Computer Science with Foundation BSc Honours

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Course Overview

Attendance

UK Fees £9,250 *
International Fees £15,400 *
Duration 4 or 5 years

* Price per academic year

Course summary

Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster.

Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.

The Foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year, you will explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high-end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course. 

On successful completion of the Foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Computer Science BSc Honours over a further three years study.

Our course covers all aspects of modern computer science and specialised computer science topics, laying the foundations for your success in a rapidly changing environment.

A key benefit of our course is its flexibility. You'll be able to build a customised route within computer science, following a pathway in one of several computing areas to suit your interests. You'll develop a wide range of skills and knowledge in areas such as creative computing, information systems, graphics and games development, mobile and web computing, software engineering, design and development, software security, and artificial intelligence.

You'll use industrial tools and techniques throughout our course and graduate well versed in all aspects of the software lifecycle. You'll have the chance to apply your new knowledge and skills to real-world problems, usually in the form of a small-scale project set by an external organisation. As well as the technical skills you'll develop as part of this project, and you'll build vital transferable skills around the areas of commercial awareness, leadership and organisation.

After completing your second year, you'll have the opportunity to do a one-year work placement. Placements will help you to gain work experience and enhance your employability after you graduate. Help and support are always available to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the University's Careers and Employability Service and our course team.

Top reasons to study with us

  • Choose your own path – Our flexible course allows you to study the areas of computing you are most interested in, while still getting a broad education in computing
  • Get real-life work experience – Increase your employability and put your problem-solving skills into practice by completing a year in industry during your course. Past destinations for our students include: Apple, AppNexus, Bromley Healthcare CIC, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, PGIM, ServiceNow, Sony, SR Group
  • Prepare for your career – Career prospects for computer science students are excellent, and our degree will prepare you for graduate roles such as computer programmer, web developer, junior specialist developer and software developer
  • Start your journey as an IT professional – Our course is intended to fulfil the requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS), which means it complies with rigorous academic and professional standards as set out by the BCS. It also allows graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)
  • You'll qualify for free British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership for the duration of your studies. The BCS supports those working in the IT industry and has a commitment to making IT good for society. The organisation has over 60,000 members in 150 countries, and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers. Membership of the BCS will allow you to continue your professional development and enjoy a range of valuable networking opportunities. For more information, visit the BCS website

Course structure

The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course. 

Subjects of study include:

  • Computer Systems and Networks
  • Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
  • Foundation Mathematics
  • Information Systems and Data Representation
  • Introduction to Academic Practice
  • Programming

Credit Level 3

Subjects of study include:

  • Computer Systems Fundamentals
  • Mathematics for Computing
  • Software Development
  • Trends in Computer Science
  • Web Design and Development

Credit Level 4

Subjects of study include:

  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Client-Server Architectures
  • Software Development Group Project (work-based module)
  • Database Systems

and options from one or a mix of the following routes:

  • Business Information Systems
  • Computer Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Games and Computer Graphics Development
  • Mobile and Web Computing  
  • Usability and Interaction

Credit Level 5

Our course gives you the opportunity to take a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of your study. This will help you gain work experience and increase your chances of employability after you graduate.

You will be offered help and support to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organised by the Careers and Employability Service and the course team.

Typically, you will be assigned into roles involving tasks related to computer science.

Subjects of study include:

  • Applied Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Final Project
  • Security and Forensics

and options from one or a mix of the following routes:

  • Business Information Systems
  • Computer Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Games and Computer Graphics Development
  • Mobile and Web Computing  
  • Usability and Interaction

Credit Level 6

Professional accreditation

The Computer Science BSc Honours is fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), which means it complies with rigorous academic and professional standards as set out by the BCS. It also allows graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Studying Computer Science and Engineering at Westminster

Watch the video below to find out more about studying Computer Science and Engineering at Westminster.

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Programme specification

For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).

To request an accessible version please email [email protected]

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Prospectus

Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.

Request a prospectus

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Get in touch

Contact us for general course enquiries:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm GMT)

[email protected]

Live chat with us
(Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm GMT)

Open days

Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.

Careers

Boost your employability

You'll get valuable work experience and increase your employability by completing a year in industry during the course.

Learn the fundamentals of computer science

Study the key topics in computer science, software engineering and development, while also exploring specialist computer science topics that interest you. 

