Computer Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

3rd in the UK for Teaching (Software Engineering)*

National Student Survey (NSS) 2023

Student in the Maker Lab

Course Overview

Many of our most successful graduates began with a Foundation Year. Whether you're switching subjects, returning to education, or didn’t quite get the qualifications you hoped for, this pathway is designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and academic grounding to thrive in Computer Science. 

You’ll be taught by the same expert staff who deliver our full degree programmes, developers, researchers and innovators who are as passionate about computer science as they are about helping you succeed. From one-to-one support and hands-on practical projects, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle real-world problems and feel prepared for the rest of your degree. 

You’ll study in modern labs, collaborate with newfound friends, and start building a portfolio to impress from day one. Whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence (AI), game development, cybersecurity or data science, your foundation year at Swansea is the first step towards a future in tech. 

Why Computer Science with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

  • 17th in the UK Computer Science (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
  • Top 201-250 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
  • Top 150 (Shanghai Rankings (Academic Rankings of World Universities) - Subject Rankings 2024)

Computer Science at Swansea University has an excellent reputation and major appeal to students from different countries and disciplines.

Within six months of leaving, 93% of graduates are either in employment or continuing their studies.

Our diverse academic team will develop your knowledge of fundamental computer science concepts and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems.

You will have access to dedicated computer laboratories and specialised equipment for projects, including Arduinos, smart home technologies and virtual reality headsets.

Showcase your work at the Computer Science colloquium and our annual Project Fair.

Your Computer Science with a Foundation Year Experience

A flexibly structured degree path means you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year or work in industry for a year, either locally, nationally or overseas.

Our £32.5 million Computational Foundry is home to state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities which include a Vision and Biometric Lab, Maker Lab, Theory Lab, Cyber Security/Networking Lab, User Lab and Visualisation Suite.

Students will benefit from world-leading experimental set-ups, equipment, devices and prototypes to accelerate innovation. You will have the opportunity to learn about and work with these facilities.

Computer Science with a Foundation Year Employment Opportunities

Our graduates have become: Analyst Developers, Business analysts, Computer Programmers, Electronic Engineers, Graphic Designers, Software Developers and Machine Learning Engineers with companies that include IBM, Google, Disney, Facebook, Microsoft and Sony.

We hold an annual ‘Project Fair’, giving students the chance to display their third year projects to leading Industry experts. Companies such as Google often visit our students to give lectures on ‘how to get a job with tech giants’.

5 reasons to study Computer Science at Swansea

Take a tour of our facilities

A day in the life of our Computer Science student Mikaela

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

CCC

Computer Science with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)