Study level
Undergraduate
Duration
4-12 years
Course Overview
With emphasis on giving you the computing skills that employers will love, this course teaches you a range of different learning and assessment methods designed to give you 360 development - so you’re ready to kick-start your computing or IT career as a well-rounded professional.
Studying a computing with foundation year course means you’ll gain the practical skills and theoretical knowledge you need to impress future employers. As part of your degree, you’ll complete your foundation year to get started with your university studies - even if you don’t already have qualifications in IT or computing! This crucial first year of study is designed to help you get up to speed on the fundamental skills needed to achieve your degree.
Download brochure
Find out more about this degree programme and the modules covered by downloading our degree brochure.
Download brochure
Fast track your career with Arden
Arden courses are designed so that you can study additional programmes alongside them. Find out more about how you can study an additional industry certified course alongside your studies.
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Course details and modules
By giving you the skills and knowledge you need to attract future employers, we’re preparing you for the first step in your computing career. Through this programme, you’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with classmates on shared projects, demonstrating teamwork and communication skills too.
Modules
We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year, the perfect on-ramp to your undergraduate studies. With our blended learning model, you’ll only need to commit to two days of face-to-face classroom sessions at one of our study centres.
Foundation Year
- Using Numeracy, IT and Data
- Research Skills & Using Information
- Values, Ethics & Working Collaboratively
- Developing Academic Skills
- Structure of Business
- Technology in Organisations
Year 2
- Professional Development
- Computer Technology
- Website Design
- Database Design
- Software Engineering
- Information Systems in Organisations
Year 3
- Data Communications
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Programming
- Quality Systems in IT
- Database Implementation
- Dynamic Website Development
Year 4
- Management in IT
- Current Trends in Networking
- Computer Systems Security
- e-Commerce Systems
- Computing Project
How do we assess you?
We’ve planned our assessments to give you a variety of ways to demonstrate what you’ve learnt and showcase your strengths. This includes:
- Portfolios
- Design tasks
- Exams
- Case studies
- Assessments
- Business plans
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.
What do you need to study with us?
Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.
That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.
With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.
Find out more
Eligibility
Students wanting to enrol on our foundation degree in computing are required to submit a personal statement (of between 350-550 words) or interview demonstrating an ability to study the programme at Arden University, taking into account:
- Your motivation for undertaking the programme
- Relevant work experience
- Prior qualifications
References
English Proficiency
- IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
We also offer an internal English test for applicants. More information on this can be found here.
Course fees and funding
Meet the team
Arden’s BSc Computing with Foundation Year is taught by The School of Computing and IT. The school places an emphasis on applied teaching, and giving students the opportunity to solve real-world problems with innovative, tech-led solutions. The course programme is designed with a focus on business applications and graduate employment opportunities.
Career prospects
IT, data and programming skills are in high demand, and employers are looking for candidates who combine knowledge of the latest computing innovations and techniques with strong business skills. That’s why we’ve designed our computing with foundation year course to help you develop into a well-rounded computing professional, ready to launch your graduate career.
What can a foundation degree in computing do for me?
By completing this course, you’ll gain a wide range of IT, data management and programming skills. What’s more, we’ve designed our BSc and Foundation Degree in Computing to help you develop a wider range of business skills too, like communication, problem-solving and project management. Whilst studying, you’ll:
- 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 communications or web development
- 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?
Open up a variety of IT and programming roles by completing this computing with foundation year course. During your studies, you’ll have the chance to explore a range of different areas, helping you to find the right specialism for your future career. Need some inspiration? Recent graduates of the school have gone on to roles such as:
- Software development
- Software engineering
- Programmers/coders
- Teachers
Industry skills
Your next step into the professional world
Your foundation year degree will help you to accelerate your academic skills and career progression. But there’s more! Beyond the core programme itself, Arden students will receive additional support and guidance, developing your employability and CV even further.
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to student support advisors who are here for you. They’ll help you to enhance your academic skills, guide you through your orientation and offer tailored career support. This means you’ll have guidance at every stage of your degree from our extensive community of students and fellow alumni, who can offer 1-2-1 advice for your future beyond Arden University.
Outside of this, you’ll also have unlimited access to our online platform, iLearn – providing you with all the learning resources and tools needed to excel in your studies.
Study options
Which study mode is right for you? You’ll have the choice to complete your degree via online learning or blended learning. Here’s a quick summary of both options, so you can choose the flexible learning model that works best for you.
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
Blended Learning
How does it work?
Blended learning involves face to face, on campus, teaching, including eight hours of time-tabled classes spread over two mornings, afternoons, or evenings, at one of our study centres. This study mode provides an element of structure to your day, where you’ll join your fellow classmates at specific times to learn.
Students are then required to complete the rest of their studies online at a time and place that suits them.
With blended learning you can choose to study weekdays:
Either
- two mornings (9.00am to 1.00pm)
OR
- two afternoons (1.30pm to 5.30pm)
Find out more about Blended Learning.
Online Learning
How does it work?
With online learning, you decide when and where you work through your self-guided learning materials, without being held to a set lecture timetable. If you’re interrupted during a lesson, simply pause the materials and continue later. You can also communicate and collaborate with your tutor and classmates through live online forums and email.
Find out more about how Online Learning works.
