Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Apply now

This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Computer Science course, with an integrated foundation year. Study the fundamentals of computer science and systems administration. Design and develop for web, multimedia and mobile platforms. Challenge your creativity and technical skills with a series of challenging, hands-on practical projects.

Sign up to our IFY webcast

Overview

This interesting and challenging course combines hands-on development with the theories behind how and why computers work as they do. You will have full access to the University’s outstanding IT facilities, which include specialist networking laboratories. We provide professional-level developer software and advanced hardware through accreditations with Cisco and other major companies.

Topics include programming, software development, database systems, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and Cybersecurity.

Why us?

Member of the PlayStation®4 Academic Development Programme, which grants us the licence to Sony games console devkit hardware and software
We have an integrative and holistic approach to our integrated computing courses. You’ll be taught the fundamentals of computing alongside students from other courses in the School of Computer Science. This course structure allows you to easily change courses at the end of the second year, should a different computer science route appeal to you. For example, you may begin studying BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year, but then show a greater aptitude for cybersecurity and decide to change to BSc (Hons) Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics with Integrated Foundation Year

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional
Accredited by BCS on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer
We are a University that is nationally recognised for supporting learners particularly from non-traditional backgrounds and many students come to us with no formal qualifications but with valuable work experience

Our partners, accreditations and networks

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions. You will be encouraged to develop independent study skills as well as work with other students on group projects. As well as assessments (i.e. coursework) that count towards your degree, there are also ongoing opportunities for feedback and consolidating your learning.

Foundation Year

The Computing Integrated Foundation Year includes five modules:

Essential Study Skills (20 credits)
Maths (20 credits)
Foundation module (40 credits)
Project (20 credits)
Subject Specialism (20 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 1 (national level 4):

Fundamentals of Computing (100 credits)

Software Development and Theory: Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Formal Methods

Programming: Microsoft C# .NET and programming for Robots

Web and Multimedia Applications: Markup Languages (HTML 5, CSS 3), Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Javascript, Web APIs (such as Google Maps and Yahoo APIs)

Database Systems: Database Design, Relational Databases and SQL, Database Integrity and Security, PHP and MySQL

Computer Systems and Networking: Operating Systems, Networks and Computer Architectures

Specialist Mini Project: Showcase your talents through a project in your chosen area of computing. Past projects have included a Facebook app, a hack challenge and the creation of a retro arcade game.

Computational Thinking (20 credits)

Gain a rounded introduction to the underpinning development of computing disciplines from the first beginnings to the present day. Discuss computing as a profession and a discipline from an historical and developmental perspective, evaluating the development of software, hardware and computer systems.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our .

Year 2 (national level 5):

Personalised Skills Development (20 credits)

Learn key skills such as self-determination, planning and actioning of goals, time management, independent learning and team working.

Software Enterprise Project (20 credits)

This module has been developed with the support of the Institute of Coding, a network of employers, universities, training providers and professional bodies working together to create the skills needed for the digital economy. The module has been modified as a result of collaboration with a number of industry partners including SAGE and Adlink, to enhance industry relevant employability skills.

Intermediate Software Development (20 credits)

This module will move beyond the basic object oriented concepts associated with simple classes and objects to cover a series of more sophisticated object-oriented ideas, including ‘inheritance’ and ‘polymorphism’.

Advanced Software Development (20 credits)

The module provides you with in-depth knowledge of issues associated with the modern software development life cycle, including the application of standard industrial methods to the design, development and testing of complex OO systems, including those with multi-threaded and distributed components.

Database Systems Development (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to enable you to understand how information systems can be used and developed to support enterprises.

Internet of Things (20 credits)

Gain the specialised skills necessary to develop applications for IoT devices within real-world contexts, including the use of robotics and sensors. Focus on programming, network connectivity, configuration and deployment of IoT devices in simulated and practical environments. Use industry-standard tools to acquire, interpret and visualize data retrieved from them. Consider science, HCI and security techniques.

Year 3:

Industrial placement (optional)

Final year (national level 6)

Core modules:

Computing Project (40 credits)

Undertake advanced study, including a literature review, in order to research and develop to completion a substantial piece of work that demonstrates the range of skills you have acquired. You will also submit a dissertation that describes and evaluates the problem and solution. Past examples include an Android audio application, a Trojan detector and a network monitoring tool.

Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

Develop your knowledge of current AI principles and your skills in this fast-moving area, which is a particular focus of Sunderland’s research.

Advanced Cyber Security (20 credits)

Learn how to analyse the range of tradeoffs in balancing the security properties of confidentiality, integrity and availability. You will also learn how to select the appropriate tools and techniques to address and manage concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities and potential attacks.

Optional modules (choose two):

Android Mobile Development (20 credits)

Analyse, design, develop, test and deploy native mobile applications using Java and Android Studio. You will be introduced to native programming, application build and deployment, the Android ecosystem, security and software engineering in a student led and practical manner.

Advanced Data Technologies (20 credits)

Explore solutions related to complex database systems such as: enhanced data models, query optimisation, clustering, scalability, security, forensic investigation, data warehousing, data analysis tools and more.

Software Enterprise (20 credits)

Gain the knowledge and skills that will enable you to explore and exploit business opportunities for software enterprises.

Students into Schools (20 credits) (This is an Institute of Coding supported module)

Undertake a work-based placement to support computing in a school or equivalent learning environment.

User Experience Design (20 credits)

Consider usability and user experience principles. Examine user-centred design techniques and usability evaluation methods.

