2025/26 entry

BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

Start date:
September
Study mode:
Full-time
Course duration:
5 years Placement year, 4 years FullTime
Campus:
City
UCAS Code:
FCO1
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 Computing with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?

  • Links with over 450 local and national organisations, including Merseyside Police, Cheshire Police, EY, Experian, IBM, Eutechnyx and Intaforensics
  • Opportunity to undertake a year's paid industrial placement
  • Vocational course in Computing
  • Combines Theory and Practice
  • Covers Contemporary Topics in Computing
  • State-of-the-art computing facilities with specialist computer forensics software
  • Exciting career prospects
  • International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more

About your course

This is a practical alternative to Computer Science and Software Engineering with a less theoretical, more vocational approach to the subject. The course covers contemporary topics within the field of Computing and allows students to develop sound practical skills as well as acquiring theoretical knowledge.

The course provides a good general purpose first degree in Computer Science and allows students to explore the subject and determine which specialization suits them best.

The course covers core subjects, such as Programming, Software Development, Information Systems Development and Systems Analysis and Design.

The core subjects provide the "backbone" to the programme and these are complemented by the three main themes, which are:

  • Web Development
  • Computer Networks
  • Data Analytics

Students will study the core subjects and the three main themes at an introductory level during the first and second year. In the final year they will choose options based on the theme that best suits them

Professional accreditation/links

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

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.

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.

Networks and Web Development
20 credits

This module provides you with an understanding of modern Internet and web technologies. It will present the technologies underlying computer networking and the applications built on networks. These include interactive Web, development and social media technologies. This module enables you to:

Identify appropriate uses of web client-side technologies Convert user requirements into interactive web pages using modern tools and technologies Identify applications of Network/Internet protocols Describe various features of Computer Networks and the Internet's infrastructure.

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.

Problem Solving for Computing
20 credits

This module will develop your skills in computational thinking that can be used to develop programs to solve subject specific problems. Practical exercises and problem solving activities will be related such that they lead to the development of a larger software implementation.

Fundamentals of Information Systems
20 credits

This module introduces you to the concepts of information systems. You will examine the various hardware and software components of information systems whilst developing skills in designing and building information systems. Furthermore, you will develop your understanding of the planning and management of information systems whilst exploring their uses and impact.

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.

Computer Networks
20 credits

This module builds on your fundamental knowledge of Computer Networks and Data Communications, and develops more in depth knowledge of related concepts which will be underpinned by practical Lab work.

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.

Information Systems Development
20 credits

This module enables you to explore the theories and practical application of systems analysis and design techniques with particular emphasis on object-oriented analysis and design and its role in software development.

Advanced Web Development
20 credits

This module provides you with the concepts, methods, techniques and experience to analyse, design and develop media rich interactive multi-tier Web-based applications. You will learn to develop the concepts of multi-tier web application development, including: server-side programming, database connectivity, and media rich client-side interface development. You will also be introduced to wider concepts of web applications such as: legal issues, serve hardware, and system optimisation.

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.

Optional Modules

Sandwich Year - Computing
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 - Computing
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.

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 Information Systems
20 credits

This module provides you with an understanding of the underlying technologies and concepts relating to advanced information systems. Formal theory will be introduced via lectures and practical knowledge will be acquired via practical labs and coursework.

Optional Modules

Business Intelligence
20 credits

This is a practical module that generates analytical modelling experience, developing hands-on experience of business intelligence applications. You will learn to critically evaluate the technological and statistical options available for solving business problems, and to identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques and machine learning approaches to business problems using a suitable software application.

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.

E-Commerce Systems
20 credits

This module aims to extend your abilities beyond web development to website "management" by exploring the use of analytics. This is to monitor user interactions with websites to both improve traffic to the site and increase the conversion of such visitors to customers. The module will provide you with the concepts, methods, techniques and practical experience in developing and managing e-commerce websites by using analytical data.

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.

Advanced Networking
20 credits

This module will examine advanced topics in computer networking and use case studies to help you develop an understanding. The module aims to develop and extend your ability to critically analyse state-of-the-art developments in networking.

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.

Students are taught using a combination of lectures, tutorials, online activities and labs. Typically, teaching is in 3 hour blocks and it include a 1 hour lecture followed by 2 hours of lab activities. Students at level 4 and level 5 typically undertake approx. 15 hours of contact teaching per week. Students in the final year (level 6) have less contact hours per week, but more independent study.

Work-related Learning

Placement year is undertaken at the end of the second year of study. The placement provides invaluable experience within the subject field. Students who do no secure a placement go through directly to the final year. All students graduate with the same degree, whether or not they complete a placement year.

Work related learning is woven into a number of modules on the course.

 

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

All students are assigned a personal tutor at the start of the course. The personal tutor stays with the students as they progress through the different years of the course. Personal tutors can provide academic support as well as pastoral care and help with wellbeing.

 

Assessment

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

Students are assessed predominantly through coursework, although there are several exams for the more technical subjects. The ratio of coursework to exams is approximately 75:25. Most modules typically have two assessment components, which are either two courseworks or one coursework and an exam. Very few modules are assessed solely through exam.

 

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 LJMU's 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 including relevant subjects

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.