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BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year and industrial placement

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year and industrial placement

Award

BSc (Hons)

Start Date

To be confirmed

Duration

5 years

Mode

Full-time

Location

University of Bolton

UCAS Points

48

UCAS Code

G374

Computer science is about much more than building, maintaining and repairing computers and software systems. It's about creativity and innovation, imagining a better way to do things and making it happen. The University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year and industrial placement degree supports you in gaining all the practical and problem-solving skills you'll need to excel in this constantly evolving and highly rewarding field.

Apply Now Download Prospectus Programme Specification

Course Overview

We live in a digital age where most industries rely on software and data. Computer science and IT influence every aspect of our lives, from business to social interaction and beyond, so computer scientists are sought after in the government, health and education sectors and companies of all sizes. By studying for your BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree with foundation year and industrial placement with the University of Bolton, you can develop essential knowledge and understanding of computing and IT principles and practices while experiencing life at our supportive, student-focused, multicultural campus.

The foundation year is the first year of this degree, offering an excellent grounding in the fundamentals of computing, programming and mathematics. It's designed to prepare you for degree-level study.

As you progress in your studies, our expert team will support you in developing knowledge of core computing disciplines and optional areas of your choice. We'll build your understanding of computers and computer systems with practical skills, including systems analysis activities, design and software development. You'll extend your knowledge by selecting from a diverse range of option modules covering topics such as big data, AI, cloud technologies, natural language processing and information security. This course is part of a family of related programmes, including degrees in Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, so we offer exciting options in all these areas.

As computer scientists work at the interface between humans and digital technology, our expert team will focus on preparing you to work across both these worlds. We'll lead you in exploring technological principles and concepts, provide realistic scenarios to develop your practical skills and focus on building your communication skills and ability to work in groups. We'll encourage you to collaborate and look at projects and problems from both the technical and human perspectives to consider the interplay between the two. We also aim to help you develop lifelong learning skills so that you can take ownership of your professional development for the future, maximising your potential for success.

This highly creative discipline requires innovation, experimentation, testing and observation, so project and practical work are essential elements of this degree. With expert guidance and support, you'll study in our well-equipped IT suites, applying and developing your learning individually and in groups. The school's strong links with business mean you'll have the chance to work on live briefs in your assignments, ensuring you gain industry-relevant knowledge. Furthermore, your final year project will build your independence and analytical skills, further develop your creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and allow you to prove your critical understanding of computer science.

By studying our BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with a foundation year and industrial placement, you'll gain essential knowledge and experience a range of opportunities that support you in developing the attitudes, abilities and competencies needed to launch your career in computing and IT.

The University will offer lots of support to help you find a placement with a relevant company in preparation for your year in industry (the industrial placement takes place between the third and final years of this five-year course). Through our relationships with employers, we'll share placement adverts as they become available, and you can also seek your own placement. Our placement team will help with applications and interview skills. Your placement does not have to be in the Bolton area – it could be elsewhere in the UK. Completing a year in industry will give you invaluable skills and experience that will help you in your final year of study with us and boost your CV to help you find an enhanced career afterwards. If you're unsuccessful in securing a placement, you'll be able to transfer directly to the final year of study and complete your degree in four years.

Highlights

Key Features

Entry Requirements

Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

Career Opportunities

Digital technologies are playing an ever-increasing role in all aspects of our lives. Bolton University's BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with foundation year and industrial placement prepares you for a career at the forefront of this continually evolving field. Our graduates find their skills in high demand across industries ranging from finance and retail through healthcare and education to entertainment and energy.

When you successfully complete this degree, you'll possess a solid understanding of the core technologies underpinning computer science and be able to demonstrate your skills in applying computing concepts and methodologies to solve problems. You'll have strong programming skills and valuable knowledge of databases, systems architecture and the areas you selected as options.

You'll also be able to demonstrate vital transferable skills, including teamwork, leadership, communication, time management, commercial awareness, problem-solving and negotiation.

What can I do with this qualification?

Computing is a global activity, and as a BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year and industrial placement graduate from Bolton University, you'll be employable anywhere in the world. Some of the main areas that our graduates go into are network design, programming, web development, software application, interactive multimedia roles, IT support, consultancy and operations, E-commerce and business analysis.

Some typical employers include IT consultancies and IT service providers. However, most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, so there are opportunities within telecommunications, aerospace and defence, financial services, retail, healthcare, manufacturing and the public and third sectors.

After completing this degree, you might set up your own web design or IT consultancy business.

A popular postgraduate route is teaching. Alternatively, you might choose to continue your development in computer science via a master's degree or PhD in areas such as networks and security, artificial intelligence or software engineering.

