Computer Science with Foundation Year

Become a skilled graduate

Software is everywhere, running everything from our desktop computers and mobile phones to home appliances, games consoles, cars, planes and industrial machinery. On this course, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of current issues in Computing and Mathematics. You will study applied computer science with a strong emphasis on practical programming skills using cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. 

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Flexibility 

You’ll study a common first year alongside students on our range of Computing and Mathematics degrees. At the end of your first year, you’ll have the option to transfer to any one of the following courses: 

• BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming 
• BSc (Hons) Cyber Security 
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology
• BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (subject to Mathematics prerequisites) 

In your second year you’ll study specialist modules specifically for your chosen degree, with your final year offering further options to tailor your studies to an area of your interest. 

Industry connections 

The University is renowned for the strength of its contacts with employers. Our course has been designed in close collaboration with industrial practitioners, technologists, specialists and professional bodies. 

We collaborate with local and international industries on a wide range of challenging projects including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, CERN, Bloc Digital, Alstom, Bentley Motors and JCB. 

Undertaking a placement year will give you substantial experience to understand the possible careers open to you. Plus you’ll build your confidence and improve success and progression in jobs or in starting a business. 

Specialist facilities

You’ll get to use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include: 

• Computer Labs - home to a full suite of specialist hardware facilities and software access
• XR (cross-reality) Lab - a dedicated space for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects
• CAVE Lab provides data visualisation hardware containing a 270-degree 3D projection set-up
• Makerspace where you can turn your ideas into a prototype

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Your lectures are intentionally interactive, incorporating questions and answers and simulation. Seminars and tutorials will give you the opportunity to develop understanding and its application in both familiar and unfamiliar circumstances. Practical sessions will give you the chance to develop your skills in both equipment use and the evaluation of experimental procedures and data. In your third year you’ll take an Individual Project module where you’ll be encouraged to use and apply research and innovation tools and approached in a practical context. Team working will also allow you to develop interpersonal and communication skills – an important skill for the workplace. 

How you’ll be assessed 

Instead of exams, a variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of: 

• Coursework 
• Portfolios 
• Assignments 
• Case studies 
• Oral and graphic presentations 
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects 
• Computer-based testing 

Our Computer Science course is employment focused with industry-standard technologies that ensure you will have the skills and confidence when you graduate to secure the right role in this expanding and exciting industry. You could go on to roles such as: 

• Software Engineer 
• Project Manager 
• Technical Architect  
• Chief Technology Officer 
• Product Manager 

You will also develop wide-ranging skills, such as numerical and analytical skills, teamwork and project management. 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.