Computer Science with Foundation Year
Entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4 Maths at grade B or 5
UCAS Tariff
This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example: CDD at A Level MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**
**Course Summary**
- Study your foundation year, then progress to a degree with industry accreditation from the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
- Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.
- Learn the skills you need to write the software of tomorrow.
- Develop complex software and systems using analytical and mathematical approaches.
- Understand the fundamental principles behind the software that powers our world.
- Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start
Computer science provides a deep understanding of practical applications of computation in areas ranging from programming language design to everyday software systems. This course is aimed at anyone who wants to become a programmer, understands and can build on the fundamental principles behind the software that underpins modern society.
**How you learn**
The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Science course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
The combination of learning methods across the course allow you to develop a range of skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementations and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.
In the foundation year, you'll build on your existing knowledge and experience, developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You'll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you'll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.
You learn through
- hands-on tutorials
- workshops
- discussions
- self-study
**Applied learning**
**Work placements**
You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.
You are supported by placement tutors and a college placement team through the process of successfully getting a placement and then while on placement. Although a placement year is not mandatory, the department has a strong track record in finding placements.
**Live projects**
The course includes a professional project which challenges you to solve real-world problems, possibly with an external client, while developing team and project management skills.
**Networking opportunities**
Employers and industry practitioners are an influential part of the design, content and teaching of the course. The employability focus of the course is supported by frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
**Year 1**
**Compulsory modules**
Foundations In Computing 1
Foundations In Computing 2
Maths For Foundation Computing
Study Skills For Computing Students
**Year 2**
**Compulsory modules **
Databases And The Web
Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures
Programming For Computer Science
Software Projects
**Year 3**
**Compulsory modules**
Advanced Programming
Algorithms And Data Structures
Professional Software Projects
Elective modules
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 1
Game Development
Handling Data In The Cloud
Mobile Applications Development
**Year 4**
**Optional modules**
Placement Year
**Final year**
**Compulsory modules**
Development Project
Software Architecture And Design
**Elective modules **
Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 2
Contemporary Software Engineering
Functional Programming
Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics
Robotics
Secure Software Engineering
Assessment methods
Coursework
Exams
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.
The Uni
Sheffield Hallam University
College of Business Technology and Engineering
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
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Computer science
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
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Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Computer science
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is a newly-classified subject area for this kind of data, so we don’t currently have very much information to display or analyse yet. The subject is linked to important and growing computing industries, and over time we can expect more students to study them — there could be opportunities that open up for graduates in these subjects as the economy develops over the next few years.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Computer science
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£25k
£27k
£30k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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Graduate field commentary:
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While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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