---
title: "BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year"
description: "Start your IT career with Arden’s BSc (Hons) Computing Degree with a Foundation Year. Develop key computing skills, prepare for the tech industry, and shape your future. Apply now!"
canonical: "https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/foundation-year-entry-degrees/bsc-hons-computing-foundation-degree"
published: 2020-10-22
updated: 2026-09-07
author: "Arden University"
---

# BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

## Course details and modules

Our award-winning curriculum has been designed to give you the modern skill set needed to start your career on the right footing.

Your modules take a hands-on approach to provide you with transferable real-world skills for your future. After reviewing key academic study skills, you’ll have the opportunity to master coding, database and web document creation, data analysis, cloud computing, IT project management, systems analysis soft skills, and more.

Just some of the fascinating modules available on this course include:

**Data Mining**

In the modern workplace and wider society, data reigns supreme. Learn how to manipulate and visualise data to make informed business decisions across various sectors. Develop skills in Python, one of the most popular programming languages in data science.

**Web Application Development**

Today, applications are as likely to run in a web browser as on a desktop. Showcase your ability to create interactive web-based systems by combining the diverse skills you've acquired in databases, programming, web design, and user experience.

**Ethics, Quality and Sustainability in Technological Environments**

Examine the dilemmas that IT practitioners face and explore the potential impacts of their decisions using current examples. Utilise ethical frameworks and professional codes of conduct relevant to IT professionals. Recent news events highlighting the impact of faulty computer systems underscore the importance of embedding ethical practices and behaviours throughout an organisation.

![Janka Krsteva](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2023-07/Janka%20Krsteva.jpg)

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

### Modules

Foundation Year

- Preparing for Success as a STEM Student (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of STEM (20 credits)
- Advancing Your Academic Skills in STEM (20 credits)
- Problem Solving and Programming (20 credits)
- Planning for Success as a STEM Student and Graduate (20 credits)
- STEM Project (20 credits)

Level 4

- Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Development (Core) (20 credits)
- Introduction to Operating Systems & Security (Core) (20 credits)
- Introduction to Databases (Core) (20 credits)
- Introduction to Programming (Core) (20 credits)
- Introduction to Web Authoring (Core) (20 credits)
- Introduction to Networking (Core) (20 credits)

Level 5

- Human Computer Interaction (Core) (20 credits)
- Data Analytics and Visualisation (Core) (20 credits)
- IT Project Management (Core) (20 credits)
- Systems Analysis and Design (Core) (20 credits)
- Then choose either
    - **Technical route**
    - Advanced Databases (Elective) (20 credits)
    - Object Oriented Programming (Elective) (20 credits)
        or
    - **Information Systems**
    - Digital Business (Elective) (20 credits)
    - Ethics, Quality and Sustainability in Technological Environments (Elective) (20 credits)

Level 6

- Data Mining (Core) (20 credits)
- Distributed & Cloud Computing (Core) (20 credits)
- Information Security Management (Core) (20 credits)
- Computing Project (Core) (20 credits)
- Then choose either
    - **Technical route**
    - Web Application Development (Elective) (20 credits)
        or
    - **Information Systems Route**
    - Technology Entrepreneurship (Elective) (20 credits)

*Web Application Development is available only to students who completed the Technical option set at Level 5. All other students will take Technology Entrepreneurship.*

If you're studying in Berlin, your Foundation Year modules will differ slightly. See our Berlin course details [here](https://arden.ac.uk/berlin/our-courses/undergraduate/foundation-year-entry-degrees/bsc-computing-foundation-year).

Please note that if you study via our blended learning study mode, not all modules may be available at every Arden study centre. However, timetables will be coordinated to accommodate students who need to travel to other study centres or participate in live online classes.

### Pathways that align with your career ambitions

We offer two pathways starting from Level 5, allowing you to tailor your degree to your career goals – giving you the choice to build your skills on the technical side or develop the strategic skills needed to help companies grow:

#### Technical Pathway:

Build on your programming, database, and web development skills on this path. If your ambition is to excel in software development, database design, or web development, the technical pathway is the ideal choice for you.

#### Information Systems Pathway:

This pathway focuses on digital transformation, ethical considerations, and strategic approaches to system security. If you aim to pursue leadership roles in IT management or seek strategic positions, the information systems pathway equips you with the necessary insights into contemporary workplace challenges.

### Free vendor courses

We align our resources with industry leaders like Oracle, Cisco, and Amazon, offering you the chance to pursue certifications and badges that enhance your employability. You will have access to a variety of free courses offered by these vendors. While we don’t cover certification costs, our programme prepares you for these exams, allowing you to pay for them when you are ready.

#### Real-world alignment: Our assessments mirror professional scenarios

Only one exam (Level 4, Introduction to Computer Systems and Security), through a time-controlled assessment. The rest of your modules involve hands-on activities directly relevant to computing roles.

