BA (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year - 2+2 Degree Pathway

Course outline

This innovative four year degree programme is designed to meet the high demand for IT graduates with up-to-date knowledge and skills. 
Run collaboratively with the University of West London (UWL) this degree programme is split into two distinct but complimentary phases. The first two years of the 2+2 are taught at Stanmore College, where you will develop the skills and confidence to prepare you for the final two years delivered at UWL. 

You will be a UWL student from the start of the degree, and whilst most teaching will take place at the College, classes and other activities will also be offered at the University during the first two years. This will facilitate a seamless transition to the UWL campus for the final two years, where you will complete your degree. 

Influenced by the latest research and industry requirements, the course will focus on practical skills. We will give you the tools and knowledge to design and develop software for a variety of applications, from mobile systems to large-scale solutions for enterprises. You will also learn about the science behind computing and software development and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).
The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.  
You will start your computer science course with the fundamentals of computing and software development. During regular laboratory sessions, you will apply what you have learned through hands-on practice.

As you progress, we will introduce the core concepts for producing mobile and business applications. This will give you a good understanding of computer science in a professional context.

Throughout the course, you will also develop the professional skills that will be essential to your future career. A team project, based around finding effective solutions to an IT issue, will not only help you build your problem solving IT experience but also enhance your team-working and communication skills.

In the final stages of your course, you will examine advanced concepts, such as AI and computer security, giving you a better understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in the IT industry. 
For your final project, you will design a comprehensive and sophisticated software application. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your learning and showcase your skills.

Course details

Foundation Year – Level 3 – Stanmore College

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Modules at Level 3

• Introduction to Software Development
• Academic Performance
• Introduction to Computer Mathematics
• Introduction to web Design and Development
• Personalised Learning
• Introduction to Computer Technologies

Level 4 – Year 1 – Stanmore College

Modules at Level 4

• Programming
• Computer Architecture
• Foundations of Computing
• Data communications
• Information Systems and databases
• Algorithms and Data Types

Level 5 – Year 2 – UWL

Modules at level 5

• Mobile Web App Development
• Artificial intelligence
• Theory of Computation
• Algorithms
• Programming Language Paradigms
• Group Research Project

Level 6 – Year 3 – UWL

Compulsory modules

You will study all the compulsory modules and will choose THREE of the optional modules.

• Applied Software Engineering
• Project

Optional modules

• Machine Learning
• Cyber Security
• Distributed Systems
• Databases and Analytics
• Human-Centred Computing
• Functional Programming

Full details of the module content for all levels of the course can be found on the UWL web site: -

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/computer-science-foundation-year?start=646&option=33

Entry requirements

• 72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications 
  These can include: -
•  A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
• Access to HE Diploma
• T Levels

English at GCSE grades C or 4 and above 
Maths at GCSE grades C or 4 and above 
OR 
Equivalent level 2 qualifications in English and Maths i.e. functional skills, key skills 

Outcomes

Popular careers for computer science degree graduates include: 
•    interaction designer
•    software architect
•    software engineer
•    systems analyst
•    web developer.

Alternatively, you could develop a related specialism or explore a related field or specialism on a UWL postgraduate courses.

Who this course is aimed at

This course, which has been running successfully for a number of years at UWL, has been adapted to accommodate the 2+2 model of delivery. Starting your higher education journey within the nurturing environment of College HE will help prepare students for the rigor of academic study, with smaller, more personalised learning opportunities in the first two years at College. It also allows students who may not have met the entry criteria for direct entry to University, to develop the necessary academic skills that will be needed to complete the degree programme.

How will you be assessed

Each module undertaken is assessed separately and under the Academic Regulations of the University. Assessment for each module is  presented within each Module Study Guide, with timings and assessment tasks clearly described. A verity of differing assessment methods are sued including: Portfolios, case studies, individual and group presentations, reports and practical assessment, all of which are linked to presentation skills required in the business sector.  

Fees

Course Fee: £7,500 for each year of the four year degree programme.

You will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Visit the UWL website for more information on funding your university Studies

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-study/fees-and-funding/help-funding 

Is there an interview?

Yes