Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

4 years full-time 5 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

64

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Use problem-based learning to create software solutions that make a difference, from AI innovations to tackling real environmental challenges.
  • Ground yourself in the foundation year to bring yourself up to speed before progressing onto the main programme if you pass.
  • Leverage labour market insight through our unique Graduate Career Explorer tool to help you map out your potential career paths with confidence.

This programme is not available to international students. Instead, international students should apply for our international foundation programmes delivered by our International Study Centre on campus. For more information please visit International Study Centre.

Our integrated foundation degrees are for those of you who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to your desired course. The duration of the foundation element is one year, and, if you successfully pass, you will automatically progress on to the degree.

Is computer science a useful degree? A STEM course like this doesn't just lead to a career, it's a gateway to improved prospects, increased earning potential, and the ability to shape your own path in the ever-evolving landscape of a digital society. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Computer Science courses are Software Engineer, Software Developer, DevOp Engineer, Embedded Software Engineer and Infrastructure Engineer.*

Automation, algorithms and programming of computers are vital to a progressive society, making us more efficient and helping us meet the challenges of ongoing advances in technology. Our course follows a core computing programme in the first year, giving you the fundamental skills and knowledge to prepare you for more advanced topics.

Using problem-based learning your tutors will encourage you to analyse complex problems, before you work out how to solve them using software. You might get involved in developing solutions that benefit society, for example using artificial intelligence (AI), or perhaps you'll investigate how to use computing applications in engineering or scientific experiments to combat environmental problems. In the National Student Survey 2025, Computer Science ranked top in Yorkshire for assessment and feedback.

Before commencing your third year of study, you have the flexibility to transfer to other courses sharing a common second year, including other computer science specialist pathways such as artificial intelligence. In your third year and final year, you'll have the chance to take option modules, enabling you to tailor your studies to meet your specific interests.

*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Career opportunities after the course *

Software Engineers

Software Developers

DevOps Engineers

Full Stack Developers

Network Engineers

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

CC at A Level.
64 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
MPP in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Pass at T Level, D or E grade on core.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
64 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

In addition, you must have GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C, or above in the previous grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

Other suitable skills or experience will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

In this module you will explore the importance of communication in computing and engineering. With the opportunity to practice this in both written and verbal forms and gain confidence in presenting to a group. You will also explore how to source relevant and well documented information to support your reporting needs. These research and communication skills will form the basis for your ongoing needs as a professional engineer.

In this module you explore and practice using the necessary mathematical tools and principles required for your first-year studies. You will begin with some basics in arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry these will be followed rapidly by the more advanced areas of sets, matrices, vectors and calculus.

This module will allow you to consider some of the main areas of study within computing and information technology. You will develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing (including programming), as well as how these are applied to the solution of problems in the real world.

This module aims to introduce you to the core programming concepts using procedural programming fundamentals. In addition, you will gain knowledge of variables, operators, and control flow including loops and branches, functions and data types.

In this module we introduce you to basic computing science and mathematical concepts related to software development. Topics covered include set theory, graphs and trees, finite state machines, grammars and languages, propositional logic and searching and sorting algorithms. You’ll put the theory into practice using a programming language and software that lets you directly implement finite state machines.

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and systems software. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of computer hardware ranging from basic digital logic to instruction sets and microarchitecture. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with basic system software at a machine instruction-level.

This module introduces the core fundamental principles of computer networking. You will gain knowledge of the theoretical concepts of networking, such as addressing, switching and routing. Furthermore, you will be exposed to key issues, such as network security, along with typical techniques used to address these issues. In addition to the theoretical aspects of networking, you will plan, design and implement practical solutions using live or simulation tools.

Working as part of a team, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of hardware, software and industry best practices used by businesses. In your teams you’ll be supported in planning, designing and developing a prototype product. This experience has been designed to introduce you to the product development cycle, technology limitations and possible future developments.

Working as a part of a team, you’ll have the opportunity to design and develop a software application, or explore some aspect of information systems. You’ll be encouraged to explore theories and principles of team working and project management through the development of your chosen application. Alongside your team work you will also explore important legal and professional issues for people working in the IT industry.

