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

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.

Comprehensive foundation year

The initial year introduces you to the fundamentals of computing and electronic systems, including programming and software development, ensuring you're well-prepared for advanced study.

Access to cutting-edge facilities

Benefit from specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our engineering and design facility, providing hands-on experience with various hardware and software configurations.

Seamless progression to specialised degrees

Upon successful completion of the foundation year, progress directly into one of several computing degrees, such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, or Games Development, tailoring your education to your career goals.

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.
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.
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.

Key features

Learn core skills

The foundation year will introduce you to how computers and electronic systems operate. You will write computer programmes and develop a foundational understanding of software development.

Progress to a full degree

Complete the foundation year and progress to one of our computing degrees:

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 20 credits

    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 20 credits

    Each 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 credits

    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 20 credits

    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 20 credits

    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.

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.
Computing student Craig Banyard

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.
Oluwajomiloju Samuel Fakolujo - Computer Science student

Specialist facilities

Our specialist labs aid our research-driven, hands-on teaching.
Our landmark Babbage Building houses contemporary specialist equipment and laboratories, bringing engineering, science and the arts together, and enabling holistic and creative approaches to problem-solving to address some of the world’s biggest issues.
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

Learn from researchers and lecturers who are developing applications
We have active research projects that are key to some of the industry's most pressing issues. Active core members of these research groups make up a large proportion of your lecturers and tutors, and you will be taught be some of the best academics in the field.

Meet your 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.

Tamar Engineering Project

Mentoring and financial support for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and has shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Through a combination of mentoring with the University’s business partners and financial support, you can focus on your studies while building industry and workplace knowledge to help them succeed as an engineer.
Tamar Bridge
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.