BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

Course Overview

During your studies you’ll be introduced to topics including data analysis, cloud-based technologies, programming, and website coding and authoring. The course offers you two career pathways to choose from. Students who want to focus on technical employment opportunities have the chance focus on data mining/analysis and programming skills. Or, if you decide to opt for a management career in IT, you can study subjects that will give you combined skills in technical know-how and management strategy.

Arden’s degree courses with foundation year give you the extra support and guidance you need to get started in higher education, helping you take on your full undergraduate degree with confidence. Our foundation courses are a great way to enter higher education if you don’t currently meet our bachelor’s degree entry requirements, or if it’s been a while since you were in formal education and want to revisit some essential study skills, such as essay writing and research. Once your foundation year is completed, you’ll be ready to take on rest of your computing degree.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

To be able to study this course, we need to see that you have:

Passes at grade C (grade 4) or above in three subjects at GCSE level OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference.
We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year.

Candidates for our computing with foundation year undergraduate degree are required to submit a personal statement (of between 350-550 words) which tells us about your motivation for studying this course. You may also be invited to attend an interview to demonstrate your ability to study the course successfully.

This statement should include:

Your motivation for undertaking the programme
Why you’ve chosen your particular course
Any long-term goals or career aspirations

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

Course fee

Blended	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 9,250

Distance Learning	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Apply for the Course

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Course details and modules

Our undergraduate degree course in computing with foundation year has been designed to give you the skills you need to start your career in computing. Your course modules have been freshly updated by our computing faculty members – ensuring that you gain the specialised knowledge employers need right now.

Modules

During your foundation year you’ll study 6 modules that will prepare you with the skills you need to move on to your full degree course. Then, over 3 years you’ll study a total of 360 credit hours over seventeen modules. In years 2 and 3, you’ll study the required ‘core’ modules and choose 2 ‘elective’ modules from a choice of 4 options. This allows you to select specialised modules which cover topics that you want to learn about the most.

Foundation year

Using Numeracy, IT and Data
Research Skills & Using Information
Values, Ethics & Working Collaboratively
Developing Academic Skills
Structure of Business
Technology in Organisations

Level 2

Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Development (Core)
Introduction to Computer Systems and Security (Core)
Introduction to Databases (Core)
Introduction to Programming (Core)
Introduction to Web Authoring (Core)
Productivity and Collaboration Tools for Learning and Work (Core)

Level 3

Human Computer Interaction (Core)
Data Analytics and Visualisation (Core)
IT Project Management (Core)
Systems Analysis and Design (Core)
Then choose 2 from:
- Advanced Databases (Elective)
- Digital Business (Elective)
- Object Oriented Programming (Elective)
- Ethics, Quality and Sustainability in Technological Environments (Elective)

Level 4

Data Mining (Core)
Managing Innovation and Change (Core)
Computing Project (Core)
Choose 2 from:
- Information Security Management (Elective)
- Technology Entrepreneurship (Elective)
- Distributed and Cloud Computing (Elective)
- Web Application Development (Elective)

Career prospects

IT, data mining, cloud computing, and programming skills are in high demand all over the world. That’s why developing the skills that employers want is at the forefront of this course. Arden’s academics have close ties to the computing industry, which means our course content is regularly reviewed to ensure that your learning experience is up-to-date and reflects the latest developments in the real world.

Your computing degree with foundation year sets you up for any number of possible career paths after graduation. Here are some of the professions that previous Arden graduates have gone on to explore:

Software development
Software engineering
Programming/coding
IT security management
Teaching and lecturing

What will I gain from this degree?

On our BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year degree you’ll develop your computing knowledge alongside a wider range of important workplace skills, such as effective communication and problem-solving. After graduation, you’ll have the confidence you need to enter the field of computing with confidence. Whilst studying this course, you will:

Demonstrate you can apply your knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems
Develop confident communication skills and be ready to use these in a business setting
Gain deep knowledge in your chosen specialist area – whether that’s data mining or cloud computing
Collaborate with others nationally and even globally to work on projects and share ideas
Understand the latest developments in computing and how these can benefit businesses
Develop the study habits and practices to become a lifelong learner

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or evenings .

Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

September
November
February
April
June

How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Our online students study their degree through iLearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. iLearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

iLearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online does not mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you are currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.