- UCAS course code
- H114
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BSc Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year
Year of entry: 2024
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Science(Hons)
- Duration
- 1 (as part of 4 yr integrated degree programme)
- Typical A-level offer
-
Grades ABB where a student has 3 relevant subjects
Grades AAB where a student has 2 relevant subjects
Grades AAA where a student has 1 relevant subject
The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electronics and Statistics. If you have a qualification query, we encourage you to contact us before applying.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
If you meet the criteria and your predicted grades are within two grades of our minimum entry criteria you may be made a reduced offer.
This will typically be at 1 grade below the standard offer.
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
35 points overall with 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects, including Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) or Physics.
If Mathematics is not studied at Higher Level, then we would require Standard Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) with Grade 6 or higher.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
- UCAS course code
- H114
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
On the Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year you are an undergraduate at The University of Manchester. The course is taught at The University, by academics from The University. Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria for your chosen degree, completion of the Integrated Foundation Year guarantees you a place on first year of your chosen degree.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £24,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our International country profiles .
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.
![](https://assets.manchester.ac.uk/corporate/images/design/sdg/logo-transparent.png)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Computer Science
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 4300
- ug-compsci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About the School .
Related courses
- Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year BEng/MEng
- Aerospace Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year BEng/MEng
- Civil Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year BEng/MEng
- Electrical, Electronic & Mechatronic Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year BEng/MEng
- Chemical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year BEng/MEng
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all applications are considered on their individual merits. Decisions are based on the application as a whole - including the qualifications, the personal statement, and the referee's comments. The following must therefore be viewed only as general guide.
Our entry requirements vary depending on the subjects being taken at A level. Typically, we would be looking for:
- Grades ABB where a student has 3 relevant subjects
- Grades AAB where a student has 2 relevant subjects
- Grades AAA where a student has 1 relevant subject
The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electronics and Statistics. If you are unsure whether you would be considered with your qualifications/predictions, we would encourage you to contact us before making an application.
In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the Integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme. To help us make our decision, applicants may be asked to attend an Academic Assessment.
Contextual offer
If you meet the criteria and your predicted grades are within two grades of our minimum entry criteria you may be made a reduced offer.
This will typically be at 1 grade below the standard offer.
Find out more about contextual admissions .
Duration of A-level study
Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:
a) sat your examinations early;
or
b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.
If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.
AS-level
AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
AS-level qualifications are acceptable only in combination with other qualifications.
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
We require Grade B/6 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics (if not studied at A-level) and B/6 from one of Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science (if not studied at A-level)
We require at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects, including Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) or Physics.
If Mathematics is not studied at Higher Level, then we would require Standard Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) with Grade 6 or higher.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Students are accepted form a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits.
Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken.
Decisions are based on the application, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.
In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.
Please contact the academic Department for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and requires two A Levels including Maths and one Science subject to be included within this.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
European Baccalaureate
Students are accepted form a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits.
Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken.
Decisions are based on the application, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.
In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.
Please contact the academic Department for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Please refer to our A-level requirements.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Students are accepted form a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application, including your qualifications, your personal statement, and your academic reference.
In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.
Please contact the academic Department for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Students are accepted form a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.
In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.
Please contact the academic Department for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.
Access to HE Diploma
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3, 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit). We typically require specific subjects relevant to the course, and these will be included in an offer, at specific grades.
Cambridge Pre-U
Students are accepted form a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits.
Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken.
Decisions are based on the application, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.
In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.
Please contact the academic Department for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.
T Level
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Departments may also chose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Computer Science directly. Further information for mature students can be found on our website.
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.
Home students are required to achieve a GCSE in English Language at grade C/4, or an acceptable equivalent qualification .
Overseas students are required to evidence an IELTS for UKVI with an overall score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Route visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Factors contributing to a successful application include:
-
past academic performance;
-
predicted academic performance;
-
enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
-
evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.
Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .
Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board, we cannot make further allowances.
How your application is considered
Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Candidates may be required to complete an academic assessment. Strong examination results and academic assessments are the main factor in admitting students to our courses. We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This is assessed within a structured framework and includes prior and predicted grades. Your referee should give realistic grade predictions for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.
All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during your interview with an academic member of staff.
Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .
Interview requirements
Academic assessment
Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, or applicants who have not studied mathematics or sciences at A-level (or equivalent) may be asked to complete an academic assessment as part of the application process. The assessment takes the form of an online, invigilated, multiple-choice test.
We do not suggest that applicants prepare specially for the assessment, and it's important to note that it is not an entrance exam. The assessment is designed to test an applicant's aptitude and give us a picture of their current level of understanding and knowledge in key areas of mathematics and physics.
If you are invited to complete an academic assessment, we will send you all the instructions you will need via email.
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.
Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year is a one year programme designed to improve your mathematical and scientific understanding and skills to a level where you will be able to start a degree in the Department of Computer Science in one of the following subject areas:
On the Foundation Year you will study mathematics, physics and (where appropriate) chemistry. In addition, you will take modules in Academic Skills and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). You will also complete a group project, related to your intended degree programme and supervised by an academic from your future Department.
Special features
- Students accepted from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds.
- High levels of academic and pastoral support.
- Successful completion guarantees a place on first year of your chosen degree in the Department of Computer Science.
- Teaching by highly experienced University academics, with a proven track record.
- Integrated Foundation Year students have full access to all University facilities.
Teaching and learning
The programme embraces a variety of approaches to teaching and learning, including lectures, small group tutorials, seminars and project work. Particular strengths are the high level of staff contact and individual learning support, individual pastoral support, project work in engineering-based Departments and associated disciplines within the Faculty.
Your focus is the Foundation Studies Office, where staff provide day to day support. The dedicated Common Room offers you a place to study, prepare coursework, carry out work using the computers, or simply socialise. There is a strong sense of community within the student body and excellent tutorial support. Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year is delivered on the University campus by University staff.
With strong links with the Department of Computer Science, the environment for study is essentially the same as for undergraduate study on degree programmes in engineering and associated disciplines. You will find that this assists greatly in easing your move into first year of your chosen degree programme on successful completion of the foundation year.
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
Students take a total of 12 units (120 credits) from the list below. Students will take either Mathematics 0B1 and 0B2 or Mathematics 0C1 and 0C2, according to the outcome of a diagnostic assessment at the start of the course. Students choose two units from Matter and Energy (Phys 1), World of the Electron (Phys 2) or Chemistry 1.
Course units for foundation year
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Foundation in Computer Science-Computational Thinking | COMP11012 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chemistry 1 | FOUN10001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Information and Communications Technology | FOUN10011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Foundation Year Project- Chemical Engineering | FOUN10022 | 10 | Mandatory |
Academic Skills | FOUN10031 | 10 | Mandatory |
Matter and Energy Phys 1 | FOUN10061 | 10 | Mandatory |
World of the Electron Phys 2 | FOUN10111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Foundation Year Project-Chemistry | FOUN11022 | 10 | Mandatory |
Foundation Year Project-MACE | FOUN12022 | 10 | Mandatory |
Foundation Year Project-Materials | FOUN13022 | 10 | Mandatory |
Displaying 10 of 30 course units for foundation year | |||
Display all course units for foundation year |
Scholarships and bursaries
Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our International country profiles .
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the UK for top graduate employers. Graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in high demand, according to The Graduate Market in 2021 - High Fliers Research .
Our popular integrated foundation route has produced outstanding graduates across all of our science and engineering courses. Employers will recognise your determination to succeed, adaptability, analytical skills and independent thought. Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year gives you the preparation you need to proceed to degree level programmes in the subject area of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science.
Careers Service
We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.