2025/26 entry

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year

Start date:
September
Study mode:
Full-time
Course duration:
5 years Placement year, 4 years FullTime
Campus:
City
UCAS Code:
6F13
Grades/points required:
CCD-CCC (88-96)

Tuition fees

Home full-time per year
£9,250
International full-time per year
£18,250
Placement year
£1,850
Placement year international
£3,830
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.
General enquiries:
0151 231 5090
courses@ljmu.ac.uk
International admissions
international@ljmu.ac.uk

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Why study Computer Science with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?

  • Strong links with over 450 local and national organisations including Merseyside Police, Cheshire Police, Xyone Security, Fujitsu, IBM, Eutechnyx and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
  • Opportunity to undertake a years paid industrial placement
  • Practical, hands-on experience incorporated into modules wherever possible
  • State-of-the-art computing facilities, including dedicated labs, available to students on site.
  • Excellent career prospects

About your course

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level.

About the Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Computer Science honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

About the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree

You will gain the required academic and theoretical skills to pursue a career in computer science plus advanced practical skills relating to the theory, practice, tools and applications of contemporary software technologies. You will also secure an understanding of architectures, frameworks and strategies for building software computer systems, should you wish to seek a career in software development, for example.

Why study computing at LJMU?

The School of Computer Science and Mathematics offers you a vibrant and supportive student experience. You will have access to industry-standard facilities, including nine specialist teaching laboratories, with over 400 workstations, featuring high specifications and the latest software and specialist applications. Our state of the art facilities in Computer Science, with the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) commended teaching and staff support, will allow you gain the necessary practical, technical and analytical skills required of a Computer Science professional. The School is highly rated for its research in computing and the science behind the systems. This research directly informs what you will study on the degree. In addition, the School has extensive links with industry, and hosts a regular industry advisory panel. Our graduates enjoy excellent career prospects thanks to our extensive links with hundreds of international, national and local organisations, from industries such as tech companies, financial services, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defence, healthcare, retail, government and local government agencies and telecommunications. Such links also help ensure that students enjoy excellent work-related learning and paid placement opportunities throughout their degrees.

Work-related Learning

There are many paid work placement options for you to choose from in your third year and extensive support is provided to enable you to apply for and gain a relevant placement in the computing industry. The department maintains wide-ranging links with industry, promoting successful placements, with global companies such as Microsoft, Barclays, Experian, GlaxoSmithKline, Sony, IBM, etc. as well as many local software and IT businesses. These placements facilitate the practical application of the skills learnt on the course and provide invaluable industry experience. The vast majority, if not all, students completing this Computer Science sandwich degree go on to obtain full-time employment in the computing industry.

 

"My degree in Computer Science, from LJMU, has equipped me with the skill set needed for a modern graduate to face the challenges of the 21st century."
Elmokhtar Berrabah, LJMU Computer Science Graduate

Fees and funding

There are many ways to fund study for home and international students

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:

  • library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
  • access to programme-appropriate software
  • library and student IT support
  • free on-campus wifi via eduroam

Additional costs

Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:

  • accommodation and living expenditure
  • books (should you wish to have your own copies)
  • printing, photocopying and stationery
  • PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
  • mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
  • field trips (travel and activity costs)
  • placements (travel expenses and living costs)
  • student visas (international students only)
  • study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
  • academic conferences (travel costs)
  • professional-body membership
  • graduation (gown hire etc)

Funding

There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.

Employability

Thanks to LJMU's industry-recognised teaching and research excellence in Computer Science, our students are highly sought after by employers both in the UK and overseas and many secure employment before they graduate.

Most of our graduates go on to careers as ethical hackers, secure software developers, computer security consultants, network or system administrators, or data analysts. You could find yourself working in one of a wide variety of fields including data mining, security applications development, the police, intelligence, security or computer forensics initiatives, network security management or education.

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.

One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.

Go abroad

LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.

Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?

Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.

A life-changing experience 

There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.

Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Level 3

Core modules

Algorithms and Computing
10 credits

This module aims to provide an introduction to technical computing and the application of computers in the implementation of simple algorithms.

Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1
20 credits

This module aims to provide you with the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills which are required to use mathematics as an analytical tool in engineering and technology subjects.

Programming
10 credits

This module will introduce you to the software development process in order to be able to use a range of computer programming environment and their applications. You will also be able to develop problem solving skills in computing and wider engineering or technology areas.

Personal, Academic and Skills Development
20 credits

This year long module supports you in developing the academic and practical skills needed to become an effective and independent learner. It includes regular contact with personal tutors, encouraging a smooth transition into the Higher Education environment.

Information Systems Development
20 credits

This module enables you to identify the importance of information and how information can be transformed into developing logical designs in order to develop a working database. This database will manipulate data to produce meaningful information for the end user. You will participate in student-focused learning activities based on a combination of formal lectures and practical, experiential learning in laboratories, with supporting tutorials and seminars designed to reinforce and increase your learning experience.

Creative Computing
20 credits

This module provides you with the concepts, methods, techniques and experience to design, develop and manage digital multimedia productions. Lectures will concentrate on the necessary theory of these topics while hands-on practical sessions and workshops will develop the capabilities to design, create, produce and deliver media rich experiences.

Applied Computing
20 credits

The emphasis of this module will be on the underlying computing challenges of large-scale applications of the kind regularly featured in the general media. The intention is to demystify these applications and spark your interest in the underlying computing challenges and solutions. Lectures on contemporary applied computing topics will be complemented with lab sessions encouraging you to research information and develop high-level solutions to related problems.

Level 4

Core modules

Introduction to Programming
20 credits

In this module you are delivered programming and problem solving skills with no prior assumptions of programming experience. Given the importance of programming to computer science, this module will encourage you to study more specialised software development topics. You will gain an understanding of how software is developed and become familiar with a range of computer programming paradigms.

Computer Systems
20 credits

This module provides you with a basic knowledge in relation to the computing platform (hardware, operating systems, networks) upon which applications are developed and hosted. You will need this as support knowledge for subsequent modules at Level 5 and 6.

Professional Practice
10 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to consider your future role as a computing professional. The tutorials and workshops will be used to develop strategies that you can use, providing opportunities for you to understand the field of Computing in a more effective way. You will develop your understanding of professionalism in computing, of working in the computing industry, and of the ethical frameworks and codes of conduct for the computing industry.

Data Modelling
10 credits

The module develops your ability to model data in various differing scenarios. You are initially required to manipulate and present data in spreadsheet based applications. Then, you are required to solve problems using a data modelling methodology (e.g. entity relationship models/normalisation), ultimately leading towards the construction of database based applications.

Foundations of Computer Science
20 credits

This module provides you with a strong foundation in the topics underpinning computer science. The module engages you with modelling systems and analysis techniques that are used to investigate and understand computing and software engineering problems. The intention is for you to develop a scientific and engineering ethos that will enable you to understand the science of computing.

Computer Science Workshop
20 credits

This module introduces you to the skills required for developing technical computer science solutions in software as part of a development team. Each team will be fully supported by the delivery team. You will be expected to arrive at solutions yourself, acquire most of the necessary skills and knowledge yourself, and support your team members to strengthen cohesion and to arrive at solutions earlier.

Introduction to Web Development
20 credits

Increasingly, much of the world's software is being run in a web browser. Software offered over the Web provides many sought-after benefits in software deployment: ease of implementation, universality and ubiquity of access, and availability of server-side data and services. This module seeks to endow you with the necessary knowledge and underpinning technologies to develop for the World Wide Web. You will learn techniques and technologies to develop web applications, hosted on a web application server, using a server-side programming language to dynamically generate standards compliant mark-up, driven from a data source. You will use design principles which abstract content from aesthetic and utilises client-side dynamism to enhance the user's experience, using industry standard toolsets and web-focused API.

Level 5

Core modules

Group Project
20 credits

The module has two main purposes. First, you will be equipped with adequate research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics, to lead into your final year project. Second, this module works to enhance your professionalism, including teamworking, which boosts employability and your awareness of what is expected in an employment scenario.