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement and query a relational database. You’ll be supported in gaining an understanding of the functionality necessary to enable web pages to interact with a database. You’ll be given the opportunity to become familiar with web architectures and the design considerations necessary for implementing a database driven web application.

In this module you will be supported in expanding your programming skills to cover a range of standard data structures (e.g. lists, trees and graphs) and algorithms (e.g. searching, sorting and traversals) for both sequential and concurrent systems. You will also study how to analyse systems in order to determine their complexity, correctness and safety, and to calculate their efficiency.

In this module you will study the architectures of computer operating systems, including how they deal with resource allocation, management and security, in both single processor systems and multiple distributed processor systems (networks).

Can machines (in particular computers) be intelligent? And what does that mean precisely? These are the main questions that we try to answer in this module. We will explore how machines can achieve intelligent tasks in a variety of settings. In the first half of the module we consider settings with full observability and determinism, these are like laboratory conditions or puzzle games. In this setting, we will look at knowledge representation, problem solving, and planning. In the second half of the module the settings are relaxed, and we will study how to deal with the uncertainties that arise from this. In particular, we will see how to deal with opponents, with incomplete and/or uncertain information, and how intelligent agents can learn.

You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

This module allows you to explore the programming language that underpins major operating systems, applications, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Throughout this module you’ll be supported in expanding on the procedural and object-based coding skills that you have developed so far. You’ll be given an introduction to 'C' programming leading into C++ programming with a push toward Objective-C. You’ll then be supported in building a client-server system where the client could be a smartphone, tablet or a desktop PC. Techniques for accessing Object Request Brokers and databases will be covered, and the concept of Design Patterns will be introduced.

This module introduces fundamental concepts in computer and network security, enabling the identification of vulnerabilities and the selection and implementation of suitable mitigation technologies. Throughout this module you’ll learn about securing data through the use of cryptography, operating system security and multi-user environments, creating secure programs, state-of-the-art methods for identifying potential threats, and legal and ethical issues surrounding computer security. This module teaches a broad range of subjects and you will learn both essential theoretical and practical aspects of computer security. This knowledge is in demand by employees and the module will empower you to start to specialise in security. The module covers issues pertinent to industry such as how to maintain data security through using strong encryption, detecting complex security threats, and also in maintain compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This module covers the mathematical foundations required for scientific computing. You’ll be introduced to fundamental concepts in algebra and be supported in developing an understanding of both analytical and numerical methods for solving equations in one variable. You'll also be introduced to error analysis and proof.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

    This module is driven by you. You are asked to select a problem to solve which is relevant to your degree, and of appropriate scope and depth to be tackled within a timeframe of 30 weeks. Carrying out the project enables you to develop and demonstrate your ability to undertake research, manage time, use your initiative, learn independently, discuss and write convincingly on a subject requiring independent learning. A supervisor will support you throughout your project. You’ll use your existing knowledge and be encouraged to acquire additional skills as you carry out your project. The aim of the project is to suggest a solution to an identified problem. Your final report should describe the aims, scope and motivation of the project, the research you have undertaken, and the technical solution provided, including justification for design and development decisions.

    This module provides a detailed analysis of a range of techniques for the development of distributed and client-server systems architectures. You will indicatively explore remote method invocation, CORBA (Common Object Request Broker: Architecture and Specifications), web and cloud services. You will also examine some typical distributed systems, including distributed file systems, distributed databases, and other common architectures.

    You will also choose 3 optional modules in this year. Choose two from a list which may include:

    Modern societies are highly dependent on complex, large-scale, software-intensive systems that increasingly operate within an environment of continuous availability, which are challenging to maintain, and evolve in response to changes in stakeholder requirements. The continual increase in the size and complexity of software systems has made software systems some of the most complex human-made systems ever created. As a result, a structured and systematic approach to design is essential for the success of software-based systems. Software architectures are fundamental to the development of technically sustainable, i.e., long-living, software systems, as they are the primary carrier of architecturally significant requirements (ASRs), such as performance, extensibility, maintainability, and influence how developers are able to understand, analyse, test, and evolve a software system. This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts, core principles and practical skills of modern software architectures as a key activity within successful software engineering.

