Computer Science with a Foundation Year BSc MComp
Department of Computer Science
Explore this course:
You are viewing this course for 2024-25 entry. 2023-24 entry is also available.
Key details
- A Levels BBB; BBC
Other entry requirements - UCAS code G401
- 5 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- FY Foundation year
Course description
If you want to study computer science but don't meet our standard entry requirements, our foundation year could be for you. You'll learn the fundamentals of maths, physics and engineering in a variety of innovative ways to prepare you for your degree.
You'll learn to understand the theoretical principles underlying a problem, and how to engineer a solution. You'll also become familiar with the practical issues involved in developing reliable, effective software systems in business or industry.
This BSc course is accredited by the British Computer Society. The courses fully meet the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional and partially meet the requirements for Chartered Engineer.
The MComp course is accredited by the British Computer Society. The courses fully meet the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional and Chartered Engineer.
Modules
UCAS code: G401
Years: 2022, 2023
Core modules:
- Core Foundation Mathematics
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The syllabus for MAS003 covers the common core A Level curriculum. The unit is tailored for students who have been away from mathematics for a period of time, but who will have gained some A-Level or similar qualifications. The unit covers the basic principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material in the lectures, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the tutorial sessions with the lecturers and in their own time.
40 credits - Introduction to Engineering
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This module will introduce the application of engineering principles to foundation year students and give the student an appreciation of the breadth of engineering activities across the faculty and identify to students what knowledge areas and skills are needed in order to contribute to their development and be successful. It will also help create links with departments and draw on the other modules that students will take in the foundation year especially maths and physics.
40 credits - Foundations of Physics with Computing
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This module will introduce essential concepts in mechanics and electronics in the context of computer science, to develop an understanding of real world interactions with electro-mechanical devices and producing simplified programming code.
30 credits
- Further Foundation Mathematics
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The syllabus for MAS004 covers important material which appears on the A level maths and further mathematics A Level curriculum. The module is for students who are taking MAS003 and need a deeper background in mathematics for their degree course. The module covers advanced principles of algebra, geometry and calculus. Following the introduction of new material, students have the opportunity of extensive problem solving, both in the problem classes with tutors and in their own time.
10 credits - Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics
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This module builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths (which is a prerequisite). This unit covers enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods. These topics are chosen to further prepare students for their undergraduate studies in the science and engineering faculties.
40 credits
After successfully completing the foundation year, you can start your BSc or MComp degree.
Explore computer science courses
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, tutorials and seminars. You will also learn important group work skills and will have the opportunity to work with clients to solve real-world problems. As well as formal teaching you will be expected to undertake independent study.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of exams and tests, coursework and practical work. The proportions for each will vary depending on the modules you choose.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
BBB; BBC
BBB (any A Level); BBC, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
International Baccalaureate 32 (any subjects); 31, with Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level 5 or Standard Level 7
BTEC Extended Diploma DDD in Engineering or IT + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
BTEC Diploma DD in Engineering or IT + A at A Level (no STEM at A Level) + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or IT + B in an A Level science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology) + GCSE Maths grade 7/A; DD in Engineering or IT + C in A Level Maths + GCSE Science grade 6/B
T Level Distinction in the Digital Production, Design and Development T Level, including grade B in the core component + GCSE Science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
Scottish Highers AABBB (any subjects); ABBBB, including Maths and at least one of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + BB (any A Level subjects); B + BC in Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Biology
Access to HE Diploma Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction (to include 12 Maths units), and 21 at Merit + GCSE Maths grade 7/A
Other requirements-
If you are studying both Maths and a science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology) at A Level or equivalent, there are no additional GCSE requirements. If you are studying any other subject combination, we require GCSE science grade 6/B and Maths grade 7/A
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
Due to the competitive nature of applying for the course, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer. All applicants up to 31 January 2024 will be considered, ranked and offers made after this date. Late applications will not be considered.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Computer Science
We're the first computer science department in the UK to launch its own student-run software company, Genesys. Choose Sheffield and you'll develop skills in programming, teamwork, communication, systems design, problem solving, and learn about current software engineering industry practices.
Our courses are designed to challenge you and prepare you for a career in industry, commerce, research, teaching or management. Our inspirational staff are experts in their fields of research and we are ranked 5th out of 89 computer science departments in the UK for research excellence. What we teach you is relevant today and tomorrow.
During your degree you'll work on real projects for real clients as part of core and optional modules.
As well as lots of practical experience, we'll give you the first-rate scientific grounding you'd expect from a leading Russell Group research university. You can specialise in areas including computer security, web development and mobile apps, robotics and machine learning, speech and language technology, or 3D graphics and virtual reality.
Take one of our four-year MComp degrees and you can participate in Genesys as part of your course. Genesys was the first student-led software development organisation in the UK and will give you the opportunity to gain real industrial experience with a great deal of personal responsibility.
Your lectures, practical classes, tutorials and seminars are usually held on the University campus. The Diamond is a world-class building, home to all engineering undergraduates and where most of your practical sessions will take place. Our investment of £81m in the building and £20m for lab equipment is helping us to develop innovative teaching and learning experiences.
Dedicated teaching staff will support you and assist your development into a computer scientist of the future. We regularly host guest lectures from industry, with recent guests including Microsoft, Google, GitHub, IBM and ARM.
Facilities
You will have access to cutting edge facilities in The Diamond including virtual reality facilities, high-spec graphics PCs and a robot arena. Our computer suites are equipped with the latest hardware, software and operating systems.
Science and Engineering Foundation YearWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A top 100 university
QS World University Rankings 2023
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
A top 10 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2022, High Fliers report
Department of Computer Science
National Student Survey 2022
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Graduate careers
Department of Computer Science
Some of our graduates have gone on to become IT consultants, software engineers, software developers, project managers, and data scientists in companies such as Amazon, ARM, BT, Bank of America & BofA Securities, Goldman Sachs, Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Plusnet. Others have begun their research careers by starting a PhD.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 7870
Email: sefy@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.