About This Course
Our aim is simple – we want to help you become a computer professional with the ability to keep yourself up-to-date with the rapid pace of developments in the field of computer science. After graduation, with one of our computing degrees, you should be able to obtain a good job in the computing industry in the UK or indeed with any of the international computing firms; or take up study for a higher degree such as a Masters Degree or PhD (both offered at Bangor).
The BSc Computer Science with Foundation Year course combines a foundation year with the three year Honours Degree to create an integrated four year programme. The programme provides an excellent introduction to studying a science subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to study at degree-level.
The with Foundation Year programme is ideal for applicants who do not quite meet the entry requirements for the three year degree or who would benefit from further a further year’s study in relation to studying a science subject.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will see you progress to Year 1 of the BSc Computer Science course.
As a Bangor University student, you will be taught by committed and enthusiastic staff and will have access to the University’s extensive student support network and facilities.
Why choose Bangor University for this Computer Science course?
- We offer a lively community with well-equipped laboratories, networked computers using industry-standard software and its own library.
- Our research and other interactions with industry ensure that our courses reflect recent developments. Staff are practising professionals, who work on joint projects and act as consultants to industry.
- Final-year projects are often carried out in collaboration with a local company - providing you with advantages when seeking employment.
- This degree is validated by the British Computer Society which is the Chartered Institute for IT.
- We have recently installed a large networking laboratory – designed to provide the opportunity to design and administer networks and to support the delivery of computer architecture modules.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.
This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year. You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the Student Exchanges section of our website.
Course Content
Throughout your degree you will study a range of modules and engage in a wide variety of different learning activities, which may include lectures, tutorials, and laboratory practicals. In addition, you will develop your knowledge and skills through undertaking a wide variety of assessments.
The Foundation Year component of the programme is designed to prepare you for degree-level study. You will study a range of modules focused on your developing your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, ahead of progressing to Year 1 of the programme. You will complete modules focusing on IT and Communication Skills, Essential Mathematics and develop a range of skills through a subject specific research project. In addition, you will complete modules on Further Mathematics and Computer Science.
As well as learning the fundamentals of computer science and advanced programming skills, you will benefit from teaching that relates to the research interest of the academic staff. Particular specialities available during the course include computer graphics, artificial intelligence and agents and data communications. If these areas appeal to you then this is the Computer Science course for you.
Year 1 and 2 of the BSc programme aim to consolidate and deepen your knowledge and widen skills base. The aim of the third year is to really develop your critical understanding of the subject and to further enhance your employability.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Facilities
Computer Science facilities
- Large, fully equipped computing laboratories and all the latest software.
- A recently installed immersive technologies laboratory, where the latest devices are used for project and research work.
- A recently installed large networking laboratory to provide students with the opportunity to design and administer networks and for the teaching of computer architecture modules.
Take a 360 virtual tour of our facilities
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Course Costs
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,250 per year (2025/26).
- The fee for all integrated study abroad years is £1,385 (2025/26).
- The fee for an integrated year in industry as part of a sandwich programme is £1,850 (2025/26).
More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
GCSE: grade C/4 in Maths required.
Offers are tariff based, 48-88 tariff points, from Level 3 qualification(s)* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- BTEC Diplomas and Certificate are accepted and Cambridge Technical Diplomas / Certificates
- Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Certificates
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificate is accepted
- T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis
We also welcome applications from mature learners. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
International Applicants
We are currently unable to accept applications from international students for this course.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College. Successful completion of Year 0 of the equivalent International programme guarantees entry to Year 1 of the same Bangor University degree programme. Through this route, Year 0 is delivered at Bangor University International College (BUIC) located at the heart of our University Campus and run by our partner, Oxford International Education Group.
For more information, visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/buic/
GCSE: grade C/4 in Maths required.
Offers are tariff based, 48-112 tariff points, from Level 3 qualification(s)* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- BTEC Diplomas and Certificate are accepted and Cambridge Technical Diplomas / Certificates
- Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Certificates
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificate is accepted
- T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis
We also welcome applications from mature learners. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
International Applicants
We are currently unable to accept applications from international students for this course.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College. Successful completion of Year 0 of the equivalent International programme guarantees entry to Year 1 of the same Bangor University degree programme. Through this route, Year 0 is delivered at Bangor University International College (BUIC) located at the heart of our University Campus and run by our partner, Oxford International Education Group.
For more information, visit: www.bangor.ac.uk/buic/
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.
EU and International Students' Entry Requirements
For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
Careers
This course will prepare you for a variety of careers in web application development software engineering, programming, communications and networking, computer applications, IT management, computer sales and marketing. The business and management component of this course will help you to become a project manager.
If you’ve always wanted to pursue a career in IT but never had the qualifications this foundation is the perfect way to realise your dreams!
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.
Internships
Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website.
