Computer Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Accredited by the British Computer Society

This course is available through Clearing

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Computer Science at Swansea is ranked UK TOP 12 for Graduate Prospects

The Complete University Guide 2022

Key Course Details

UK
International

4 Year Full Time

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

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

Accredited by the British Computer Society

This course is available through Clearing

Clearing Help and Support 0800 094 9071

Apply Through Clearing

Course Overview

5^th for satisfaction with your course by the Guardian University Guide 2021.
UK TOP 12 for Graduate Prospects by the Complete University Guide 2022.
We are ranked Top 20 in the UK for Research Excellence [Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021].
World-ranked [QS World University Rankings].
We're 5^thin the UK for Overall Satisfaction (NSS 2021)
Swansea University holds a TEF Gold award, UK Government recognition of teaching excellence.

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 different countries and disciplines.

• Within six months of leaving, 93% of graduates are either in employment or continuing their studies.

• Our diverse academic team will develop your knowledge of fundamental computer science concepts and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems.

• You will have access to dedicated computer laboratories and specialised equipment for projects, including Arduinos, smart home technologies and virtual reality headsets.

• Showcase your work at the Computer Science colloquium in Gregynog in mid-Wales and our annual Project Fair.

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

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Compulsory Modules

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

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

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

Optional Modules

Elective 0 Credit Module

Choose Exactly 0 credits from the following Modules:

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

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

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

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

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

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

AND

CSC318 / CSC345

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

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

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

AND

CSC306 / CSC348

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

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

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

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

AND

CSC318 / CSC345

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

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

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

CSC306 / CSC348

Choose Maximum Of 15 credits from the following Modules:

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

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

Entry Requirements

We have vacancies across a variety of subjects for September 2021 entry – please call our Clearing Helpline on 0800 094 9071.

We also welcome enquiries from candidates researching starting a course in 2022 - please see our Entry Requirements Page to find out typical offer ranges or get in touch by email or by telephone 01792 295111.

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	International
September 2021	£ 9,000	£ 17,150

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

Fees for full time Undergraduate 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.

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 information please see our Guide to Clearing.

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