BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

Computing

BSc (Hons) & Foundation Year

Summary

Study level
Award
Foundation Year Entry Degrees
Full time
4 years
Location
Berlin or Online
School of Computing

What makes Arden University special?

Education
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
Where to study
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Support
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Employability
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Are you thinking about a future career in computing, but would like some extra skills support before starting a university business degree? Then the BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year course at our Berlin campus has been designed for people just like you.

What makes this course different to others? The BSc (Hons) Computing course at our Berlin campus in Germany focuses on the key skills and abilities that matter to organisations today. You’ll cover topics including data mining and analysis, cloud-based technologies, programming, and website coding. The course offers you two career pathways to choose from. Students who want to focus on technical employment opportunities have the chance gain in-depth understanding of 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. 

Our foundation year courses provide you with the extra support and skills needed to get started in higher education, helping you complete your full computing degree with confidence. These courses are the ideal pathway if you don’t currently meet our standard entry requirements, or if it’s been a while since you were in formal education and need to brush up your study skills. Once your foundation year is completed, you’ll progress the first year of the full degree course.

What it's really like to study at Arden University Berlin
Video •

Quick tools

Explore your modules
Explore your brochure
Download the course brochure to take a look at your course modules and syllabus content.
Download brochure
Fast track your career with Arden
Speak to an advisor
Want to speak to one of our subject experts? Our advisors are ready to answer your questions! Click below to get started.
Show me how
Added industry skills
Add to your skills with access to certified courses from Salesforce, Cisco, and Amazon.
Find out how

Course details and modules

Your course modules have been freshly updated by our computing faculty members – ensuring that you gain the specialised knowledge employers need right now.

Janka Krsteva

I have learned a lot from the course program and it has given me a good foundation for me to expand my knowledge. The module structure is designed according to my knowledge requirements of my personal IT goals.

Janka Krsteva
BSc Computing Online
Martin Scahill

The course gave me the confidence and skills to go for senior jobs that I wouldn’t have previously. I have been promoted several times since.

Martin Scahill
BSc (Hons) Business & Computing (Top-Up)

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. 

  • Modules for July 2023
    • Using Numeracy, IT and Data
    • Research Skills & Using Information
    • Values, Ethics & Working Collaboratively
    • Developing Academic Skills
    • Structure of Business
    • Technology in Organisations 
  • Modules from September 2023 onwards:
    • Preparing for University Success
    • Exploring the Business Environment
    • Advancing your Academic Skills
    • Becoming an Effective Leader
    • Planning for Your Future Success
    • Investigation & Innovation Project
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)

How do we assess you?

Our assessment methods have been designed to allow you to demonstrate your strengths in a number of ways. Throughout your studies, we’ll keep track of your progress through the following:

  • Portfolios
  • Design tasks
  • Exams
  • Case studies
  • Assessments
  • Business plans

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our study centre in Berlin, Germany

The course is also available to students via online learning.

Adrian Williams

"I was already in the working world and running two businesses. Not to mention I also have a young family, so the freedom online learning offered, and the cost effectiveness of the course, was a big draw for me."

Adrian Williams
BA Business (Human Resource Management)

Blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose our blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at our centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully.

You’ll also have access to our online library, BibliU, which contains almost half a million books, journals, and industry literature which you can make use of throughout your studies, removing the need to buy expensive course books in order to study successfully. 

Full time study in Berlin is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who are attracted by the opportunity to move to Germany to study, where you can take advantage of the employment opportunities available for overseas students.

Learn more about our Berlin campus

Learn more about blended learning

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying this course 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 online library (which when used along with our supplementary library, BibliU, gives you access to almost half a million books and journals – yours for free while you study 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 doesn’t 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’ve 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’re currently learning. 

Learn more about online learning

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:

  • At least 3 x GCSEs or equivalent that are less than 3 years old, OR 
  • At least 3 x GCSEs or equivalent, over 3 years old, with an accompanying CV, OR 
  • Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference.

English Proficiency

  • IELTS 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any element); or TOEFL 46-59; or equivalent

We also offer an internal English test for applicants. More information on this can be found here.

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.

Course fees and funding

Find your country

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Mohammed Rehman

Arden University’s industry aligned computing programmes are focused on your needs as a student and the skills required by employers. We provide you with one-to-one support and contextualised learning so that you fully understand the latest developments and concepts being put into practice in data analytics, cloud-based technologies, software development and databases. I look forward to welcoming you to the Arden University family.
 

Mohammed Rehman
Head of School Computing 

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. 

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 workplace skills that employers are looking for, such as effective communication and problem-solving. This means you’ll be ready to take on your first role 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 can I do after Arden University?

Your computing degree with Arden University Berlin sets you up for any number of possible career paths after graduation. And don’t forget, as a graduate from our Berlin campus, you’ll also have the chance to apply for an 18-month post-study residence permit to work in Germany after you complete the course! 

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

Industry skills

Students in Arden Berlin Facility

At Arden University Berlin, we’re dedicated to making sure you get the skills and knowledge you need to start your career. 

Throughout your studies you’ll have access to Arden Berlin’s student support advisors. They are here to help you settle in to life in Berlin, to guide you through our orientation process, and to give you the personal and career support that you need. This means you’ll have professional guidance at every stage of your degree. 

When you’re not studying on campus, you’ll have unlimited access to our online learning platform, iLearn – which contains all the learning resources and tools needed to excel in your studies, accessible from anywhere you want to study!