Computer Science with Foundation Year
BSc (Hons)

You can choose from two pathways; BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Development) or BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks and Security) pathway.

Our Computer Science degree with a Software Development pathway or a Networks and Security pathway is highly technical with a strong focus on the most important skills within the subject areas. Our Software Development pathway focuses on computer programming, with an emphasis on practical techniques underpinned by theory and informed by research. The Networks and Security pathway is based on a recognised industrial certification in Networks. There is a common first year with specialist modules in your second and final year – this approach gives you the time to understand which area you’re interested in most to help you decide which pathway to choose at the end of your first year.

In Computer Science (Software Development) you will:

• Harness cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories
• Learn from experienced computer scientists who have strong industry links

In Computer Science (Networks and Security) you will:

• Study an industry-recognised CISCO Certified Network Associate syllabus
• Learn from experienced computer network specialists and ex-industry professionals

The highlights

• Spend the first year learning the fundamentals of computer science and finding out where your passions and talents lie 
• From year two, you can choose either the Software Development pathway or the Networks and Security one — you'll get a taste of both subjects in the first year to help you make your decision
• Work with the latest, industry-standard technologies in almost every tutorial
• Choose to take a year's work placement between years two and three of your course, to super-charge your employment prospects.

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.

Software Development or Networks and Security?

This BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree has two very distinct pathways: Software Development or Networks and Security. However, in the first year everyone takes the same modules, which gives you time to explore both fields and find out which you prefer.

During that first year we'll cover both programming skills and networking fundamentals. We'll also cover the key concepts of computer science, its history and important terminology, as well as the mathematical foundations you'll need to succeed in computing. 

From year two, you must then choose one of the following pathways. Around a third of the content in year two will be specific to your pathway, while in year three, almost all of it will be. 

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Development)

Software is everywhere, running everything from our desktop computers and mobile phones to home appliances, games consoles, cars, planes and industrial machinery. This degree will help you become a skilled computer programmer, adept at developing software and fully aware of the tools and methodologies that underpin software.

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. We'll explore core topics such as:

• computer graphics
• application development
• systems programming
• data mining
• language design.

You can also choose some optional modules around these.

You will be taught by experienced computer scientists and former industry professionals who continue to maintain active links with employers in the sector.

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks and Security)

With computer security breaches and hacking incidents hitting the headlines on a regular basis, there is an urgent demand for highly skilled professionals who can deliver effective solutions. This pathway will help you develop these sought-after skills in designing, maintaining and securing wired and wireless networks.

You will develop the technical skills to specify and build the physical infrastructure, and the software development skills to make sure that solutions are robust and secure. We'll cover core topics such as:

• network routing and switching
• ethical hacking
• security protocols
• distributed networks, and
• wireless networks.

You can also choose some optional modules around these.

In addition, the training you need to become a CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is embedded in this programme. This certification is recognised by the industry so it adds further credibility to your qualification. We are also a member of the Microsoft Imagine Academy, which means we can offer extra technology and training to help you get ahead in the workplace.

Work on real and imagined projects

Our facilities

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

• Computer Labs: These spaces are home to our specialist software access and hardware facilities. Software includes Python, Visual Studio, Unreal Engine, Unity, Apache, PHP, MySQL, Azure Cloud Services and DirectX/OpenGL

• XR Lab (cross-reality): This dedicated space is for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects. The lab provides specialist games and visualisation hardware, including Vive Pro Eye headsets, Rifts and Wacom drawing tablets. There are eight workstations outfitted with 2080 graphics cards so you can approach raytracing projects and AI workloads

• CAVE Lab: This impressive lab provides data visualisation hardware. The pod contains a 270-degree 3D projection set up allowing multiple users to experience a shared virtual environment. Workstations with Tesla graphics cards for data processing and AI projects are also available

• Computer Networks Labs: Primarily used for our modules in Networking Fundamentals, Server Infrastructure, Wide Area Networks and Network Routing and Switching, the labs contain specialist software access including Cisco Packet Tracer, VM VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Wireshark and MS Vision

• Makerspace: Get ready to turn your ideas into prototypes! The space includes a whole host of equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and a laser cutter to bring your product to life. It's also a great space to collaborate with students from across the University

Choose a year in industry

You can choose to spend your third year on an industry placement. Increasingly, employers are looking for new recruits with work experience so this is a great opportunity to build that experience and boost your career prospects after graduation.

Previous students have secured placements with major names such as Microsoft, IBM, Intel and BT. Our dedicated Placements Officer will help you to find a position and support you throughout your year away. 

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.

You will learn through a mixture of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• laboratory work, and
• e-learning.

For the Software Development pathway there is a strong emphasis on practical programming skills and you will use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-quality labs. For the Networks and Security pathway, you'll work in our Network Development Suite with its full range of routers, switches, wireless and conventional equipment from manufacturers like CISCO, D-Link, Linksys and Netgear.

How you are assessed

You will mostly be assessed through coursework, although in each year there may be a small number of computer-based exams. In the final year, one third of your assessment is for your Independent Study. This can either be a significant piece of research into an area that interests you, or a project to create, test and evaluate an innovative solution in computing.

2023 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2023/24

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

Additional costs and optional extras

Whichever pathway you choose, you'll find that your advanced skills in software development or networks and security are in high demand. 

The majority of computing jobs require software development abilities and experience. So whether you want to be a software engineer, project manager, technical architect or chief technology officer, the Software Development pathway will help you get there.

If you graduate from the Networks and Security pathway, you will be suited to roles that involve developing, maintaining, securing and managing computer networks, as well as jobs that involve the engineering side of network protocol development and research. 

However, this degree will equip you with wide-ranging skills, which could lead on to many different careers in the computing field and beyond. For instance, your numerical and analytical skills will be very strong, and you should also be good at teamwork and project management.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

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.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

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.

Included in your fees

• Specialist computing labs
• Access to software and equipment

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Printer consumables approx. £100 per annum
• Portable hard drive/memory card approx. £120
• Portfolio case approx. £40
• Core text books approx. £250

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Not required but useful: personal computer  or tablet computer approx. £400 

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. 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.

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