3,000

Employers around the world

The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.

Career development

We aim to create highly adaptable graduates who have both the knowledge and the technical capabilities to solve real-world problems.

As well as having a solid foundation in computer science, you'll also have one or more specialisms that open up career pathways during your early years as a computing professional.

Work experience

You'll have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) and gain work experience, enhancing your employability after graduation.

Organisations where our students have undertaken work experience in the past include: 

  • Apple
  • AppNexus
  • Bromley Healthcare CIC
  • Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
  • PGIM
  • ServiceNow
  • Sony
  • SR Group

Job roles

Career prospects for computer science graduates are excellent and typical career routes include:

Graduate 

  • Computer programmer
  • Junior specialist developer
  • Software developer
  • Web developer

Early to mid-career 

  • Computer systems analysts
  • Computer system engineers
  • Database administrators
  • Network systems administration
  • Research and development
  • Software designer
  • Software QA

Senior

  • Chief technical officer
  • Lead developer
  • Lead researcher
  • Senior application developer
  • Senior systems architect or analyst

International Opportunities

Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.

Opportunities could include:

  • Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
  • Attending an international summer school or field trip
  • Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad

International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.

Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.

Students working and studying internationally

Course Leaders

Noam Weingarten course leader photo's profile photo

Noam Weingarten

Senior Lecturer

Noam Weingarten is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Westminster. Noam is the Course Leader of the Foundation Level of all courses offered by the School, and teaches several modules. 

He has been working at the University of Westminster since 2002 and is highly experienced at catering for the foundation level.

His research interests include cloud computing and the applications of such computing power such as bioinformatics.

See full profileSee full profile of Noam Weingarten

Dr Artie Basukoski

Senior Lecturer

Dr Artie Basukoski is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science and Engineering. He is passionate about teaching and motivating learners to develop their abilities and interest in programming and computer science.

His current academic path follows from extensive international IT experience in the management and development of trading systems as Head of Information Services with the Union Bank of Switzerland in Sydney, and as Regional Project Manager for Citibank in Singapore.

Artie received his BSc in Computer Science from the University of Technology Sydney. He completed his MSc in Advanced Computer Science and PhD in Automated Reasoning from the University of Westminster, where he subsequently undertook post-doctoral studies. His current research is in the application of AI techniques to improve the efficiency of processes in health care. He is a member of the Health and Social Care Modelling Group (HSCMG), where he supervises PhD students undertaking doctoral research in Process Mining. 

See full profileSee full profile of Dr Artie Basukoski
Artie Basukoski's profile photo

Broaden your career options and achieve your aspirations in an increasingly digital world."

Why study this course

Study in London

Our central London location means that you'll be perfectly placed to take advantage of career and collaboration opportunities in the city.

Get career-ready

Our course will prepare you for graduate roles such as computer programmer, web developer, junior specialist developer, and software developer.

Get qualified

Our course allows graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Entry Requirements

  • A Levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
  • T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
  • International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
  • BTEC Diploma – MM
  • Access – 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have: 

  • GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

Mature entrants without formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.

View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.

  • International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

More information

International Foundation course  

We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London to provide Foundation Certificate courses for international students who don’t meet our Bachelor’s degree entry requirements.

Find out how to apply for the Foundation Certificate course. 

Pre-sessional English programmes

Need to improve your English before starting your course? We offer summer pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes

Hear from our students

Learn new skills

Learn a new language

From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme

Develop your entrepreneurial skills

Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects. 

Gain extra qualifications

We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Fees and Funding

UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Funding

As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.

Find out about undergraduate student funding options.

Scholarships

The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)

When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.

Find out how we set our tuition fees.

EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme

If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.

International student funding

Find out about funding for international students.

Additional costs

See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.

Teaching and Assessment

Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable.  Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.

How you'll be taught

Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:

  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
F
24%76%
1
27%73%
2
24%76%
P
1%6%93%
3
23%77%
Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement

How you'll be assessed

Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.

Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:

  • Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts  
  • Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
F
28%72%
1
100%
2
4%96%
P
100%
3
14%86%
PracticalCoursework

Data from the academic year 2022/23

Supporting you

Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.

  • Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
  • Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
  • Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
  • Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Visit our student hub

Course location

With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,

Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.

For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.

Contact us

Call our dedicated team on:

+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

[email protected]

Start live chat

Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday

More information

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