Computer Science with Foundation Year
I10XThis programme offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the subject of Computer Science, providing you with an excellent basis for a future career in the field. Your course is future-focused and has the development of your digital skills, analytics and problem solving at its core. Employability and industry links are integrated into every module to support you in developing the skills you'll need in the workplace.
Course overview
Our course provides in-depth knowledge and skills in computer science, networks and applications, enabling you to progress into any area of the computing industry. You will learn the necessary skills to develop cutting edge, state-of-the-art innovative applications.
You will benefit from links to professional and industry bodies, including Cisco Networking Academy and the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.
Develop your knowledge in computer systems and networks, programming, secure systems, computer system architecture, database systems, and modelling. You will graduate with an understanding of emerging trends in computer science, such as those in software development, AI and distributed computing. During your course you will also have the opportunity to attend occasional field trips.
There’s also a choice of fascinating optional modules so you can tailor the course to your career ambitions. Depending on the optional modules you choose, you may graduate with a specialism in Artificial Intelligence or Cloud Technologies.
An optional placement year between Year 2 and 3 provides you with the opportunity to enhance your employability, business understanding and professional skills.
Your Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).
A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.
In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Computer Science and related subjects.
A Personal Development Plan (PDP) is embedded into each year of study and will enhance your academic, personal and professional growth. Your PDP will set your agreed goals which could be developing your soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership; creating a roadmap to support your career aspirations, for example identifying internships and work experience; or planning out your opportunities for networking. Your PDP ensures you will receive continuous support tailored to your individual needs to enhance both your academic performance and career readiness.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 4 years full-time
- 5 years sandwich 9industry placement)
Apply
I10X
Typical offer
48 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Access a wide range of specialist software and tools including dedicated Cyber Security and Forensics, Networking and Software Development laboratories in a state-of-the-art development
- We tend to favour workshop-style sessions over lectures and you will have the opportunity to apply cutting-edge knowledge and skills to real life scenarios. Live briefs, simulations, role play and live case studies will be used to recreate workplace conditions
- Before moving on to your final year, you may choose to spend a year on a paid work placement in a business relevant to your ambitions, increasing your professional confidence and employability
- In your final year, you have the option to complete a dissertation, undertake a consultancy project or work placement, or launch a start-up
- Optional module topics include AI, Web Development, Machine Learning and Cloud Infrastructure
Course details
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
YEAR 0 (LEVEL 3): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
- Independent learning: 912 hours
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
- Independent learning: 912 hours
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
- Independent learning: 912 hours
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6): TIMETABLED TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITY*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours
- Independent learning: 1020 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
The University library is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
YEAR 0 (LEVEL 3)*:
- 83% coursework
- 17% practical assessments
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)*:
- 64% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 36% practical assessments
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)*:
- 93% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 7% practical assessments
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)*:
- 91% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 9% practical assessments
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module is designed to support students with the transition to university, the development of the academic skills and attributes necessary for successful future study and the foundations of a developing sense of vocation. Through a carefully structured and scaffolded series of seminars and workshops, students will be supported in building their self-awareness of, and confidence in, themselves as active learners. Delivered in the context of their subject area and aligned with the development of academic skills and attributes required across all Foundation Year modules, workshops will focus on academic skills such as referencing, selecting and using valid academic resources, reading/researching for academic purposes, using feedback constructively and gaining confidence in contributing to discussions and debates. Coordinated assessment points across the Foundation Year experience enables this module to provide students with ongoing support and opportunities to practice and develop their skills and confidence with a range of written and oral assessment types relevant to their subject area as they progress through the year.
This module is designed to raise students’ knowledge and competence in commercial awareness and digital skills so that they will be able to cope with the necessary demands of the undergraduate business and computing degrees. Students will be trained in a range of business and digital skills, reflecting and discussing how the development of their IT skills can enable future success at university and in the workplace.
This module introduces students to business management as an academic discipline through exploring a range of approaches, theories and contemporary themes. Specifically, students will study a range of topics and begin to understand the ways in which strategy, people, markets, finance, and ethical issues are entwined with, and impact upon, responsible business.
Modules
Whatever a student’s future career, there are certain professional skills that are required in the workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing digital skills that are a prerequisite for a successful career.
Students will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of their transition into higher education. By establishing and pursuing a personal development plan, students develop a set of personal qualities such as self-awareness, confidence and resilience; and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, risk management, coaching and feedback. Whilst students learn to construct outstanding CVs and professional LinkedIn profiles, this module also aims to raise students’ digital skills competencies. The module will cover the general Microsoft Office suite and specific digital skills of particular relevance to the discipline that the student is studying. This module is taught as a mix of lectures, practitioner guest lectures, hands-on skills seminars and computer lab sessions.
Within this module, students will be supported develop the practical skills required to implement software solutions using programming techniques. Students develop the necessary understanding of how the fundamentals of coding languages (such as variables, functions, input-output, control structures) are implemented together with exploring the use of databases within systems. Throughout this module, students will be engaging in problem solving activities, designed to build their confidence with both software development activities and the tools, techniques, and technologies used by Software Engineers in industry. Students will be supported to engage with practical application of programming principles, with industry-led examples. Initially, students will focus on smaller programmes, gradually building to more difficult ones by the end of the module.
