BSc Computer Science with an Integrated Foundation Year

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.

If you meet the criteria, you may be made a reduced offer. This will typically be at one grade below the standard offer. Find out more about contextual admissions .

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see:  International 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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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'.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £25,000 for the Foundation Year.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

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.

Tuition fees for international students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £25,000 for the Foundation Year. For subsequent years, fees will be charged at the rate of your main course based on the international fee for 2025 entry to the programme.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk