Applied Computing with Foundation Year (Full-time) (BSc Hons)
Are you interested in a career in the IT sector? The Applied Computing course with a Foundation Year at Swansea is an excellent starting point. This programme is accredited by BCS (British Computer Society) and offers diverse opportunities in fields like software engineering, data management, artificial intelligence (AI), networking, cyber security, user experience, and web technologies.
Our course ensures you gain essential technical skills needed for these fields. It covers a variety of widely-used technologies, preparing you for a future in computing. A strong focus is placed on data management and the creation of applications for handling information, including database systems and web applications. As a graduate, you will possess the skills needed for team leadership and project management, highly valued in the industry.
We understand that not every student has a clear idea of their specific interests when starting their studies. Our programme at the Swansea campus is designed with this in mind. It offers a broad range of optional subjects built on a foundation of core modules. Our experienced tutors will guide you in choosing the modules that best match your interests and career goals.
The course emphasises technical knowledge and skills in areas such as database design and web development. These subjects are crucial for modern computing and will greatly enhance your career prospects. Whether you are interested in software engineering or cyber security, our programme provides the necessary knowledge and skills.
Completing the Applied Computing programme will significantly improve your employment opportunities in IT. The skills you acquire will be applicable to various roles, making you a valuable asset to potential employers. The programme supports your development both academically and professionally, ensuring you are ready to meet the challenges of the IT sector.
The Swansea campus offers a supportive learning environment with experienced tutors dedicated to helping you succeed. With a blend of practical and theoretical knowledge, the Applied Computing programme is an excellent choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in the IT sector.
Join us at Swansea and take the first step towards a successful career in computing. The skills and knowledge you gain here will open doors to a wide range of opportunities in the IT industry. Whether you are just starting out or looking to change your career path, our programme will provide the foundation you need for success.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Applied Computing programme focuses on practical skills, critical thinking, and industry-relevant knowledge. We blend hands-on experience with theoretical learning, guided by experienced tutors, to prepare you for a successful career in the IT sector.
The enormous growth of the Internet, the proliferation of computer networks, programmable devices and information systems in various forms and the highly accelerated rate of change ensures a continuing requirement for employees with contemporary computing related skills and qualifications.
The Internet, in particular, is a major technological revolution that is having and will continue to have an enormous impact on society. The radical, transformational change that has been observed in the arena of computing and organisations’ dependence on technology for competitive advantage are compelling reasons to incorporate new ideas, paradigms and technologies into computing related programmes.
In the first year, you will study a broad range of subjects common to several courses within the Computing Portfolio. These provide the underpinning required for later years and allow flexibility in choosing modules that meet student’s own personal goals. This approach gives a greater opportunity to develop skills most closely aligned to the student’s own industrial experience and needs. In the final year, you will undertake a major project which provides a focus for your studies.
In the first year, you’ll build a strong foundation by studying a broad range of subjects, including software development, computing mathematics, web and database concepts, and computer architectures. You’ll also begin to develop essential teamworking and communication skills, setting the stage for more advanced topics in later years.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The second year allows you to specialise further, with modules in IT project management, systems analysis, computer forensics, and software engineering principles and testing. You’ll also learn about network operating systems and services, with optional modules such as advanced networking and statistical programming, enhancing your technical and analytical abilities.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the third year, you’ll focus on practical applications of your skills. Subjects include user experience design, cyber security, and the development of complex web and mobile applications. You’ll also work on collaborative projects, simulating real-world IT environments, which will prepare you for industry challenges.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In your final year, you’ll deepen your understanding of IT systems operations, data management, database architecture, performance, and emerging trends. You’ll conduct a significant independent project, applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios and preparing you for a career in the IT industry.
Compulsory
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
testimonial
UWTSD is proud to be a Cisco Premier+ Partner, recognising our expertise in networking and cybersecurity. This partnership provides our students with access to industry-leading technology, hands-on training, and globally recognised certifications, enhancing their career prospects in the IT sector. As a Premier+ Partner, UWTSD benefits from exclusive resources, expert support, and research collaborations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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32 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: E, BTEC: PPP, IB: 24
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of computing and information systems development. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Independent Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Our graduates have excellent employment prospects in the computing, teaching, lecturing and ICT industry, as well as in other areas of the economy. Recent statistics show that the vast majority are following their chosen career paths within six months of graduating.
Graduates would seek positions in application development, business systems analysis, database development and administration, information systems consultancy and management, etc.