A course with a foundation year is for you if…
- You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
- You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
Careers with this subject
It used to be considered its own industry. As we enter a fourth industrial revolution, computing is going to be impacting every part of society and feeding into every industry.
Nathan Clarke, Professor of Cyber Security & Digital Forensics
Our aim is to set you up with the skills and mindset to thrive in your career, even if your job doesn't exist yet.
Key features
Learn core skills
Progress to a full degree
Course details
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Foundation year
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During this foundation year, we'll introduce you to how computers and electronic systems operate. You will write computer programmes and develop an understanding of software development. An individual project is designed to help you progress to the computing degree you want to study. Provided you achieve a pass level of 50 per cent or above, you can progress to the first year of any of our computing degrees.
Core modules
ROCO051
Robotics 20 creditsThe module introduces basic electronics with applications to control of robotics. Lectures, laboratory measurements and practical construction experience underpin the learning. Lecture materials have a close link with practical works in the laboratory.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
SOFT050
Computing Project 20 creditsEach student will undertake a project relevant to their chosen degree programme with the agreement of the module leader.
100% Coursework
COMP0001
Topics in Computer Science 20 creditsStudents on this module will be introduced to a range of cutting-edge topics in Computer Science, from the underpinning specialisms at the University. An industrial focus will show how computing is used in the real world. Students will gain experience in both written and oral presentation of their work.
70% Coursework
30% Practicals
MATH051
Mathematical Methods I 20 creditsThis module is intended to show how mathematics is a fundamental part of the world of engineering, science and computing as well as of the world around us. Assuming a base of GCSE grade C, the lectures and assessments are designed to lead to an understanding of the application of mathematics to GCE A Level grade C and above.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
MATH053
Mathematical Methods II 20 creditsThis module is intended to show how mathematics is a fundamental part of the world of engineering and science as well as of the world around us. It extends the mathematics taught in MATH051 to include complex numbers, differential equations and numerical methods.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
SOFT053
Computer ProgrammingThis module introduces students to fundamental computer programming concepts, which allow information to be stored, processed and presented. It includes fundamental aspects of web-application development, persistent data storage (relational databases), user-interface design, and the use of an integrated-development environment (IDE).
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Year 2
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Core modules
BPIE111
Stage 1 Computing Placement Preparation 0 creditsThis module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
COMP1000
Software Engineering 1 20 creditsThis module exposes students to the principles of software design and construction. The basics of constructing source code to solve a problem will be introduced, exposing students to common control structures alongside concepts such as types and generics. Major programming paradigms such as object orientation and functional programming are introduced. Additionally, key software development tools and methods are explored.
100% Coursework
COMP1001
Computer Systems 20 creditsThis module provides students with an underpinning knowledge of how computers work. Topics include low-level systems and representation of data, operating systems, and an introduction to subjects such as virtualisation, parallelism, state and communications. Students will learn how operating systems manage processes and scheduling, and how memory management works.
100% Coursework
COMP1002
Cyber Security & Networks 20 creditsModern computing relies upon networking and robust cyber security. This module provides an appreciation of their core enabling technologies, discussing how they can be applied. Key networking topics include routing and switching, as well as wireless networks. Key areas of security include underlying concepts and threats, and exploring security technologies that can be applied to enable defence in depth.
100% Coursework
COMP1003
Algorithms, Data Structures and Mathematics 20 creditsData structures and algorithms lie at the heart of Computer Science as they are the basis for an efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm analysis and basic Mathematics for Computer Science.
100% Coursework
COMP1004
Computing Practice 40 creditsThis module applies problem-based learning to provide students with the ability to identify problems and derive appropriate and considered solutions. A focus will be given to the early stages of the software development lifecycle to develop the skills of eliciting requirements whilst considering operational and technical trade-offs. The module will culminate in the creation of a simple yet complete software solution.
80% Coursework
20% Practicals
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff
32 - 48
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * | |
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Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
*UK Government announcement on tuition fees
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Additional costs
Tuition fees for optional placement years
Applications are open
Deadline: 13 May 2025, 4pm
How to apply
Help & enquiries
- Admission enquiries
- admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
- +44 1752 585858
- PlymUniApply
Comprehensive foundation year
Access to cutting-edge facilities
Seamless progression to specialised degrees
This course is for you if...
- you're interested in computing but need to build foundational knowledge before pursuing a full degree
- you enjoy problem-solving and have a keen interest in technology
- you're eager to gain hands-on experience with various hardware and software configurations
- you aspire to work in roles such as software developer, systems analyst, or IT consultant
- you seek a supportive learning environment that prepares you for advanced study in computer science.
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Progress to the full BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree
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Specialist facilities
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@In the latest REF (Research Excellence Framework) almost 90% of our research was rated internationally recognised or world leading
Meet your foundation year teaching staff
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Dr Lauren Ansell
Lecturer in Data Science
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Dr Colin Christopher
Associate Professor in Mathematics
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Mr Martin Read
Associate Lecturer
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Joseph Ross
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Dr Matthew Craven
Associate Head of School (UG Education)
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Dr Asiya Khan
Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience
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Dr Jenny Sharp
Lecturer in Mathematics Education
Meet our school technical staff
Apply to the Tamar Engineering Project
- £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
- £1,500 fee waiver per annum
- one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
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