Alternative career options

Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possible fields include:

  • Teaching
  • Research and development
  • Social media management
  • Technical writing
  • Product management
  • ICT training
  • ICT sales
  • Digital copywriting
  • Telecommunications
  • Network engineering
  • Cyber analyst
  • Machine security professional
Fees & Funding

Home/EU Fees

Year of study Total
Entry Year 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30
2024-25 £9,250 £9,250 £9,250 £1,850 £9,250 - £38,850
2025-26 -

International Fees

Year of study Total
Entry Year 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2028/29 2029/30
2024-25 £15,950 £15,950 £15,950 £2,950 £15,950 - £66,750
2025-26 -

Bursaries

Click here for more information about the scholarships and bursaries available to University of Bolton students.

Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.

How to apply

Home Applicants

If you wish to apply for multiple institutions or multiple courses at Bolton for September entry, then apply through UCAS

You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.

The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.

You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:

  • Institution Code Name: BOLTN

  • Institution Code Number: B44

UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com

If you wish to apply for a single course offered by the University of Bolton for any intake, you can apply directly

If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply directly to the University using our online application form shown below.

A direct application to Bolton provides the following features:

  • Free of charge to apply

  • Secure, simple and streamlined

  • Contact us directly for any admissions queries

  • Regular updates on your application directly from the University

  • Invites to offer holder events and taster sessions where you can meet your future tutors and get a flavour of university life

NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.

For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

  • Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates

  • Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies

  • Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role

  • Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately

  • Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk

International Applicants

The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.

This course is not currently accepting international online applications.

Please contact Admissions by telephone on 01204 903903 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

Admissions
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton, BL3 5AB
United Kingdom

Tel: 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk

Partner Organisation Applicants

University of Bolton Group Partners

Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton

For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.

If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.

When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.

NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to Bolton. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to Bolton.

For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Bolton, you agree to these terms.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

  • Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates

  • Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies

  • Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role

  • Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately

  • Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk

We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!

Teaching & Assessment

We understand that our students' learning needs and preferred learning styles vary, so we use a range of learning and teaching methods, including online (where appropriate). Our team of highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic lecturers offer face-to-face sessions and one-to-one support. We'll also assign you a dedicated personal tutor to help guide you through your studies.

Lectures introduce the core course content, while practical laboratory sessions offer practical experience and help consolidate your learning. Tutorials allow you to ask any questions to ensure you understand the topics covered in lectures and laboratory sessions. We use case studies and practical scenarios to help you learn to apply academic theory to real-life problems, allowing you to gain insights into computing and IT in commercial environments.

Guest lectures/presentations by a variety of visiting speakers from relevant employment areas offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and understanding further.

While you're away from the University on your industrial placement, our academic team will contact you during the year to check that everything is going well.

Regarding assessment, you can expect a combination of assessed practical demonstrations, reports, coursework, and others. These summative assessments contribute to your final marks and are your chance to show you've met the learning outcomes for the course. Formative assessments, on the other hand, feature throughout your studies. While they don't contribute to your module or final marks, they inform and support your development by helping you build on your strengths, overcome any perceived weaknesses, and find the study strategies that best support your ultimate success.

We take our social, public and ethical responsibilities very seriously. All our student project work conforms with the University's policies on ethics and uses the University's research ethics procedure before work commences.

Modules

The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.

  • Fundamentals of Programming
  • Logical Analysis and Problem Solving
  • Computer Systems
  • Foundation Project
  • Maths for Computing
  • Computer Science Fundamentals
  • Computing Infrastructure
  • Databases
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computer Systems Architecture
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Advanced Programming
  • Advanced Databases and Big Data
  • Web Design and Programming
  • Cloud Technologies
  • Introduction to AI
  • Industrial Placement
  • Research and Professional Issues
  • Undergraduate Project
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Software Quality Management
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Operations Management
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Information Security Management

Assessment methods

Level Assessment method
Level 0 Coursework 87%
Practical exams 13%
Level 1 Coursework 100%
Level 2 Coursework 100%
Level 3 Coursework 90%
Practical exams 10%

Learning Activities

Level Activity
Level 0 Guided independent study 55%
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 45%
Level 1 Guided independent study 66%
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 34%
Level 2 Guided independent study 51%
Placement/study abroad 33%
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 16%
Level 3 Guided independent study 77%
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 23%

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.

Postgraduate Options

Programme Contacts

Help Centre

We have the answers to your questions, find all the advice and support in one place.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

Bolton college
Alliance learning
Anderton centre2
QQA Scheme Participant

Help Centre

We have the answers to your questions, find all the advice and support in one place.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

Bolton college
Alliance learning
Anderton centre2
QQA Scheme Participant