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Computer Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

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Accredited by the British Computer Society
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Applying as a UK or EU student?

All UK and EU based students should apply through UCAS

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Student in the Maker Lab

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

The Complete University Guide 2021

Key Course Details

  • UK
  • EU
  • International
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
tef gold logo

Course Overview

  • 5th 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’.

Programme Disclaimer

Undergraduate Prospectus

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Guaranteed offer for 2020*

Welsh Medium Study

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Programme Specification

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

5 reasons to study Computer Science at Swansea
Our Computer science student Nothando takes us on a tour of the facilities
A Day in the Life of our student Mikaela

Student profiles

Genalyn

"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 CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
CSC005 Period September-January15Computational Probability
CSC061 Period September-January15Introduction to Programming
CSC079 Period September-January15Fundamentals of Robotics
MA-006 Period September-January15Fundamental Mathematics
CS-081 Period January-June15Computational Problem Solving
CS-099 Period January-June15Computers Unplugged
CSC009 Period January-June15Technologies for Information Presentation
MA-004 Period January-June15Fundamental Geometry

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
CS-110 Period September-January15Programming 1
CS-130 Period September-January15Professional Issues 1: Computers and Society
CS-150 Period September-January15Concepts of Computer Science 1
CS-170 Period September-January15Modelling Computing Systems 1
CS-115 Period January-June15Programming 2
CS-135 Period January-June15Professional Issues 2: Software Development
CS-155 Period January-June15Concepts of Computer Science 2
CS-175 Period January-June15Modelling Computing Systems 2

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
CS-205 Period September-January15Declarative Programming
CS-230 Period September-January15Software Engineering
CS-250 Period September-January15Database Systems
CS-270 Period September-January15Algorithms
CS-200 Period January-June15Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
CS-210 Period January-June15Concurrency
CS-255 Period January-June15Computer Graphics
CS-275 Period January-June15Automata and Formal Language Theory
Optional Modules
Elective 0 Credit Module 

Choose Exactly 0 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
CS-203Academic Year0Professional Development and Career Planning

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
CSP354 Period September-June15Computer Science Project Specification and Development
Optional Modules
BScProject 

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
CSP302 Period September-June15Computer Science Project Dissertation
CSP344 Period September-June15Computer Science Project Implementation and Dissertation
AND
 

Choose Exactly 90 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
CSC306 Period September-January15Writing Mobile Apps
CSC309 Period September-June15Invention and Innovation in Computing
CSC313 Period September-January15High Integrity Systems
CSC318 Period September-January15Cryptography and IT-Security
CSC345 Period September-January15Big Data and Machine Learning
CSC348 Period September-January15Web Application Development
CSC372 Period September-January15Optimisation
CSC375 Period September-January15Logic for Computer Science
CSC390 Period September-January15Teaching Computing via a School Placement
CSC325 Period January-June15Artificial Intelligence
CSC337 Period January-June15Data Visualisation
CSC349 Period January-June15User Experience
CSC364 Period January-June15Software Testing
CSC368 Period January-June15Embedded System Design
CSC371 Period January-June15Advanced Object Oriented Programming
CSC384 Period January-June15Introduction to Video Games Programming
CSC385 Period January-June15Modelling and Verification Techniques

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 6/B 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.  

 LIVESELF-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

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study this subject through the medium of Welsh and our dedicated academy, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

  • An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
  • The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.
  • Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
  • Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
  • 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 tutor.
  • 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.

To see further details about the level of provision delivered in Welsh on this particular degree scheme, please see the Welsh-language course page for further information.

Since 2011, there has been a 40% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our TEF* data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers in regards to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

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

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. To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages.

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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Apply

Where are you applying from?

Applying as a UK or EU student?

All UK and EU based students should apply through UCAS

Go to UCAS

Applying as an international student?

We have a direct Apply System which makes application easy and fast for international students.

Go to Apply System

International students may also apply through UCAS

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