Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year

The integrated foundation year is designed to provide you with an accessible path to study Computer Science. In addition to exploring computing concepts and experimenting with a range of tools you'll use in further study, you'll also be introduced to academic and study skills in preparation for the next stage of your learning. 

Students without traditional academic backgrounds or STEM skills will develop the core logical and mathematical knowledge needed to study Computer Science.  

Our BSc (Hons) Computer Science combines both practical and conceptual learning. In addition to learning a range of programming skills, you'll also learn about Artificial Intelligence and how to use it to solve problems. 

You’ll learn how to build web sites, web applications and Internet of Things devices.There’s also strong emphasis on software engineering and you’ll gain an understanding of what good software is and how to create it. You'll also gain a solid understanding of how to create algorithms to search, sort and manipulate data.  

Computer Science at Bath Spa University prepares students for a successful career in a range of industries. Learning by doing is a key aspect of our course and through a range of projects you'll learn how to apply your skills and understanding projects that build to industry requirements. For example, your skills in software engineering will also include knowing how to ensure software is designed and developed to meets the stakeholder requirements and constraints of schedule, budget and quality standards.  

Upon completion, you'll have the competence and skills to continually grow throughout a successful career or postgraduate study.

At BSU, our courses are designed to equip our graduates with the knowledge and skills they’ll need for the real world. To do this, we are continually improving our courses by responding to feedback from students and other stakeholders. This may mean changes may be made to the curriculum. You’ll always be given notice of any such changes.

For more information on how we approach such changes at the university, please read our policies on

• Suspensions and Discontinuations
• Programme modifications.

Integrated Foundation Year (year zero)

The Foundation Year is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in your future studies. You’ll join a supportive and engaging learning environment that will help you develop an understanding of computing concepts and enhance your core logical and mathematical knowledge. 

Year one

Strong fundamentals. You'll start with an induction to computer science through computer systems architecture, networking, and learning about the ideas behind modern computing innovations. Programming skills and software design principles form the second pillar which enables more sophisticated projects throughout the course. You'll finish the year by developing knowledge around data storage and management across the Internet.

Year two

Solution Development. Your second year of study broadens and deepens your knowledge, with the beginnings of specialisation needed for advanced modules. Your understanding of software development is enhanced with object-oriented programming and software engineering. You'll also grow your confidence in modelling and developing computational solutions. 

Building physical computing projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and Artificial Intelligence algorithms encourages experimentation and pushes you into new spaces. You will finish the year by choosing from different modules that match your interests. These may include computer graphics and data visualization.

Year three

Showcase your talent. The final year centres on projects that enable you to apply technical expertise learnt from previous years and modules. You’ll also go further with specialist options aligned with real world domain-specific scenarios. This year provides the opportunity to highlight your professionalism, creative thinking and ability to expand your knowledge.

The assessment of BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Integrated Foundation Year mainly involves coursework and project-based evaluation. You’ll design and develop a varied collection of digital solutions including prototype software solutions, experimental interfaces, algorithm designs. Project assignments are complemented by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, reports, examinations, and presentations.

You’ll be taught through workshops, lectures and seminars, as well as occasional individual and group tutorials  There will also be the opportunity to hear from industry experts and guest lecturers.

Teaching hours usually range from 10 to 12 in year 1. In year 3, they decrease to 8 to 10. There's a greater focus on independent study in year 3. 

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Pitch your great ideas to great companies.

We collaborate with various digital and tech companies across Bath, Bristol and beyond. Our students are invited to collaborate with professonals within local industries, on research work and commissions. You can also draw on our networks to help secure work placement and internship opportunities.

A small selection of our contacts and collaborators include:

• IBM Watson
• Bristol Virtual Reality Lab
• Pervasive Media Studio
• Complete Control
• Create Studios
• TechSpark
• Network N

Careers for Computer Science graduates are numerous and varied, and include (among many others):

• Full stack developers
• Software engineers
• App developers
• Systems developer
• Computer and information research scientists
• Back-end developers
• Data scientists
• Web developers
• IoT Embedded Systems Engineer

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

As a BSc Computer Science student, you'll have access to our:

• Cutting edge Commons building, situated at the heart of our stunning Newton Park campus.
• High-end computing spaces, populated with dedicated PCs and access to 3D printers, VR kit and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library
• Free access to software, creative, design and business courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Support from the ASk (Academic Skills) team
• If English is not your first language, the English Language Unit can support with your English language skills

You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.