BSc Computer Science with foundation year
University of Greater Manchester
About this course
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year, a computer science degree focusing on computing principles and software development. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Computer Architecture, Data Analysis, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The course begins with a foundation year to build early skills in computing and mathematics before progressing to degree-level study, and concludes with a substantial final-year project. The first year covers introductory concepts through Professional and Academic Skills, Project Design, Academic Integrity and Ethics, Collaborative Project, Computer Systems, Fundamentals of Programming, Logical Analysis and Problem Solving, and Foundations of Computer Science and Academic Skills. The subsequent stages advance technical capabilities via Programming, Maths for Computing, Databases, Computing Infrastructures, Object Oriented Programming, Advanced Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Systems Analysis and Design. Later stages allow students to tailor their studies by selecting from options such as Big Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Computer Systems Architecture, Cloud Technologies, Web Design and Programming, Data Science: Methods and Applications, Research and Professional Issues, Software Quality Management, Applied Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies, Information Security Management, Operations Management, and Natural Language Processing and Generative AI, alongside a dedicated Project module.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
48 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels and BTECs. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications. Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Relevant science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) and computing-related subjects are preferred. You should also have five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. We'll be happy to consider your application if you don't meet the standard entry requirements but have non-traditional qualifications and/or relevant experience. You may be asked to undertake additional assessment(s) to determine your suitability for the course. You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 95%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 96%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 55%
- Gained a higher qualification: 25%
- Left higher education: 20%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 92%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 3%
- South West: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- A degree: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Bronze for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional and Academic Skills
- Project Design, Academic Integrity and Ethics
- Collaborative Project
- Computer Systems
- Fundamentals of Programming
- Logical Analysis and Problem Solving
- Foundations of Computer Science and Academic Skills
- Programming
- Maths for Computing
- Databases
- Computing Infrastructures
- Object Oriented Programming
- Advanced Programming
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Big Data Analytics
- Cyber Security
- Computer Systems Architecture
- Cloud Technologies
- Web Design and Programming
- Data Science: Methods and Applications
- Research and Professional Issues
- Project
- Software Quality Management
- Applied Machine Learning
- Emerging Technologies
- Information Security Management
- Operations Management
- Natural Language Processing and Generative AI
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Computer Science with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester earn?
The median salary is £23,500 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £38,500. The £26,500 median after five years is £9,500 less than the UK median for Computer science.
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Computer Science with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester?
88% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Computer Science with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester?
The average entrant had 54 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Computer Science with foundation year at University of Greater Manchester?
55% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.