You'll engage in creating databases, coding websites and web applications, writing programs, crafting project documents, analysing case studies and scenarios, and using spreadsheets for data visualisation and analysis, including working with large datasets. All of this will allow you to start building a professional portfolio of work to show to future employers.

## Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode (daytime classes) at our campuses in [London Ealing](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/london/ealing-study-centre), [London Stratford](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/london/stratford-campus), [London Holborn](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/london/holborn-study-centre), [Manchester](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/manchester), [Birmingham](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/birmingham), [Leeds](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/leeds) and [Berlin, Germany](https://arden.ac.uk/berlin/our-campus/about-us).

If you prefer to attend your classes during the evening, this option is available at our London Tower Hill, London Holborn, Manchester and Birmingham campuses.

#### How does it work?

When you choose our blended learning study mode, each week you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. 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. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

Blended learning 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 live within commuting or driving distance of one of our UK campuses. Students who study this course at our London Tower Hill, London Holborn, or Birmingham locations now have the option to attend evening classes or daytime sessions, giving you more opportunity to fit your degree around life and work.

If you're a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on our [fees and funding page.](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding/undergraduate-loans) If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

This course is also available to study full-time at our campus in Berlin, Germany, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience life as an international student in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic and historic cities.

[Learn more about blended learning](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/blended-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:

- A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last 3 years, or an equivalent qualification.
- Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference.
- We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year. To view the course details, please [click here](https://arden.ac.uk/our-courses/undergraduate/computing-degrees/bsc-hons-computing).

Candidates for our computing with foundation year undergraduate degree are required to submit a personal statement (of between 350-550 words) which tells us about your motivation for studying this course. You may also be invited to attend an interview to demonstrate your ability to study the course successfully.

This statement should include:

- Your motivation for undertaking the programme
- Why you’ve chosen your particular course
- Any long-term goals or career aspirations

### English Proficiency

- IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent

## Meet the faculty

![Steve Johnston](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-06/Steve%20Johnston.png)

Dr Steve Johnston joined Arden University in November 2025 as the new Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology. Steve holds an undergraduate degree in Astrophysics and Psychology from Keele University and earned a PhD at the Centre for Applied Mathematics and Computation (CAMAC) in Coventry in 2002. After early experience developing software for a 3D scanning firm, Steve transitioned to academia, focusing on brain imaging research at Bangor University.

Following this, Steve lectured in Psychology at Brunel University before joining Swansea University in 2012 as Senior Lecturer. He became Associate Dean for the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science in 2021 where he led the delivery of traditional and professional healthcare programmes, drove curriculum innovation, and implemented enhancement strategies informed by data-driven insights. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Steve Johnston

Acting Head of School – School of Applied Technology and AI

## Career prospects

The ever-evolving nature of technology ensures a continuous demand for skilled computing professionals, offering our graduates a wide range of fulfilling and lucrative career paths to choose from.

- Average Salary for a Web Developer in the UK is £42,666
- Average Salary for a Data Analyst in the UK is £43,569
- Average Salary for a Cloud Engineer in the UK is £65,603

(sourced from [Reed Salary Tracker](https://www.reed.co.uk/average-salary) on 3rd April 2024)

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- [ Computing and IT Articles   ](https://arden.ac.uk/knowledge-base/subject-areas/computing-and-it)
- [ Career Advice  ](https://arden.ac.uk/knowledge-base/career-advice)

### What will I gain from this degree?

IT, data mining, cloud computing, and programming skills are in high demand all over the world. CompTIA’s “State of the Tech Workforce U.K.” reports that organisations are projected to employ approximately 2.06 million tech workers in 2023.

Through our programme, you'll gain:

- In-demand skills that enhance your employability and readiness for the workforce.
- A variety of soft skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation abilities, which are invaluable for your future career.
- A portfolio to showcase your projects and accomplishments to potential employers.
- Hands-on experience across various modern computing areas, curated from our carefully selected modules.

### What can I do after Arden University?

Your computing degree with Arden University sets you up for any number of possible career paths after graduation. Here are just some of the professions you could go on to explore:

##### Technical roles:

- Programming/Coding
- Software Development/Engineering
- Web Design
- Data Analysis
- Database Administration
- Cybersecurity and Risk Management

##### Information Systems roles:

- Product Management
- Web Analytics
- Consultancy
- Technical Recruitment
- IT Support Specialisms

## Industry skills

![Microsoft](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2023-07/8867.Microsoft_5F00_Logo_2D00_for_2D00_screen.jpg)

Study an industry-relevant course alongside your degree. Employers highly value graduates who have their degree plus an industry recognized certification. During the course you’ll acquire some of the most in-demand skills used in computing currently, allowing you to independently acquire certification in Azure Data Fundamentals and Security Fundamentals from Microsoft to add to your degree qualification.

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