Database Systems
20 credits

In this module you will explore the operation of database systems through a scrutiny of modern RDBMS (Relational Data Base Management Systems), the SQL (Structured Query Language) and database connectivity APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The module continues by exploring some of the managerial considerations of large-scale RDBMS. The module concludes by exploring the operation of emerging NoSQL (Not Only SQL) database systems. Overall, you will design relational databases, develop date driven applications, critically evaluate applications, and design appropriate non-relational databases.

Algorithm Design
20 credits

This module introduces you to the methods for solving computational problems. It covers the modern theory of algorithms, focusing on the themes of efficient algorithms and intractable problems. You will gain an understanding of how to select and design data structures and algorithms to solve computational problems alongside developing an understanding of key concepts of complexity theory, illustrating their relevance to practical problems of algorithm design.

Knowledge Based Systems
20 credits

This module introduces you to the theory, methods, techniques and tools involved in the development of knowledge-based systems and intelligent systems. It will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and experience of the development process, tools and techniques used for producing knowledgebased and 'intelligent' systems.

Optional Modules

Sandwich Year - Computer Science
120 credits

The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.

Study Year Abroad - Computer Science
120 credits

The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.

Object-Oriented Systems
20 credits

In this module you will explore the object oriented paradigm from analysis and design through implementation and testing to maintenance. The UML (Unified Modelling Language) is employed alongside OOP (Object Oriented Programming) to demonstrate key concepts, resulting in mature, fully functioning object oriented systems. You will apply principles and patterns to object oriented systems with test driven development and source control playing a supporting role. The module concludes by exploring the various architectures that object oriented systems may embrace.

Secure Software Development
20 credits

This module familiarises you with common software security problems and vulnerabilities, and the methods, tools and techniques that can be used during software development to prevent them, including formal techniques. You will undertake a group software engineering task involving the application of secure software development lifecycles to a software development task. As part of this task, you will be expected to undertake a variety of roles as seen in a secure software development teams (i.e., developer, software tester, vulnerability researcher, report and documentation author, etc). You will be expected to complete a report that demonstrates an understanding of how software should be designed, implemented, and tested to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities.

Data Analytics
20 credits

This module allows you to explore statistical techniques through practical, hands-on data analysis. You will develop a theoretical knowledge of statistical skills to solve data science problems and display solutions to data science problems by applying statistical theory using appropriate software applications.

Mobile and Web Development
20 credits

This module provides you an overview of developing web applications for mobile platforms. It will illustrate the main platforms available for mobile-focused web development, drawing data from a variety of sources including other web services and databases. The module will conclude with an overview of alternative mobile development techniques, familiarising you with the fundamentals of native focused and cross-platform frameworks-focused mobile developments.

Level 6

Core modules

Project
40 credits

This module presents you with the opportunity to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to your programme. The scope of what is an appropriate artefact varies between programmes and you will discuss this with your programme teams. This module will enable you to use rigorous development or scientific methods to produce an artefact, resulting in an oral and written report.

Advanced Topics in AI
20 credits

To equip the student with the tools to tackle complex real-world problems using Artificial Intelligence (AI). To investigate both the application of rigorous mathematical techniques for production as well as an evaluation and use of intellectual tools and ethical foundations to use, produce and appraise intelligent machines.This module will introduce the latest concepts, tools and techniques in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Computer Graphics and Visualisation
20 credits

Massive amounts of data are being generated by modern digital systems and there is a demand for rapid and effective analysis and communication of the relevant data. This module covers topics related to interpreting and displaying data for visualisation alongside techniques to present various types of data in appropriate formats. You will use computer graphic techniques to develop data and information visualisation and be introduced to the theoretical concepts of graphical display, both 2D and 3D, leading to the practical development of visualisation solutions using relevant tools and techniques.

Contemporary Concepts in Computer Science
20 credits

This module introduces you to Computer Science topics that are used or have significant potential to impact upon future applications in modern technology. This module will develop your understanding of how computer science concepts, tools and techniques are used in modern technology.

