BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

UCAS CODE: II10
TARIFF: 32 - 56
  • Study Mode: Full time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Four Years
  • Start Date: September 2022

You can also study this course:

Do you have a strong interest in technology, gadgets and computers? Would you like to be at the forefront of technological developments in your future career? Do you like to take an analytical approach to problem solving? If so, then this course is for you.  
On our practical BSc (Hons) Computing degree, you will be given the opportunity to gain experience in the underpinning technical skills you need to start a challenging and dynamic career in computing. You will benefit from our industry links, well-equipped computer labs, and experienced and supportive staff.
Award of 11th place overall University of the Year - Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022
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95% of our graduates in work or study after 15 months after graduation, HESA 2022
The Foundation Year has been a good experience, and challenging in a good way. If I could speak to someone about a Foundation Year I would say, go for it, it will really help you to succeed.
Eric Man
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Open Days

We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.

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Application Guide

For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.   

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Students' Union

At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why we’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities through our SU – all to enrich your university experience. 

Why study this subject?

From connected homes to smart cities, the world is becoming increasingly digital. After all, technology helps us communicate, work and relax. And it’s an incredible way to start an exciting, fulfilling career.

A general degree in computing allows you to gain the latest skills in this area and opens up a wide range of career options for you.

 

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our BSc (Hons) Computing degree programme covers the main areas within the broad field of computing. You'll also learn key industrial skills that are transferrable within technology-based careers.

During your time with us, you'll learn about all crucial aspects of computer system and software development including analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance.

This hands-on course will see you master the art of computer programming using core languages such as: Java, C# and C++.

You'll also cover the full systems implementation cycle. This will be done using industrial standard tools and techniques including Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools and through advanced development methods.

Our programme balances theory and practice in computing systems and software engineering. 

You will also get opportunities to expand your knowledge both inside and outside of the lecture theatre. Students have previously visited sites of historical importance, including Bletchley Park, to learn more about the history of computing and how it impacted the world.

You can focus on your areas of specialist interest and gain the skills to move into a number of sector career paths such as:

  • Software developer
  • System development
  • Mobile development
  • Networking and security
  • Database management
  • IT support
  • Research.

Our modules and teaching expertise will help you become more independent and more confident of your discipline expertise, ready for your exciting future within the growing computing world.

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What facilities can I use?

We’ve invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning.

Our computing facilities are packed with the latest equipment. We regularly upgrade our computer hardware and software, so you have the equipment and facilities to truly excel.

Our library is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. Or, if you’d rather work off campus, e-Journals and resources are only a few clicks away using our Virtual Learning Environment.

What will I study?

We design our modules to reflect the latest issues in the constantly changing area of computing.

The computing curriculum is aligned with key elements of recognised professional certification* programmes. The course has been developed with input from major industry leaders such as Microsoft, Oracle, HP and Cisco. This is to maximise opportunities for graduates when entering the jobs market. (*Full accreditation is via self-funded examinations).

From analysis and design, through to database theory, networking, object-orientated programming, mobile computing and web-development, our BSc (Hons) Computing course offers a strong understanding of current computing applications, design and development.

You will also develop a full-range of system development skills, including maintenance and quality assurance as well as acquiring a variety of transferable skills for industry.

The first year contains common modules with other degrees offered by the Department of Computing. This adds a considerable amount of flexibility to the programme, providing you with the opportunity to change to an area that matches any specific interests you develop as the course progresses.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

We have a strong computing department at the University, with a dedicated team of academics and professionals delivering industry-relevant courses in a suite of well-equipped computer labs.

You’ll benefit from small class sizes that give you a chance to develop close working relationships with the tutors and other students. You will also benefit from guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities.

Course assignments reflect real-life problems because we believe that’s the best way to learn – and it’s more fun!

We also encourage you to gain work experience whilst studying and actively look for clients for your project work, which provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills in a work-base setting.

 

The range of traditional modules and modern computing topic modules on offer at BNU helped me stand out from the crowd when looking for a role after graduating.
Robert Collcott 1st Line Engineer and IT Technician, Focus Networks Ltd

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.

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Useful Documents

BSc (Hons) Computing Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 32 - 56

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the 3-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a Level 4 course, will be considered for the 4-year programme including a Foundation Year. If you wish to enquire further, please send your query along with any academic evidence or references to admissions@bucks.ac.uk

Find out more about our General Entry Requirements.

 

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Year 1 Modules

Inquiry and Research Skills

Digital Media

Computing Essentials

Preparing for Success Knowledge and Creativity

Preparing for Success Self-development and Responsibility

Year 2 Modules

Application Programming

Business Modelling

Computer Architectures

Digital Technologies and Professional Practice

Networking

Programming Concepts

User Experience (UX)

Web Development

Year 3 Modules

Database Design

Intro to Intelligent Systems (Team Project)

Mobile Systems

Network Systems

Object Oriented Systems Development

Open Source Systems

Software Engineering

Web Applications

Year 4 Modules

Advanced Mobile Systems (optional)

Advanced Programming

Cloud Computing

Data Structures and Algorithms

Database Development (optional)

Database Technologies (optional)

Enterprise Systems Development

Knowledge-Based Systems in A.I. (optional)

Learning Machines and Intelligent Agents (optional)

Security

Project

Quality Assurance and Testing

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home, Academic Year 2022 - 2023

£9,250 per year

International

Overseas/International, Academic Year 2022 - 2023

£14,250 per year

The University is unable to accept any new applications from students who require sponsorship for a student visa to start in September 2022. This is due to the overwhelming popularity of our courses and visa processing timeframes.  Applications are still being taken from students who are already in the UK and hold the right to study.

From September 2022, those students living in the UK or Republic of Ireland, and EU nationals with settled status in the UK, will be considered Home students.

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.

You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

Contact our Enquiries Team:

0330 123 2023

advice@bucks.ac.uk

What are my career prospects?

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Being able to contribute to the analysis, design, creation and management of information systems and software, graduates will find a variety of exciting and dynamic career paths open to them.

You will be qualified to work in areas such as:

  • Software development
  • Systems analysis
  • Corporate or Government IT
  • Database administration
  • Web system development
  • System support
  • Network engineering
  • Research.

You may also enjoy a career in the vibrant and growing area of Mobile and Cloud Computing.

You could also choose to stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study a postgraduate programme.

Did you know?

We are one of the top 10 UK universities mostly likely to produce graduates who go on to own or manage a business (Capital on Tap, 2021), find out more about this excellent news.

Course leader

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