Computing With Foundation Year (Hons) Arden University Online

Overview

The BSc Computing With Foundation Year (Hons) at Arden University Online runs for 4 years full-time, in a blended format at the Birmingham, Leeds, London (Ealing, Holborn and Stratford), Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham centres, with weekday or evening classes. The foundation year builds core STEM skills in programming, computer systems and databases, plus the academic skills needed for university study.

The degree then covers programming (Java, Python, PHP), web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), databases (MySQL), cloud computing, cyber security, data analysis, human-computer interaction and computing ethics. From Level 5 you choose between a technical pathway (programming, databases and web development) and an information systems pathway (digital business, ethics and strategic IT management). The course is very hands-on, and your assessed work builds a portfolio you can show to employers. There is only one exam, in Level 4. Everything else is practical work such as building databases, coding websites, writing programs and analysing data. You also get free access to courses from vendors such as Oracle, Cisco and Amazon. Certification fees are not covered, but the course prepares you for the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals and Security Fundamentals exams. Entry requires a personal statement of about 350 to 550 words, and you may be invited to an interview.

Career outcomes

Possible technical roles are:

• programming
• software development
• web design
• data analysis
• database administration
• cybersecurity and risk management

Information systems roles include product management, web analytics, consultancy, technical recruitment and IT support.