Optional Modules

User Experience Design
20 credits

The aim of this module is to enhance your technical knowledge of systems development with an appreciation of the social-technical aspects of design. It covers the evolving area of User Experience (UX) design. This involves you using UX methods to design and prototype an interactive system and then validate your design against user requirements using UX evaluation techniques.

Network Defence
20 credits

This module aims to develop your understanding of computer security and network defence. Through critically assessing a variety of security technologies for protection of computer networks, you will develop practical skills in the use of security countermeasure technologies and associated tools.

Applied Data Science
20 credits

This module works with a growing area of database systems, that of the analytical database. The module begins by enabling you to explore the rapid growth of business intelligence data and the complex data models that are needed to support it. The module continues by exploring the platforms and processes that report such data through both web based and service oriented platforms.

Teaching and work-related learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

You will begin the course with a three-day induction and then spend approximately 15 hours per week in the classroom. Independent study is a fundamental element of the course and accounts for about 70% or 35 hours of your weekly study time.

Teaching is mostly via lectures with more informal lab sessions, online activities and small-group tutorials to reinforce ideas discussed in the lectures and to give you a chance to develop ideas with staff and other students. You will be based in LJMUs Byrom Street campus, which is engineered to guarantee your success thanks to the investment of 6million in state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities.

Our computer laboratories provide access to over 400 specialist high-performance computers, in addition to the campus computing cluster. Teaching rooms are also designed to enable the multimedia delivery of teaching materials and demonstrations.

Work-related Learning

Our teaching is supported by high quality research and collaboration with 450 local and national companies such as Merseyside Police, Cheshire Police, Xyone Security, Fujitsu, Corus, Unilever, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, IBM, Eutechnyx, Jagex, Spiral House, Heinz, Liverpool Direct, Pilkington, MBNA Bank, HM Treasury, Lloyds TSB, Thames Water Authority, AstraZeneca, Littlewoods, Vauxhall Motors, GlaxoSmithKline to name but a few. This means that our computing courses are designed and developed to meet the needs of employers today, as well as creating excellent work placements for students.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

From the moment you enrol at LJMU, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will work with you on setting targets for yourself as part of your personal development plan, and provide one-to-one support on course-related or other matters. Should you choose to undertake a year's work placement, this support will continue as a supervisor will stay in close contact and visit you two or three times at your workplace.

Your lecturers

We are proud of our academic staff 's high quality teaching standards and approachability. If you decide to study here, you will be joining a relaxed and friendly academic Department where staff are committed to helping you achieve your potential academically and personally and to ensuring that all courses are continually developed to meet the needs of employers.

Assessment

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

You will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams and a personal independent project. Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or as written comments.

Career prospects

Thanks to LJMU's industry-recognised teaching and research excellence in Computer Science, our students are highly sought after by employers both in the UK and overseas and many secure employment before they graduate.

This BSc degree leads to a range of careers in the computing or Information Technology industry, such as:

  • Applications Analyst
  • Systems Manager
  • Software Engineer
  • Computer Networks
  • Analyst Web Developer or Designer

The transferable skills developed on this course are also highly valued in many other fields of employment.

CareerSmart programme

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the CareerSmart programme as an integral part of a core module of study. Once you have completed this, a wide range of other career-related provision and services will be available to support your development throughout your studies. The new CareerSmart e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It will enable you to consider your strengths and development areas, your career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

Course tutors

Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning

Facilities

What you can expect from your School

This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Grades/points required from qualifications: CCD-CCC (88-96)

Qualification requirements

GCSEs and equivalents

Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.

GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A levels

CCD-CCC

BTECs

Extended Diploma: MMM (96)

Access awards

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points.

International Baccalaureate

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

OCR Cambridge Technical

Extended Diploma: MMM (96)

Irish awards

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

T levels

Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.

You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.

International requirements

  • IELTS

    6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

    https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements

International entry requirements

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

Application and selection

Securing your place at LJMU

UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.

The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.