Foundation Year route into Computer Science degrees launches at Huddersfield
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A dedicated Computer Science foundation year course is launching in September at the University of Huddersfield.
The course offers an integrated route into the subject at undergraduate level including the option of selecting specialist pathways, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security or Software Engineering.
This is an ideal opportunity for those students who have perhaps not obtained the points they need for direct entry onto the undergraduate degree to take the next step towards their chosen career.
It follows on from the success of a similar foundation year of study within the Department of Engineering.
From September 2024, the University of Huddersfield will offer the following BSc(Hons) foundation year integrated courses within the Department of Computer Science:
- Computer Science;
- Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence;
- Computer Science with Cyber Security;
- Computer Science with Games Programming;
- Computing; and
- Software Engineering.
The bespoke year of study is designed to help students build the knowledge and skills needed to be successful when they move on to the first year of their undergraduate degree. After successfully passing the foundation element, students automatically progress on to the degree course.
It means the School of Computing and Engineering, which comprises both these departments, now offers 12 foundation year routes for students.
Professor Andrew Crampton, Associate Dean – Teaching & Learning, School of Computing and Engineering, explained: “There are many reasons why students may not obtain the points that they need for direct entry onto our undergraduate degrees. We don't believe that should stop them from studying a subject that they love and going on to enjoy a great career.
“Our Foundation Years in Computing and Engineering have been tailored to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to hit the ground running when you start the degree. All of our undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Engineering now have a dedicated foundation year route.
“The foundation year helps to build the underlying knowledge and skills needed to be successful on your chosen degree. Of course, the foundation year won't feature on your degree certificate and you will graduate with the same degree as if you had started on it originally. “
He added that mature students with relevant work experience may also wish to use this route as a stepping stone into a degree.
Discover more about studying Computer Science at Huddersfield
A typical offer for a student wishing to undertake the foundation year course – either in Computer Science or Engineering – is lower than what would be needed to go straight onto the full degree course.
The integrated nature of the course also means that only one student finance application is needed for the full four years, and an industry placement year is also still an option for those who wish to follow that route.