COURSE CURRICULUM

The Foundation Year of your degree will provide a solid grounding in computing, programming, and essential mathematics, which are crucial for your future studies in Computing Science. This year serves as a stepping stone to ensure you are fully prepared for the more advanced material in subsequent years. By the end of this foundational year, you will gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals of computing, become proficient in programming using a high-level language, build confidence in mathematics for computing science, and learn about the essentials of computing for business, which can be applied in real-world business scenarios. Once you complete the foundation year, you will move on to the three-year BSc in Computing Science. In the first two years of the degree, you'll cover core material that underpins all areas of computer science. These two years have a common structure across all computing courses, making it easy to switch to other programs like a year abroad, year in industry, or other special education tracks. You also have the flexibility to choose other degrees offered by the School of Computing after completing the foundation year. The compulsory modules for the Foundation Year include Introductory Programming (CMP-3005A), which introduces key programming concepts using a modern programming language; Foundations of Computing (CMP-3002A), focusing on computer hardware, architecture, and systems control with hands-on circuit design and microcontroller programming in C++; Introduction to Data Analysis (CMP-3006B), covering relational and non-relational databases and data analysis with Python; and Introduction to Systems Design (CMP-3007B), where you'll learn how information systems are used in business and organizations, focusing on the systems development lifecycle and analysis techniques. This foundation year ensures that you have the core skills needed for the rest of your degree and prepares you for the more specialized topics covered in later years of the program. It’s an excellent way to bridge the gap between secondary education and higher-level study in computing.