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Computer Science

University College Birmingham

UCAS Code: G411 | Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc

Entry requirements


A level

C,D-D,D

UCB will accept A Level in General Studies for this course and will also take into consideration applicants who are studying an extended project.

You will need a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSEs: You should also have a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

PPP

This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.

You will need a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points

T Level

P

A T-level graded Pass with a core component profile less than C.

UCAS Tariff

32-56

Level 3 qualifications are accepted at UCB for entrance, a minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points will be required. If you are unsure if your qualification is accepted call us on 0121 604 1040 or email [email protected].

About this course


Course option

2years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Computer science

**OVERVIEW**
**Computing and digital technology are essential features of today’s society. They are also key drivers in the economy, whether it’s in communication, finance or even leisure. Our Computer Science foundation degree course at University College Birmingham will furnish you with advanced skills in everything from programming and websites to managing data and security issues, keeping your finger on the pulse of information technology and preparing you for a vast spectrum of job roles in the modern day market.**

Our Computer Science course will give you the knowledge and skills to develop solutions to complex problems through individual and group projects. Your learning will cover a wide range of the latest ICT and computing topics, introducing you to programming, computing mathematics, web development and databases before progressing onto subjects such as cloud computing and cyber security.

Throughout your studies, you will have use of an array of state-of-the-art digital resources, IT and computer facilities, including access to our brand new Cyber Security Lab. You will also have the opportunity to spend an extra year expanding your horizons with a paid placement in industry as part of your computing course, giving you substantial experience and boosting your employment prospects after you graduate.

**WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?**
- **Work placement** – Apply your computing and IT training to the real world with the option of a paid 48-week placement, with no tuition fees during your placement year (depending on eligibility – see more information below)

- **Practical application** – Learn in our purpose-built computer labs and access our brand new Cyber Security Lab

- **Diverse skills and knowledge** – Build your skills in areas ranging from network and database management to security and systems analysis

**FACILITIES**
Students on our computing university course will have access to computer labs specifically designed for this degree, while our new cyber security laboratory will enable students to learn and participate in cyber-related activities in a controlled environment.

**PLACEMENTS**
Students on our FdSc Computer Science course have the option of completing a paid 48-week work placement, providing they are progressing onto our final year Computer Science Top-up course. You will not incur any tuition fees during the placement.

**CAREERS AND PROGRESSION**
Examples of careers you could pursue following this course:
- Software developer

- Web developer

- Systems analyst

- Computer security consultant

- Database administrator (DBA)

- IT technical support officer

Upon completion of the foundation degree, you can also progress onto the final year of our full BSc (Hons) degree.

- **Please refer to our website www.ucb.ac.uk for the latest updates to this course**

Modules

**YEAR 1**

- Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
- Computer Systems
- Mathematics for Computer Science
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Computer Networks
- Databases

**YEAR 2**

- Web Development
- Advanced Algorithms
- Big Data
- Cloud Computing
- Cyber-Security
- Introduction to Research

Assessment methods

**Note: Indicative information only. Actual timetables and assessment regimes will be issued at your induction. Please be aware that methods of delivery for this course may be altered due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic – for the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website: www.ucb.ac.uk**

**TEACHING**

Example of a typical teaching week (up to 14 contact hours):

- **Group teaching** – 6 hours
- **Subject related workshops** – 6 hours
- **Tutorials** – 2 hours

You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.

**ASSESSMENT**

Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:

- **Coursework** – 50%
- **Practical assessment / projects** – 45%
- **Written examinations** – 5%

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

England
£9,250
per year
EU
£13,500
per year
International
£13,500
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

University College Birmingham

Department:

Computing and Digital - FdA/FdSc

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What students say


How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Computer science

Sorry, no information to show

This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.


Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

100%
UK students
0%
International students
86%
Male students
14%
Female students

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

B
C
B

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

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.

92%
med
Employed or in further education

Top job areas of graduates

45%
Information technology and telecommunications professionals
11%
Sales, marketing and related associate professionals
9%
Artistic, literary and media occupations

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.

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

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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