Computer Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Accredited by the British Computer Society

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11th in the UK for Student Satisfaction

(Complete University Guide 2023)

Key Course Details

4 Year Full Time With a Foundation

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

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 9,000

4 Year Full Time With a Foundation

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

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 18,550

Accredited by the British Computer Society

Course Overview

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 is ranked 11th in the UK for Student Satisfaction [Complete University Guide 2023]
Top 300 in the QS World University Rankings 2023
100% world leading and internationally excellent ratings for research impact - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
90% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

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 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	September-January	15	CS-150
Modelling Computing Systems 1	September-January	15	CS-170
Programming 2	January-June	15	CS-115
Professional Issues 2: Software Development	January-June	15	CS-135
Introduction to Data Science	January-June	15	CS-165
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 Zero Credit Module

Choose Exactly 0 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students may choose to select this additional zero credit module.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Professional Development and Career Planning	Academic Year	0	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 Implementation and Dissertation	September-June	15	CSP344
Computer Science Project Specification and Development	September-June	15	CSP354

Optional Modules

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. You cannot take both CSC306 and CSC306B in the same Academic Year. The same rule applies to CSC348/CSC348B, CSC318/CSC318B and CSC345/CSC345B.

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

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	September-January	15	CSC306
Web Application Development	September-January	15	CSC348	If you are planning to study MSc Cyber Security but decide to enroll onto CSC318/ CSC318B and CSC348/CSC348B at Year 3 then you will not be eligible to graduate with a certified degree in MSc Cyber Security as these modules need to be studied as part of the degree scheme. MSc Cyber Security is a certified degree in association with National Cyber Security Centre. Should you have any questions about this, please contact the MSc Coordinator.

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	September-January	15	CSC318	If you are planning to study MSc Cyber Security but decide to enroll onto CSC318/ CSC318B and CSC348/CSC348B at Year 3 then you will not be eligible to graduate with a certified degree in MSc Cyber Security as these modules need to be studied as part of the degree scheme. MSc Cyber Security is a certified degree in association with National Cyber Security Centre. Should you have any questions about this, please contact the MSc Coordinator.
Big Data and Machine Learning	September-January	15	CSC345

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 CSC306B/CSC348B and CSC318B/CSC345B sub-sections. You cannot take both CSC306 and CSC306B in the same Academic Year. The same rule applies to CSC348/CSC348B, CSC318/CSC318B and CSC345/CSC345B.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Invention and Innovation in Computing	September-June	15	CSC309
Artificial Intelligence	January-June	15	CSC325
Data Visualisation	January-June	15	CSC337
User Experience	January-June	15	CSC349
Software Testing	January-June	15	CSC364
Advanced Object-Oriented Programming	January-June	15	CSC371
Logic for Computer Science	January-June	15	CSC375
Introduction to Video Games Programming	January-June	15	CSC384

AND

CSC306B / CSC348B

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	January-June	15	CSC306B
Web Application Development	January-June	15	CSC348B	If you are planning to study MSc Cyber Security but decide to enroll onto CSC318/ CSC318B and CSC348/CSC348B at Year 3 then you will not be eligible to graduate with a certified degree in MSc Cyber Security as these modules need to be studied as part of the degree scheme. MSc Cyber Security is a certified degree in association with National Cyber Security Centre. Should you have any questions about this, please contact the MSc Coordinator.

AND

CSC318B / CSC345B

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	January-June	15	CSC318B	If you are planning to study MSc Cyber Security but decide to enroll onto CSC318/ CSC318B and CSC348/CSC348B at Year 3 then you will not be eligible to graduate with a certified degree in MSc Cyber Security as these modules need to be studied as part of the degree scheme. MSc Cyber Security is a certified degree in association with National Cyber Security Centre. Should you have any questions about this, please contact the MSc Coordinator.
Big Data and Machine Learning	January-June	15	CSC345B

Entry Requirements

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.

International/EU Students

Please visit The College website for course information and entry requirements. If you don’t meet the entry requirements of our three-year undergraduate courses, you can join our Foundation or International Year One programmes at The College which will prepare you for your chosen Science degree path at Swansea University.

Click here to apply

How You're Taught

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.

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.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

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 Xianghua Xie Head of Department

Dr Monika Seisenberger Deputy Head of Department

Dr Liam O'Reilly Programme Director

Dr Phillip James Admissions Tutor

See all our Computer Science staff

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2022	£ 9,000	£ 17,650
September 2023	£ 9,000	£ 18,550

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.

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.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.