Computer Science with a Foundation Year (BSC)

We have a strong and active research culture, which informs and directs our teaching, and we are committed to providing teaching of the highest standard. Our research areas are reflected in our programmes, allowing students the choice of broad range of relevant skills and knowledge, or the opportunity to work with our research teams to develop specialisms through Year 3 options. Our programmes offer a balance of cutting-edge, research-informed specialist knowledge, and practical, industry-focussed skills, and our graduates are highly sought-after by employers.

Fundamental skills such as programming, are taught through a combination of lectures and lab-based practical sessions. Professional, applied skills are taught through practical exercises including contextual, industry focussed projects, and guest lectures provide opportunities for developing professional networks and for gaining insights into professional practice. 

You will also have opportunities to develop transferable skills such as communication and teamwork via classroom activities conducted in small, supported groups.  Further support mechanisms are used to help digest material, including tutorials and support sessions, amounting to a total of between 15-20 formal contact hours a week in Year One.

Teaching delivery in Years Two and Three mirrors that of year one, but there are fewer formal contact hours as you will have acquired the skills needed to take control of your own learning by these latter stages of the course.

All modules will have some or all of your learning taking place in person on campus, and you will be expected to attend these sessions. Most modules will have further information for you to study and you will be expected to work through this in your own time according to the guidance provided by the lecturer for that module.

You will undertake a mix of practical coursework and project work throughout the course, with the opportunity to exercise increasing independence at each level. 

Final Year individual projects give you the chance to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained in earlier years, working on projects proposed and supported by our research teams.

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, regularly reviews and accredits our undergraduate degree courses and affirms that our programme addresses the technical and professional skills expected from Computer Science Graduates, including professional skills addressed through team-based activities, engagement with industry and opportunities for reflection and self-development.

How will I be assessed?

All modules include assessments; however you will undertake a range of different types of assessment across the programme. The majority of modules on the programme will include coursework elements for assessment, although some will be assessed by examination.  The format of the assessments depends on the learning outcomes of each specific module. 

Summative assessments demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes of the module, and these will usually take place once or twice during the module. 

Formative assessment does not count towards your award however, this is a useful way for you to check your understanding, and you will be offered opportunities for this throughout the course.

Modules with theoretical topics may be assessed by exams, class tests or reports, to assess knowledge, skills and techniques, which a professional may be expected to use in a time-constrained situation. Most assessments are individual; however, some will include groupwork as this is in itself an essential professional skill.

Practical subjects such as programming may include practical exercises that assess programming and design skills. These typically address small, well-defined problems at the start of the course, and become progressively open-ended, where your confidence in creative problem-solving will be developed.

As well as practical skills, professional and academic skills are developed and assessed throughout the course.  The importance of effective research methods and good referencing as a prelude to critical, independent study is highlighted. Assessed essays and reports are used to encourage knowledge and understanding, critical analysis, development of reasoned argument and synthesis of conclusions. 

Feedback is used to identify what has been done well, why a particular mark was given, and what can be done to improve in the future. Formative feedback may be written or oral feedback given to students as a group in tutorials, discussion classes and problems classes.

Summative feedback on assessed work is usually given in writing and will normally be made available no later than twenty working days after the assessment deadline. We recognise the importance not only of assessing the quality of the work submitted, but also of giving useful feedback which will help you in your understanding of the subject being assessed.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts, principles and theories underpinning Computer Science, including algorithms, data structures, programming, and computational theory.
• Explain theoretical foundations of state-of-the-art technology in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer security and information systems.
• Identify and specify the constraints, requirements and trade-offs in the design of computer systems.
• Recognise the challenges and opportunities for computing systems in societal and environmental contexts.
• Examine the business application of computer systems across a range of disciplines and industries.

Intellectual Skills:

• Apply computational thinking and problem-solving techniques to analyse complex problems.
• Demonstrate judgement, creativity and critical thinking when applying appropriate methods and tools to design and develop solutions.
• Use mathematical and logical reasoning to solve complex computing problems.
• Apply principles, methods and tools to design and develop secure systems within a business and social context.
• Model complex scenarios to design computer systems that meet stated requirements, with an appreciation of the importance of social, commercial and economic factors.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Identify and work within appropriate legal, ethical and professional practices, including data management, security, sustainability, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrate professional and behavioural integrity with an understanding of the range of different sectors and industries within the global computing profession.
• Engage in continuous professional development, using critical reflection to actively plan and recognise the development of technical and transferable skills.
• Pursue career-building opportunities, including the development of professional networks.
• Demonstrate a creative and innovative approach to solving real-world problems across a range of disciplines.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to support effective communication and to plan and manage tasks both independently and in teams.
• Communicate effectively and with confidence, verbally and in writing, to a range of different audiences both in person and in a virtual setting.
• Collaborate appropriately with others, recognising their contributions, and negotiating to achieve desired outcomes.
• Locate, critically evaluate, and interpret data and information in academic and professional contexts in a timely and effective manner.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and present rational and reasoned arguments and conclusions that address a given problem or opportunity.