Home › Courses › Computing

Technology

BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

A degree with a foundation year, so you can start without A-Levels. Taught in person, usually 2 days a week.

Key course facts

Campus locations
London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham Not every course runs in every city. We’ll confirm your nearest campus on your call.
Start dates
Enrolment is ongoing Term start dates run throughout the year, so you can apply now for the next available start.
Entry requirements
No formal qualifications needed for foundation year entry This applies when you apply as a mature student. You’ll have an interview or admissions assessment, and our Admissions team helps you prepare.
Duration
Usually 4 years A foundation year followed by a 3-year degree.
Timetable
2 days a week, in person Usually around 4 hours a day on campus, plus time for independent study and assignments.
Fees (UK students, 2026/27)
£9,790 a year, including the foundation year Eligible students can pay with a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance England, which goes straight to the university, so there’s nothing to pay upfront. Fees can rise in later years.

Course availability, campuses and fees are set by each partner university and can change by intake. We confirm the details for your course before you apply. See how funding works.

Thinking about a career in tech but don’t have A-Levels or formal academic qualifications? This degree is designed to help you break into the world of computing, starting with a foundation year that builds your skills and prepares you for university-level learning. The foundation year focuses on key areas like communication, study techniques, research, and digital literacy. It’s ideal for learners returning to education or switching careers, especially if you already have hands-on experience but need a recognised qualification.

After the foundation year, the course explores essential computing topics such as

  • Programming languages and software development
  • Database design and systems analysis
  • Networking, cloud computing, and cybersecurity fundamentals
  • User experience (UX) and web design
  • Emerging technologies like AI and data analytics

You’ll gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, learning how to solve real-world tech problems and build digital solutions that work. Whether you’re aiming to become a software developer, systems analyst, network engineer, or IT consultant, this course equips you with the tools to succeed in a fast-growing industry. If you’re passionate about technology and ready to take the next step, this degree offers a clear and supported pathway into the digital world.

No coding experience needed. The foundation year builds your digital skills first, and programming is taught from the basics.

Who this course suits

  • You’re interested in technology and want to work in tech
  • You’re changing career and want a recognised qualification in computing
  • You enjoy solving problems and working things out logically
  • You’ve picked up IT skills at work or at home and want to build on them

Careers this course can lead to

  • IT support analyst
  • Junior software developer
  • Web developer
  • Data analyst
  • Cyber security analyst
  • Network technician
  • Systems analyst
  • IT project coordinator

A typical week

On campus

2 days a week, around 4 hours a day

Lectures and practical lab sessions where you write code, design databases and work on networking and web projects.

Independent study

Evenings, weekends or days off

Coding practice, reading and project work, such as building and testing a website or app.

Computing: your questions answered

Do I need coding experience?

No. The foundation year builds your digital and study skills, and programming is taught from the beginning of the degree.

What topics will I cover?

Programming and software development, databases, networking and cloud computing, cyber security basics, web design and user experience, and newer areas such as AI and data analytics.

Do I need my own laptop?

A laptop makes independent study much easier, but you don’t need anything specialist to start. We’ll tell you what the university recommends for your course.

Can I move into tech from a completely different career?

Yes. Many computing students are changing career. Employers look for practical skills and projects you can show them, and the course helps you build both.

WhatsApp us Check eligibility