    The module covers some of the more advanced approaches to developing web applications, examining both client and server-side technologies. You will explore and compare structured approaches to web development and multiple modern web frameworks, together with a range of contemporary development tools. As your understanding of the technologies and approaches develops, you will aim to critically evaluate them and assess the benefits and risks of using a given approach or framework for a given task.

    This module aims to provide you with an understanding of computational perspectives of mathematics, with an emphasis on matrix methods and data modelling. You’ll be supported in developing the ability to use both analytical and numerical techniques for solving large systems of linear equations and in analysing the resulting algorithms in terms of robustness, performance, stability and accuracy. You’ll be encouraged to broaden your mathematical understanding by applying your knowledge to real-world problems in developing solutions to a range of computational challenges using industry standard software (such as Matlab).

    Recent advances in information technology have facilitated massive collection of data in numerous areas, leading to major developments in data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches. This module allows you to obtain a fundamental understanding of such approaches, particularly advanced machine learning techniques to construct intelligent systems capable to recognise, classify, or decide, among others. We will consider several widely known approaches, including deep learning, and investigate typical applications and potential limitations. You will learn which techniques are appropriate for which learning problem and their advantages and disadvantages. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge using industry standard tools and delve into high profile data-driven applications such as medical imaging and natural language processing.

    Choose one from a list which may include:

    In this module you will be introduced to Computer Cluster, Cloud and Grid technologies and applications. We will focus on the fundamental components of Cluster environments, such as Commodity Components for Clusters, Network Services/Communication software, Cluster Middleware, Resource management, and Parallel Programming Environments. You will study the components of Grid environments, such as Authentication, Authorization, Resource access, and Resource discovery. The hands-on laboratory exercises will provide the necessary practical experience with Cluster and Grid middleware software required to construct Cluster and Grid applications.

    Modern software engineering projects have become increasingly larger, in terms of hardware, source code, numbers of users or data volume. This module provides an analysis of the problems associated with large-scale software engineering projects and the practices, procedures, techniques and tools designed to address these issues. You will investigate all stages of a large-scale project: choosing a process model, scheduling, cost estimation, requirements engineering, risk management, security, modelling and design, quality assurance, testing and maintenance and overall management of the project. You will consider issues within these stages arising due to large scales, along with optimal solutions that can guarantee successful and timely delivery of a large-scale software project.

    For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

    Teaching and Assessment

    Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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    Interested in a placement?

    Placements

    You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 3, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

    Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience. Students have previously secured placements with companies such as Caterpillar, Collins Aerospace, Boohoo and Jet2, Siemens and the NHS.

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    One of the skills I learned whilst on placement was discipline; waking up at a certain time for work because you have responsibilities. Another skill is how to problem solve and investigating problems that students and members of staff were getting with the VLE and working on solutions to solve them.

    - Roaa Mohamed
    Computer Science BSc(Hons), Web and VLE Support Assistant at University of Huddersfield

    Where could this lead you?

    Your Career

    Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer, IT Analyst and business analyst in organisations including BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Hermes, Microsoft, LLoyds, BT and Amazon UK.**
    Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.

    **Source: LinkedIn

    95%
    Percentage of graduates from this subject area who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

    * (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

    The course not only taught me coding and technology but also provided insights into how things work in the real world. I've enhanced my soft skills preparing me for my professional career. Meeting peers, working together, and becoming friends is an invaluable experience. My next step is pursuing a PhD in Computer Science.

    - Umer Munir
    Computer Science BSc(Hons)

    How much will it cost?

    Fees and Finance

    £9,790 per year

    This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

    £17,600 per year

    This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

    Home

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    International

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Digital Skills Festival - Talent Day, Bletchley Park and National Museum of Computing. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.

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    Group work in Sparck Jones building

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    Female at PC

    Computer lab with 24-hour access

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Sumaira Ahmed

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Syed Shah

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Roaa Mohamed

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

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    Watch and listen to Computer Science students at Huddersfield discuss what they've enjoyed about our courses, the skills they have developed, and how they now feel better prepared to find a job upon finishing their degrees.

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    Sustainability Matters

    We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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    We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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    Student support

    At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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    Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Computer Science may teach you on this course.

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    You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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    Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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    If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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    Legal information

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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