School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code I101
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Technology has revolutionised the way we live, build, work, shop, learn and even access medical care. On this forward-looking degree, you’ll get hands-on skills across a range of topics including coding, algorithms, database and software development, cyber security, networks and social, legal and ethical aspects of IT.

Apply to the Tamar Engineering Project

Open for applications to ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study. Successful applicants will receive:
  • £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.

Applications close 30 June 2024
You will study advances in new technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, virtual reality and smart devices for our homes. Enhance your CV with a work placement with well-known brands and industry leaders such as the BBC, the Met Office, Microsoft, the National Physical Laboratory or Nestlé to open up a wide range of career possibilities.

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


Keeping pace with emerging and evolving technologies is one of our biggest challenges. Artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, robots and drones, the list goes on. New and optimised technologies and systems will continue to shape a modern and progressive society.
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

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • 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

    The 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

    Each student will undertake a project relevant to their chosen degree programme with the agreement of the module leader.

    100% Coursework

    SOFT051
    Computer Programming

    This 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, user-interface design, and the use of an integrated development environment. As mathematical computation is becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is important that mathematicians can effectively deal with computer programming.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    COMP0001
    Topics in Computer Science

    Students 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

    This 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

    This 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

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

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.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A minimum of 2 A levels. Excluding general studies.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP
12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses: pass Access course (any subject) including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent.
T level: Pass. Any subjects related to science, engineering, IT or Health.
International Baccalaureate: 24 overall – English and mathematics must be included.
GCSE: mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.
Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Computing student coding

Progress to the full BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree

Build on your knowledge by studying a full range of computer science topics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Work on individual and group projects and graduate with a large portfolio of evidence for potential employers.

  • @We ranked 26/106 for student satisfaction in the 2022 National Student Survey

  • @Our computing courses have all been re-accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT

  • @In the latest REF (Research Excellence Framework) almost 90% of our research was rated internationally recognised or world leading

Specialist facilities

As a computer science student, you'll have access to our landmark new Babbage Building . Housing contemporary specialist equipment and laboratories, this facility brings engineering, science and the arts together, enabling holistic and creative approaches to problem-solving to address some of the world’s biggest issues, such as climate change and healthcare.
You'll also have access to a number of specialist laboratories in the Smeaton Building, equipped with various hardware and software configurations.
Exterior of Babbage building

Research-informed teaching

Signal transmitting neuron or nerve cell in the brain
Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS)
Cyber security concept. Network protection.
Centre for Cyber Security, Communications and Network Research (CSCAN)
keyboard
Big Data group

Foundation year teaching staff

Meet our school technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.