As well as an enthusiastic teaching team, you will be supported by the Academic Technical Support team, whose role is to aid students and staff with teaching and projects; help with practical taught sessions; and configure PCs and other kit. They are experienced and knowledgeable and can be approached by students for support at any time.
Academic Technical Support
The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s is nestled between the River Wear and the sea, just two minutes from the coast, and set in expansive green space on the banks of the river next to the historic St Peter's Church. This provides a picturesque backdrop and a great location for travelling to the beach or the city centre.

The David Goldman Informatics Centre has been described as a ‘computing cathedral’ in the past and has over 300 computer workstations in one space it’s easy to see why.
David Goldman Informatics Centre
Our outstanding IT facilities include the David Goldman Informatics Centre, which has hundreds of computers so it’s easy to find a free workstation with the software you need.

We are an accredited Cisco Academy and have two laboratories packed with Cisco networking equipment including routers, switches, terminals and specialist equipment for simulating frame relay and ISDN links.

We host high-performance computing platforms, including a Big Data machine and a High Performance Computing Cluster system, for concurrent processing of complex computational tasks. We also have the equipment and licences for our own public mobile cellular network.

IT facilities for computing, networks and big data
This space is used for problem-based learning seminars and workshops across a range of computing and engineering courses. It is open-plan which allows for engaging group discussion and the space includes several smart screens which can be connected so the whole class can view the same presentation, or can work individually for separate group projects.
Learning Lab
The David Goldman Informatics Centre has a variety of open plan spaces, and the Level 2 Gallery is a communal space for students to relax and study.
Audio Visual Technology is available for students to use whenever, for example, using smart screens to view presentations for further study.
Level 2 Gallery
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on computing topics, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles.

Some of the most important sources for computing students include:
- British Standards Online which offers more than 35,000 documents covering specifications for products, dimensions, performance and codes of practice
- Association of Computing Machinery digital library, which includes full-text articles from journals as well as conference proceedings
- Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
- Archives of publications from Emerald, including over 35,000 full-text articles dating back to 1994 on a range of subjects including technology
- Business Source Elite from EBSCO Publishing that covers hundreds of journals that include coverage of e-commerce and information management
Library Services - IT
Study physical networking and virtual networking in this space, as well as how to secure networks.
Facilities include switches and routers, picocell mobile technology and an eye-tracker which can be used in research projects.
There is even the opportunity to program sensors used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing and healthcare, for example heart monitors used in the healthcare industry.
Networks and Cybersecurity Lab
With over 200 computer workstations in one space, the David Goldman Informatics Centre is one of the University’s most striking buildings inside and out. It is home to specialist dedicated computer forensics labs, a game software development lab and a final year project lab.
The Project Lab is used by final year Computing students to enable them to work on their final year project in their individual study time. Specific software can be added to the computer stations, if necessary for the students’ projects. Presentations and vivas (an oral exam whereby students present their thesis) are carried out in this space too.
Project Lab
Map and directions

Facilities

This course is based at the David Goldman Informatics Centre, a high-tech computing environment with strong links to software companies and a constant exchange of ideas and people.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is

GPA 3.0 or above from High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade - SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at admissions@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or an equivalent qualification, for example; a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above.
If English is not your first language we will require an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 6.0 and at least 5.5 or higher in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking. An alternative approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) can also be considered if the applicant’s element scores are equivalent to those required for IELTS.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is £9,250 but you will receive £3,000 cashback in Year 1 of the full undergraduate course.

In addition, you may receive free travel across the Tyne and Wear region and a University of Sunderland StudyPLUS Card loaded with additional offers up to the value of £200, plus a bundle of study skills books worth £80.

If you are a full-time UK student you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fee and maintenance loan for the full four years.

Please note, this course is not available to international students.

If you are not sure whether you qualify as a UK, EU or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

You are viewing entry requirements for visitors from United States. Not from United States? Change your country preferences.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

This course has a strong emphasis on real-world learning that boosts employability and equips you to make a bigger contribution in the workplace.

Graduate success

Sunderland has a good reputation with employers - 93.4% of our graduates are in employment, further study or training within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2016/17 (based on full-time, first degree, home leavers).

In your final year of the course, you will undertake a major individual project with research-active staff. This adds to your hands-on experience and, in some cases, leads to a job offer that can be taken up as soon as the course ends.

Career options

Our graduates have gone on to become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers. Employers that have taken on our graduates include Sage, British Airways and the NHS. Other graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.

Meet the students

I was lucky enough to be chosen from thousands of students to spend a year at the CERN in Geneva.

Andrew Short

Meet the team

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 08 June 2020

Sign up to receive emails about your subject area.

Keep me up to date relating to my interest in the University of Sunderland via:

Email

You may unsubscribe at any time.

Using Your Personal Information
The University of Sunderland is collecting this data in order for you to receive information on your chosen subject(s). Your information will be stored securely in our Customer Relationship Management system which is provided by a 3rd party and used only for the administration and provision of this information. Should you choose to opt in to further communications we will also use your information to facilitate other useful marketing information based on your preferences. Further information on how your data is stored and used can be found in our Privacy notice - marketing.

Overview

Why us?

Our partners, accreditations and networks

Course structure

Foundation Year

Year 1 (national level 4):

Year 2 (national level 5):

Year 3:

Final year (national level 6)

Core modules:

Optional modules (choose two):

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Graduate success

Career options

Meet the students

Andrew Short

Meet the team

Related courses

Contact

Sign up to receive more information