September 2021.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

The tuition fees do not cover the costs of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis binding or photocopying costs.

There are no mandatory additional costs specified for this course.

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Our Computer Science graduates are set on course for a range of stimulating opportunities. Our graduates have enjoyed roles in companies such as IBM, Google, Disney and Sony.

You may find your future lies in a role as a software designer, engineer or tester. You might work as a data scientist or in smartphone technology. Such is the pace of technological progress, you might even specialise in an emerging area which is not yet fully recognised.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep.They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both academic mentoring and peer mentoring. All students on our undergraduate courses are assigned an Academic Mentor, who will offer you not only Academic Guidance, but advice on finding and accessing help with personal issues. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all colleges. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as China, Zambia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Computer Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

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