Hands-on coding sits at the centre of the BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation. After a foundation year that eases adults back into study, modules cover programming in Java, Python and PHP, web development with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, MySQL databases, cloud computing, cyber security, data analysis, human-computer interaction and computing ethics. From Level 5 you choose a technical pathway (software, databases, web) or an information systems pathway (digital transformation, IT strategy and system security). Assessments are practical, so you finish with a portfolio of real projects. Weekday study is listed at centres in Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Nottingham. AF Education offers UK home students free support with applications and Student Finance England.
Key facts
- Award / level
- BSc (Hons) (Bachelors)
- Study mode
- Full time
- Schedule options
- Weekday
- Location
-
- the Birmingham campus
- the Leeds campus
- the Ealing campus in London
- the Holborn campus in London
- the Stratford campus in London
- the Manchester campus
- Upcoming intake
- December 2026
- Foundation year
- Yes — included in this course title
- Awarding university
- Arden University
- Partner pathway
- ARDEN
Who this course is for
This suits career changers and returners who want practical computing skills but need a foundation year before Level 4. It works for people aiming at development roles and for those more interested in IT management.
Entry routes for mature students
Arden’s foundation-year entry asks for at least 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last three years, or an equivalent qualification. If you don’t meet that, you may be considered with at least two years’ professional work experience, evidenced with a CV and reference.
Funding with Student Finance England
AF Education is a free service for England-resident UK home students — not international applicants. For eligible courses, a Tuition Fee Loan is paid directly to the university and a Maintenance Loan is paid to you for living costs. Eligibility depends on residency and previous study; use our free eligibility checker before you apply.
Check your Student Finance eligibility — free, takes about 2 minutes.
How often you study
Full-time weekday study is listed across Arden’s centres, including three London sites (Ealing, Holborn and Stratford). Most courses AF Education supports need 1 to 2 campus days a week, leaving time for work. Your exact timetable is confirmed before enrolment.
Career and progression
The technical pathway points towards programming, software development, web design, data analysis, database administration or cyber security. The information systems pathway suits product management, IT management, web analytics, consultancy or IT support. AF Education does not guarantee jobs.
Course overview from Arden University
Advanced computing skills are in high demand in today’s global job market, providing you with ample opportunities to fill industry gaps, specialise, and progress your career. That’s why we’ve structured your learning to give you a foundation for ongoing skills development.
Our BSc (Hons) Computing offers in-demand skills sought after in today’s tech industry. Our modules cover areas of computing such as programming (Java, Python, PHP), web development (HTML, CSS, Javascript), databases (MySQL), cloud computing, cyber security, data analysis, human-computer interaction, and computing ethics.
You can tailor the skills you learn by choosing between two curated pathways depending on your aspirations: a technical pathway and an information systems pathway.
Learn by doing
Many of our modules are ‘hands-on’ and designed to equip you with the practical skills you need for your career. Unlike many computing courses that lack real-world preparation, our programme focuses on practical, authentic assessments. As such, you'll engage in coding, database creation, web document development, data analysis, and working with cloud services before engaging in assessments that allow you to demonstrate these skills.
Pathways that align with your career ambitions
We offer two pathways starting from Level 5, allowing you to tailor your degree to your career goals – giving you the choice to build your skills on the technical side or develop the strategic skills needed to help companies grow:
Technical Pathway:
Build on your programming, database, and web development skills on this path. If your ambition is to excel in software development, database design, or web development, the technical pathway is the ideal choice for you.
Information Systems Pathway:
This pathway focuses on digital transformation, ethical considerations, and strategic approaches to system security. If you aim to pursue leadership roles in IT management or seek strategic positions, the information systems pathway equips you with the necessary insights into contemporary workplace challenges.
Through the programme, you'll gain:
- In-demand skills that enhance your employability and readiness for the workforce.
- A variety of soft skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation abilities, which are invaluable for your future career.
- A portfolio to showcase your projects and accomplishments to potential employers.
- Hands-on experience across various modern computing areas, curated from our carefully selected modules.
Your computing degree with Arden University sets you up for any number of possible career paths after graduation. Here are just some of the professions you could go on to explore:
Technical roles:
- Programming/Coding
- Software
- Development/Engineering
- Web Design
- Data Analysis
- Database Administration
- Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Information Systems roles:
- Product Management
- IT Management
- Web Analytics
- Consultancy
- Technical Recruitment
- IT Support Specialisms
Entry Requirement:
To be able to study this course, we need to see that you have:
- A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last 3 years, or an equivalent qualification.
- Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference.
How this course differs
This page is BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation at Arden University: Bachelors, with a foundation year, Full Time (Weekday), at Birmingham, Ealing (London), Holborn (London), Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Stratford (London). Other versions with the same title are listed below so you can pick the right one.
| Course | University | Level | Foundation year | Mode | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation this page | Arden University (Partner: ARDEN) | Bachelors | Yes | Full Time · Weekday | Birmingham, Ealing (London), Holborn (London), Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Stratford (London) |
| BSc (Hons) Computing | Arden University (Partner: ARDEN) | Bachelors | No | Full Time · Weekday | Birmingham, Ealing (London), Holborn (London), Leeds, Manchester, Stratford (London) |
| BSc (Hons) Computing | Arden University (Partner: ARDEN) | Bachelors | No | Full Time · Evening | Birmingham, Holborn (London), Leeds, Manchester, Stratford (London) |
| BSc (Hons) Computing | Arden University (Partner: ARDEN) | Level 5 | No | Full Time · Weekday | Birmingham, Ealing (London), Holborn (London), Leeds, Manchester, Stratford (London) |
| BSc (Hons) Computing | Arden University (Partner: ARDEN) | Level 5 | No | Full Time · Evening | Holborn (London), Stratford (London) |
| BSc (Hons) Computing | Arden University (Partner: ARDEN) | Bachelors | No | Part Time · Online | Online |
| BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation | Arden University (Partner: ARDEN) | Bachelors | Yes | Full Time · Evening | Birmingham, Stratford (London) |
Showing 6 of 13 other versions.
BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation is available at Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham. Campus details and map links are below.
Available Campuses for BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation
-
Birmingham
Lock 14, 39 Summer Row, Birmingham, B3 1JJ
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Leeds
7 Park Square, Park Square East, Leeds, LS1 2LW
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Ealing
Santon House, 53-55 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London, W5 5SA
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Holborn
Buchanan House, 4th floor, 30 Holborn, London, EC1N 2LX
View on Google mapsNext intake Ask an adviser -
Stratford
3 Westfield Ave, Stratford Cross, London, E20 1HZ
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Manchester
2 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3HF
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Newcastle
The Spark, Draymans Way, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5DE
View on Google mapsNext intake Ask an adviser -
Nottingham
Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham, NG2 1AB
View on Google mapsNext intake Ask an adviser
Campus locations on the map
Entry Requirements for Arden University (Foundation Year)
These entry requirements apply to Arden University courses with a Foundation Year. All applicants must provide supporting evidence to enrol. Standard entry A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within…
English Language Requirements for Arden University
Arden University needs evidence that your English is at the right level for the course. You can meet this through recent study in English or an accepted English test. Qualifications studied in…
Interview Process
Arden University interviews are held online on Microsoft Teams. They are a short conversation about your course choice and how you meet the entry route — not a formal exam. Before the…
See the full entry, English language and interview requirements for Arden University →
How AF Education helps
AF Education support is 100% free for students. We help you check eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, prepare documents, and submit your application — with clear next steps for Student Finance England where relevant.
FAQs about this course
What programming languages will I learn?
The course details list Java, Python and PHP, plus HTML, CSS and JavaScript for web development and MySQL for databases.
What are the two pathways?
From Level 5 you choose a technical pathway (programming, databases, web development) or an information systems pathway (digital transformation, ethics and strategic approaches to system security).
Do I need previous IT qualifications?
No specific IT qualification is listed. You need 45 Level 3 credits from the last three years or equivalent, or at least two years’ professional work experience with a CV and reference.
Is the course practical?
Yes. Many modules are hands-on, with coding, database creation, web development, data analysis and cloud work assessed through authentic tasks, and you build a portfolio.
Can I get Student Finance England for this course?
AF Education gives England-resident UK home students (not international applicants) free help applying for Student Finance England on eligible courses. Check your eligibility free before you apply.
Register your interest
Register your interest in under 2 minutes. 100% free — we never charge you anything. A dedicated advisor will contact you to check eligibility and guide you through enrolment for BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation.
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