Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
The Computing and Information Technology Foundation Year offers a wide-ranging and rigorous introduction to the various facets of computing and information science and gives you the experience to make an informed decision about which degree course to study.
From day one, you will be immersed in an exciting, innovative environment where you will develop your theoretical and technical knowledge and skills which will be directly relatable to your future career.
The modules will provide you with a solid introduction to information technology, information systems and computing, and students who successfully complete the course can progress onto the following degree courses:
Information Sciences at Northumbria is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Teaching and Learning Opportunities (NSS, 2024).
Information Technology & Systems is ranked 5th in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025.
Information Systems & Management at Northumbria is ranked 1st in the UK for Teaching Quality & Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2025).
UCAS Code
I200
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)
Department
Computer and Information Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Department
Business
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Hear what it is really like to study Computer Science from our students and staff
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Computing and Information Technology. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Computing and Information Technology. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Computing and Information Technology. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
The Department of Computer and Information Sciences is home to a variety of facilities and equipment to help enhance your studies.
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Computing and Information Technology. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
We are living in a digital age where all of our lives are impacted and challenged by digital technologies and information sciences, from cyber security and AI, to social media, games and visual effects, to digital libraries, archives and records.
Digital Health & Wellbeing
Network Systems and Security (NetSyS)
Computer and Information Sciences
See more research from this department
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Computing and Information Technology. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
You can boost your CV and develop your experience whilst studying at Northumbria.
From first year through to final year and beyond graduation, we are here to help.
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
80 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535
* You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has recently suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX ( Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments)
International Fee in Year 1:
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
KC3004 -
Personal, Academic and Skills Development (Core,20 Credits)
The aim of this module is to equip you with some of the skills that are necessary for securing success whilst studying at university. The module comprises three main skill areas:
Personal Skills – this area will support the identification of your skills and abilities through targeted activities that highlight both your strengths and weaknesses, looking at ways to maximise your presence within both a university context and the wider workplace. This identified skill-set will be mapped against a matrix that illustrates an idealistic set of skills for future succes and personal development planning (PDP).
Academic Skills – this area will include guidance and tutorials on academic writing, critical analysis, introductory referencing and research support.
IT Business Skills – this area will explore the subject area of Information Technology within a business context, identifying what it means in relation to the needs and requirements of an organisation.
You will be expected to reflect on the approach that has been taken and evidence your understanding through presentations and portfolio building.
KC3005 -
Digital Technologies (Core,20 Credits)
The aim of the module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of digital technologies within a range of industry sectors. You will be expected to research and discuss a given topic on digital technology. You will be presented with the opportunity to research, evaluate and develop practical skills using the tools and techniques required within different industry settings and how these can be used to support their business, client, and customer needs.
This will be underpinned by acquiring academic and intellectual skills and competencies, through research and development in related technology sectors.
This module is concerned primarily with knowledge and understanding of the technology industries and how it is influenced by the use of information and digital technologies; thus it will involve practical sessions along with theoretical debate. In particular, you will cover topics such as:
The place of HCI and UX within the tech industry.
The use of digital technologies within a range of industry sectors.
The evolution of ubiquitous computing technologies.
Ways of problem solving digital technologies to support client/customer needs
Research informed practices within industry.
Future proofing digital technology sectors.
KC3006 -
Introduction to Information Systems (Core,20 Credits)
The aim of the module is to
• Develop an understanding of information systems as a multidisciplinary area
• Show how business information systems support different areas of an organisation
• Use methods for analysing, specifying and designing information systems
• Explore how emerging technologies can be used in information systems
• Develop critical and abstract thinking
In this module you will learn about the methods for analysing, specifying and designing information systems within a framework which takes a holistic approach to the introduction of change and in which user requirements are considered fundamental. Information systems are an integral part of any modern organisation and are increasingly used to support every aspect of an organisation's functions and activities. Whilst innovative use of technologies can provide significant benefits, information systems deliver value where they are deployed to meet the goals of an organisation.
You will cover topics such as:
• To explore the system’s components, explain elements in the study of Information Systems
• Business information systems and the core concepts: data and information
• Requirement analysis and presenting data
• Research methods and sources
• Creating instructions
• Growth of the internet, and cloud
• Social media – strengths and weaknesses
• Introduction to web design, HCI for web, testing and evaluation
• Online trading/e-commerce
• Ethical issues in information systems
• Cyber security
• Mobile technologies and apps
• Presenting an idea, peer reviewing, debating skills
KC3008 -
Code wrangling for beginners (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will learn that computing and information technology has changed both the world of business and the everyday lives of huge segments of the world's population. You will learn about the rapid evolution of computing technology and how this challenges many aspects of society and offers a potential to change the world. You will also learn how information is created, stored, manipulated, and processed. Using many hands-on practical sessions you will be exposed to some of the latest technologies underlying the Internet of things.The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects—devices, vehicles, buildings and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. Using some of the latest educational tools you will begin to paddle in the edges of the ocean of computation.
The module is designed (as part of a programme of study) to prepare you to progress to an undergraduate degree. Topics include;
• Computing & Information
• Introduce the study of information, what is it?
• How Moore’s law has underpinned the development of computing technology.
• Give you a basic grasp of terminology, What is hypertext? What is hardware and software? What is a bit?
• What is inside an Operating System?
• You will See inside the machine and how it works.
• What are the current domains of knowledge of computer science
• You will learn about presenting data
• You will learn basic elements of program construction.
• Problem solving
• You will learn about techniques for problem-solving including decomposition, and brain storming.
• You will learn about top down vs. bottom up thinking and how this impacts on a project's business and technical needs.
KV3000 -
Exploring the Digital Society (Core,20 Credits)
The aim of the module is to provide you with an opportunity to explore the real world application of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) within industry and society. You will learn broadly how IT and IS are used in a range of industries but will then focus on a particular industry sector to carry out a more in depth investigation.
You will learn how technology and systems impact on four key areas of the organisation: business administration; communication; marketing and business/consumer engagement. As part of this module you will also learn how to work within teams, and will develop research and presentation skills. The module will complement the other modules where you learn the specifics of the technology and systems and within this module you will be able to understand where this fits into the real world.
KV3001 -
Digital Society Case Study (Core,20 Credits)
The aim of the module is to provide you with a further opportunity to explore the real-world application of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) within the digital society.
You will learn how user experience, technology and systems apply in a range of digital society contexts and will carry out a case study to examine a particular area in depth. This will involve exploring the impact of IT and IS on individuals, organisation, and communities to explore speculative design futures. As part of this module, you will also continue to work within teams, and will further develop research and presentation skills. The module will complement the other modules where you learn the specifics of the technology and systems and within this module you will be able to understand where this fits into the real world.
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
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