This module aims to provide students with a thorough underpinning in the Science of Computational Thinking. Students will learn about core mathematical concepts and their application, abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithms, and data structures. As part of this module, students will be encouraged to consider the impact that they are having on the environment, especially in terms of the efficiency of their algorithms and consumption of computing resources. Students will be engaged in activities which allow them to practice and apply their computational thinking skills. They will be encouraged to consider a variety of different problems and how they can be “solved” using computation.
The aim of this module is to introduce concepts of system and software design within an organisational environment. This module develops the student’s skills in analysing business and technical requirements to select and specify appropriate technology solutions, capturing client requirements, and producing the solutions architecture and software design. Additionally, students will investigate the use of infrastructure to support business needs and design systems which will consider these requirements. Students will develop an understanding of the OSI model, networking devices, and routing protocols. Students will explore and understand the security threats to an IT system and the operational impact of these threats on an organisation. This module will introduce topical case studies of attacks on organisational information systems, highlighting the business consequences. Within this module, students will be encouraged to think about the design, security, and networking aspects of Computer Science using industry-led case studies.
Modules
This module enables students to develop their understanding and competence in using diverse research methods for academic and professional purposes. Students will explore a variety of research approaches and will develop practical qualitative and quantitative research skills including defining and scoping a project; designing an effective and manageable research protocol; collecting data and using appropriate analysis methods. In addition, students will develop an appreciation of ethical implications of the research process to facilitate responsible research practice. Secondly this module aims to introduce students to the key stages required to complete an applied project from concept to delivery. Students will be taught how to manage a project and contribute effectively as a member of a project team, using ideas generation techniques and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions to business problems. This module contributes to the students continued professional development as students will gain key insights into how to perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems.
Module content TBC
This module enables students to develop their understanding and competence in using diverse research methods for academic and professional purposes. Students will explore a variety of research approaches and will develop practical qualitative and quantitative research skills including defining and scoping a project; designing an effective and manageable research protocol; collecting data and using appropriate analysis methods. In addition, students will develop an appreciation of ethical implications of the research process to facilitate responsible research practice. Secondly this module aims to introduce students to the key stages required to complete an applied project from concept to delivery. Students will be taught how to manage a project and contribute effectively as a member of a project team, using ideas generation techniques and problem-solving skills to develop innovative solutions to business problems. This module contributes to the students continued professional development as students will gain key insights into how to perform technical process improvement tasks in a range of environments to solve business problems.
- Artificial Intelligence - 15 Credits
- Web Development - 15 Credits
- Machine Learning - 15 Credits
- Cloud Infrastructure - 15 Credits
Modules
This module provides an in-depth examination of distributed systems focusing on the
fundamental concepts, principles, and practical aspects of designing, developing, and
managing such systems. The applications of distributed systems will be reviewed, with a
particular focus on the Internet of Things (IoT). Students will learn about the architecture and characteristics of IoT systems, and how they enables the connection between the physical and digital world through sensors and actuators. This module will combine theoretical study and hands-on projects, which will provide the necessary skills in designing, analysing and developing distributed and IoT systems. This module provides an in-depth examination of distributed systems focusing on the fundamental concepts, principles, and practical aspects of designing, developing, and managing such systems. The applications of distributed systems will be reviewed, with a particular focus on the Internet of Things (IoT). Students will learn about the architecture and characteristics of IoT systems, and how they enables the connection between the physical and digital world through sensors and actuators. This module will combine theoretical study and hands-on projects, which will provide the necessary skills in designing, analysing and developing distributed and IoT systems.
This module explains and provides practical experience in how important real world problems can be modelled and simulated by computers. A selection of mathematical modelling and simulation techniques are explored in detail. Students will apply software development and programming techniques to study a scientific or a real-world problem, and discuss the findings of their simulation. Additionally, students will explore development using parallel programming techniques together with the use of clustering of computers to compute complex calculations. Students will be required to develop an application which uses one of these techniques, and demonstrate the outcome.
- Capstone Project: Dissertation - 30 credits
- Capstone Project: Consultancy Project - 30 credits
- Capstone Project: Placement for Good - 30 credits
- Capstone Project: Start Up for Good - 30m credits
- Developing for the Cloud - 30 Credits
- Artificial Intelligence and Creativity - 30 Credits
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
- BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025/26 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Foundation year* | £TBC | £16,700 |
Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Laptop
Students are expected to have their own laptop to use on this course. Indicative cost is £200-£1,000.
Optional
Core texts
Core texts are available from the University Library. However some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second-hand or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £150 for whole course.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Students will be equipped to enter a variety of computer science graduate roles including software developer, information systems engineer, database administrator, and application analyst.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
'The course is really inspiring me, it's given me the confidence to know there are many more opportunities out there to go on from here'. Hear from our students and staff on what you can expect studying Computer Science at Winchester.
