Computer Science with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course Summary

• Study your foundation year, then progress to a degree with industry accreditation from the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT.

• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start.

• Learn the skills you need to write the software of tomorrow.

• Develop complex software and systems using analytical and mathematical approaches.

• Understand the fundamental principles behind the software that powers our world.

• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

Computer science provides a deep understanding of practical applications of computation in areas ranging from programming language design to everyday software systems. This course is aimed at anyone who wants to become a programmer, understands and can build on the fundamental principles behind the software that underpins modern society.

How you learn

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Science course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The combination of learning methods across the course allow you to develop a range of skills through problem-solving activities, practical implementations and teamwork, allowing you to take an active approach to learning and encouraging self-development.

In the foundation year, you'll build on your existing knowledge and experience, developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You'll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you'll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.

You learn through

• hands-on tutorials

• workshops

• discussions

• self-study

Applied learning

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.

You are supported by placement tutors and a college placement team through the process of successfully getting a placement and then while on placement. Although a placement year is not mandatory, the department has a strong track record in finding placements.

Live projects

The course includes a professional project which challenges you to solve real-world problems, possibly with an external client, while developing team and project management skills.

Networking opportunities

Employers and industry practitioners are an influential part of the design, content and teaching of the course. The employability focus of the course is supported by frequent involvement of employers and IT professionals.

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Foundations In Computing 1

Foundations In Computing 2

Maths For Foundation Computing

Study Skills For Computing Students

Year 2

**Compulsory modules **

Databases And The Web

Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures

Programming For Computer Science

Software Projects

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Advanced Programming

Algorithms And Data Structures

Professional Software Projects

Elective modules

Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 1

Game Development

Handling Data In The Cloud

Mobile Applications Development

Year 4

Optional modules

Placement Year

Final year

Compulsory modules

Development Project

Software Architecture And Design

**Elective modules **

Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning 2

Contemporary Software Engineering

Functional Programming

Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics

Robotics

Secure Software Engineering