BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year Bachelor's degree at Coventry University
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year at Coventry University. The foundation year supports students who need additional preparation before the main degree.
About this course
CU Coventry is committed to high quality, cost-effective learning opportunities. We are also committed to keeping our pricing structure simple, transparent and easy to understand. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in CU Coventry. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 68% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 4 modules
- The Web and Human Centred ProgrammingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Equip yourself with an introductory understanding of web development and the principles of human-centred design. Explore the foundational technologies of the Web, including HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and learn how to create responsive and accessible web applications. An emphasis is placed on user experience (UX) design, teaching you how to conduct user research, develop personas and create wireframes and prototypes that prioritise usability and accessibility. Through a combination of teaching met
- Computer SystemsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces the core concepts of computer systems, covering both hardware and software. Investigate what constitutes a computer by exploring ideas like the Von Neumann architecture and Turing Completeness, and understand how data is represented, including memory, storage, number systems, binary logic, logic gates and transistors. This module explains instruction sets and assemblers along with CPU structure and memory management, including caches and system/virtual memory. Study optimi
- Programming and Artificial IntelligenceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to programming and artificial intelligence. Learn the fundamentals of programming, how to write clear and effective code, and develop your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills, with a focus on AI applications. The module focuses on simple AI programming challenges, including games, chatbots and maze solvers, along with introductory material on machine learning, neural networks and generative artificial intelligence. Content includes necessary mathematics, as
- Programming and Software DevelopmentCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn basic programming concepts and simple algorithms within the application space of software development. The focus will be on new concepts for the exploration of different programming paradigms, particularly (but not limited to) procedural and object-oriented programming (OOP). Investigate the differences between major programming languages and be exposed to best practice design and development techniques for software. This includes learning professional practice in terms of code repositorie
Year two 4 modules
- AlgorithmsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Get an insight into algorithms, data structures, advanced programming techniques and hard problems, covering complexity and computability as well as key aspects of the theory of computer science. Operations on complex data structures, such as trees and graphs, will be introduced and developed within a practical context. This module will introduce you to various algorithmic and heuristic techniques used to tackle hard problems. You will also be introduced to the theory behind multi-threaded progr
- Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module brings together data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Data science uses a range of methods to extract insights from data. Artificial intelligence (AI) is dedicated to how computer systems can conduct work otherwise requiring human intelligence to learn, reason and make decisions. Explore the essentials in each area, including machine learning (ML), as well as the relationships between data science, ML and AI. Uncover the processes and techniques that underlie mo
- Software EngineeringCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of software engineering principles, methodologies and practices, with a focus on the successful delivery of real-world software. Teaching will cover the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering through to implementation, testing, quality assurance and maintenance, with a focus on modern techniques and tools. Explore modern programming languages, including the evaluation of features, benefits and choices. Stu
- Operating System and SecurityCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Through hands-on labs and real-world projects, you will study modern operating systems, networks and associated security. Explore the structure and components of operating systems, including advanced OS services, and functions, such as process control, file management, threading, memory management and device access. You will evaluate emerging trends and technologies alongside the fundamentals of protection and security and learn how to design and implement secure architectures and operating syst
Modules 3 modules
- UK Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
- International Study/Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
- Advanced ProgrammingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Develop advanced programming skills essential for modern industrial and real-world computing applications. This module critically examines key applications and approaches. You will explore different programming paradigms and approaches, including their applications, and learn to critically evaluate the best choice for a given application space. The module will cover languages such as Python, C++, Haskell, Prolog, Z3, or similar.
Final year 4 modules
- Programming Paradigms and ApproachesCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn advanced programming paradigms, techniques and approaches to improve efficiency and address challenging real-world computational problems. This module covers advanced programming paradigms, parallel and distributed programming, and GPU programming. This module focuses on functional programming, solving problems exclusively in this paradigm using a relevant language such as Haskell. Module content considers logic programming and the emerging technology of SAT/SMT-solvers with their sophisti
- Project (Double)Compulsory60 credits
Module details
This final year project module gives you an extended opportunity across two blocks to design and complete a major project that brings together everything you have learned during your course. It's your chance to showcase your knowledge and skills through a piece of work you can be proud of and share with both academic audiences and potential employers. The module includes a comprehensive teaching programme that supports you in developing a wide range of essential research and professional skills.
- Mobile Application DevelopmentOptional30 credits
Module details
Use development kits to build applications for mobile platforms, where the practical issues of programming for such devices will be taught alongside software design for portable devices. With the investigation of interface components and user interaction possibilities of smartphones, you should learn industry-standard software architectural patterns and software design patterns. Module content also includes an introduction to Analytics and Crashlytics in mobile app development using continuous i
- Web API DevelopmentOptional30 credits
Module details
Web application interfaces (APIs) allow websites to access the data and services of others and are an essential part of the modern web. They provide key functionality to both developers and end-users and are the driving force behind the explosion in online social media. This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to create your own API for use in web applications using the latest technologies and featuring an interactive web client. To achieve this, you should use some of the lat
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This four-year programme includes a foundation year to strengthen core skills before progressing to honours study. You'll usually start with programming fundamentals in languages such as Python and Java, computer systems and architecture, and discrete mathematics. In year two, a course like this typically moves to algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. Year three introduces specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, or human-computer interaction, alongside security and networks modules. You'll complete a substantial individual supervised project to apply what you've learned to a real problem. Throughout, you'll develop both practical coding ability and the mathematical and theoretical reasoning that underpins computer science.
Who it's for
This course suits students who want a structured entry into computer science with foundational support. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. The typical UCAS tariff band among recent entrants was less than 48 points. If you're considering this path, check whether you'd benefit from the foundation year before committing to the full programme.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes across the sector rather than guarantees specific to this institution. First-year continuation is 85% across the student cohort.
University & format
Coventry University is a University located in Coventry, UK, founded in 1970. This BSc (Hons) Computer Science with foundation year is a four-year full-time degree taught in English. Coventry University is a recognised UK degree-awarding body and holds a Gold award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The degree is nationally recognised. The university offers bursaries and scholarships; details are available on the university's funding pages.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Coventry University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £32,000 | £28,000 – £36,500 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £28,500 | £22,500 – £36,000 | 310 |
| 5 years after | £36,000 | £26,500 – £49,000 | 315 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 70; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.8 out of 10: NSS 85.4% · in work or study 80% · continued 68%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Coventry University
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around CU Coventry
2,605 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Coventry University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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