On this pre-Bachelor programme you will enter the International Foundation Year and are guaranteed progression to the first year of the Computer Science BSc (Hons) the following September (if you meet the required criteria).

The educational aims of the programme are to:

• Develop students’ fundamental knowledge and understanding of the relevant disciplinary elements in computer science and related fields.
• Develop in students a broad range of transferable academic literacy, research and analytical skills to succeed in undergraduate study.
• Ensure that students have attained the prescribed level of English language competence to succeed on specified Lancaster University undergraduate programme.
• To prepare students to operate effectively and autonomously within the framework of higher education.
• Develop students’ graduate attributes to optimise future employability prospects in a global environment.

Upon completion of the Foundation Year, you can progress to the first year of the Bachelor programme:

Computer science is a dynamic discipline with a diverse range of applications and career paths. This programme explores the theory and practice of innovative and experimental computer science, allowing you to develop well-rounded professional and technical skills. This degree is 3rd in the UK for graduate prospects (The Guardian University Guide, 2020).

Computer science is a vast but specialised subject; as a result, our degree equips you with the technical and professional skills necessary to apply yourself to a broad range of careers. Our UK graduates have gone on to work with major technology companies such as IBM, Google, BBC, and BAE, while others have chosen to take their software design, development and management skills to SMEs, or have set up their own technology-centric businesses. Many of our computer scientists also elect to study for MSc or PhD qualifications.

In the first year, you will receive a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of the discipline, combined with their modern day application. Throughout your study, you will gain skills and experience from a range of modules, including Software Development, Information Systems, and Digital Systems. Taking a practical approach to learning, you are encouraged to build and analyse systems and software, as well as work with end user feedback to refine and adapt solutions.

After gaining an overview of the subject in the first year, you will be motivated by topics that become progressively deeper and more specialised as your skills develop throughout second and third year. In addition to progressing your foundational understanding, programming, and software design skills, you will explore social, ethical and professional issues, giving you experience of computing in the real world. Your final year gives you the opportunity to explore a range of well-constructed and enriching modules, as well as undertaking an individual project with one of our academics, allowing you to use and further develop the skills acquired throughout your degree.