Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc

University of Derby

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE

RANKINGS: Our Computer Science and Information Systems subject area is ranked Top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching (The Guardian University Guide 2022).

WORKING WITH INDUSTRY: In year two, you’ll work on a real problem set by an employer. You’ll also get the chance to take a year in industry as well as to study and work abroad for a semester, which will broaden your experience and boost your employment prospects.

VIBRANT COMMUNITY: You’ll join a friendly community including our enthusiastic Computing Society and research-active lecturers. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved with research projects which our teaching team are working on.

PRACTICAL SKILLS: You will build vital transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, digital skills, teamwork and networking.

OPTIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR: Gain valuable experience in industry by taking an optional placement year between years two and three.

WHAT YOU’LL COVER: On the Software Development pathway we will help you become a skilled computer programmer, adept at developing software and fully aware of the tools and methodologies that underpin software. You will study applied computer science with a strong emphasis on practical programming skills using cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. We'll explore core topics such as computer graphics, application development, systems programming, data mining and language design. The Networks and Security pathway will help you develop these sought-after skills in designing, maintaining and securing wired and wireless networks. You will develop the technical skills to specify and build the physical infrastructure, and the software development skills to make sure that solutions are robust and secure.

HOW YOU’LL LEARN: You will learn through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, and e-learning. For the Software Development pathway there is a strong emphasis on practical programming skills and you will use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-quality labs. For the Networks and Security pathway, you'll work in our Network Development Suite with its full range of routers, switches, wireless and conventional equipment from manufacturers like CISCO, D-Link, Linksys and Netgear.

YOUR CAREER: Whichever pathway you choose, you'll find that your advanced skills in software development or networks and security are in high demand. The majority of computing jobs require software development abilities and experience. So whether you want to be a software engineer, project manager, technical architect or chief technology officer, the Software Development pathway will help you get there. If you graduate from the Networks and Security pathway, you will be suited to roles that involve developing, maintaining, securing and managing computer networks, as well as jobs that involve the engineering side of network protocol development and research. Careers include Network Specialist, Network Administrator, Network Technician, Network Analyst and Network Engineer.

STUDY OPTIONS: This course is also available without a Foundation Year option and with a Placement Year option.