Birmingham City University

BSc Computing and Information Technology with a Foundation Year

Birmingham City University

Course overview

This BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Technology with a Foundation Year is a four-year programme. The foundation year is designed for students who do not currently meet the standard entry requirements for the three-year BSc Computing and Information Technology degree, and it will give you a strong basic knowledge of computing and IT. During the foundation year, you will learn about essential topics in computing, such as programming, computer systems, and how to solve problems using technology. This will prepare you for the more advanced study in the following years.

After you complete the foundation year, you will automatically move on to the three-year BSc Computing and Information Technology degree. This degree will give you the skills and knowledge needed for a career in areas like IT support, network administration, systems analysis, and web development. You will learn through lectures, seminars, practical lab sessions, and independent study, and your progress will be checked through assignments, presentations, practical tasks, and exams. All computing courses are taught in STEAMhouse, a £70 million building with excellent facilities for technology and new ideas.

Entry requirements

To apply for this course, you need to write a personal statement. In this statement, please explain your reasons for wanting to study BSc Computing and IT with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University. Also, include any important details about your previous education. You will also need to provide a reference letter from a teacher or an employer. If you have any relevant work experience, you can also include your CV with your application.

Grade Requirements:

  • The usual entry requirement for the 2025/2026 school year is 80 UCAS points. You can get these points through different qualifications, such as A Levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma (at MPP grade), a BTEC Diploma (at MM grade), T Levels, or the International Baccalaureate. 
  • The university also considers other qualifications from around the world that are seen as equal to A Levels.

English Proficiency:

  • If English is not the first language you speak, you will need to show that you have a good understanding of English. Usually, this means getting an overall score of 6.0 in the IELTS test, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each section of the test. 
  • The university also accepts similar scores from other English language tests, such as PTE or TOEFL.

Scholarships

  • Accelerate Scholarship

    If you come from a lower income family or household, you could receive an offer that is up to four grades below our normal entry requirements – and possibly claim a £1,000 scholarship too.

    Up to £1,000

  • Bowater Financial Assistance Award

  • Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee discount for BCU graduates undertaking Master’s or PhD study.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • International Postgraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree in 2026.

    Up to £3,000

  • International Undergraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in September 2026.

    Up to £5,000

  • Sports Scholarship

    Enhanced performance support funding.

  • The High Achievers' Scholarship

    You will be eligible for a £1,000 scholarship to get your university life off to a flying start.

    Up to £1,000

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Computing and Information Technology degree (following the foundation year), graduates can pursue a variety of careers, including roles such as:

  • IT Support Technician
  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Analyst
  • Web Developer
  • Database Administrator
  • IT Project Coordinator

Cost of study

For students coming from outside the UK, the yearly cost to study the BSc Computing and IT with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University for the 2025/26 school year is £17,690.

Admission

You can apply for the BSc Computing and IT with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University through UCAS or directly to the university. If you would like help with your application, you can talk to our trained advisors.

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