• Undergraduate

Information Technology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**

Globally, information technology (IT) skills continue to be in high demand from businesses in many sectors. This IT degree is designed to help you meet the needs of these businesses so that you can pursue a rewarding career. 

The course welcomes students from a variety of academic and occupational backgrounds. It will empower you to fulfil your academic potential and help you gain the industry-specific and interpersonal skills you need to work as an IT professional.

Throughout your studies, we will support you as you learn how to design, develop and construct computer-based solutions to real business problems.

Foundation year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

BSc (Hons) Information Technology video - thumbnail

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Information Technology with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Information Technology with Foundation Year with us?

What our students say…

UWL has truly state-of-the-art facilities. I feel like I'm learning something new every day.

Nicolas Gutierrez
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Industry focused teaching
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

We aim to help you become a well-trained, competent and adaptable computing expert who meets the national and regional requirements for work as an IT professional. 

The course is designed to help you use IT to meet client objectives for business development, operations and maintenance.

Your studies will combine theoretical principles with technical skills. You will learn how information and communications technology (ICT) systems are developed, made live and managed. In addition, you will gain a practical understanding of the latest professional and ethical issues in the field.

Collaborative learning and projects will give you the chance to develop the communication and teamwork skills that can help you stand out in the IT jobs market. Furthermore, you will take one module dedicated to enterprise skills, which will sharpen your understanding of business strategy and operations.

Throughout the course, you will learn using professional technology and gain from the expert knowledge of our teaching staff. They will use their relevant and current experiences to encourage your personal and career growth.

There are plenty of opportunities for capable IT specialists, who tend to have a good track record of gaining work and advancing in their careers. You could apply what you learn on this course within areas as diverse as law enforcement, government agencies and commercial IT departments.

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Software Development

    This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of software programming using Python.  This module forms the basis of other programming modules you will undertake during the course.

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Introduction to Computing Mathematics

    You will learn the core mathematical skills and statistical concepts and techniques to be able to effectively analyse and present information.

    You will develop skills in expressing problems in mathematical language, finding solutions to problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly. 

    You will gain essential mathematical skills that will prepare you for other modules.  

  • Introduction to Web Design and Development

    You will cover the basics of web design and development, learning how to integrate text, graphics and behaviour to create interactive webpages using HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript.

    Other aspects will be covered such as historic development of the web, architecture and basic client server architecture, protocols such as HTTP, issues of accessibility and usability, standards and standardisation organisations (W3C, Internet Working Group) and security (HTTPS, firewalls, certificates). 

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Introduction to Computer Technologies

    Some of the technologies you will cover include:

    Hardware (computer systems)
    • CPU
    • memory
    • motherboard
    • hard drive disk
    • secondary storage
    • graphic cards
    • sound cards
    • input and output devices
    • peripherals (printers, mobile computing devices, tablets, smartphones, etc) 
    Software
    • system software: operating systems, utility programs
    • application software: general purpose application software, special purpose application software, bespoke application software
    Communication Technologies
    • computer networks and components
    • protocols and communication methods
    Social and Economic Impact
    • automation
    • cloud computing
    • Internet of Things

Compulsory modules

  • Computer Systems

    You will be introduced to the basic concepts, architecture and components of computer systems including:

    • information representation
    • operating systems
    • computer networks
    • distributed systems
    • cloud computing.

     

  • Programming

    This module covers basic programming concepts and fundamentals using Java programming language. Content includes:

    • an overview of programming paradigms and techniques
    • analysis of problems and design using pseudo-code and flowcharts
    • basic program elements and structure
    • development supported by version-controlled code repositories.
  • Skills for IS Professionals

    This module will help you to gain a range of academic and transferable skills that will support your studies. Topics will include tools and techniques for managing small-scale projects, effective group-work strategies, employability and PDP, and skills in quantitative methods to lay the groundwork for future modules.

  • Developing a Digital Identity

    In this introductory module, you will create a website. Along the way, you will learn the basic principles and practical skills of good design and apply these in an appropriate layout that visually communicates your own online identity. In building your site, you will use popular web development software and gain background knowledge of underlying technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

  • Information Systems and Databases

    You will gain the knowledge and skills to design and implement a relational database. It will cover information security and database management issues and an awareness of the central role of relational and other types of databases.

  • Introduction to Business Management

    You will gain a broad understanding of business management in the modern world and learn about the external and internal business environments. The external business environment covers the political context within business, legal structures of businesses in private and public sectors and corporate responsibility. The internal business environment covers organisational structure and functional areas, organisational behaviour, culture and values, individual and personal behaviour, group and team processes, accounting and finance.

Compulsory modules

You will study all the compulsory modules.
  • Enterprise and Business Development

    You will evaluate the skills and approaches the entrepreneur brings to the process of value creation and the factors that encourage the move to entrepreneurship.

    You will understand how to locate, analyse and evaluate sources of information related to the development of a business plan which demonstrates the commercial viability of a proposed business start-up.

  • IT Infrastructure and Organisation

    IT infrastructure refers to the composite hardware, software, network resources and services required for the existence, operation and management of an enterprise IT environment. On this module you'll explore a range of IT infrastructure lifecycles within organisations and enterprises, with a focus on developing a professional attitude and understanding of current practice.

  • Mobile Web App Development

    This module will allow you to gain experience in developing mobile web applications, and have an introduction to the tools, languages and design techniques required for building functional applications. During the module you will gain exposure to a programming language that can support native mobile application development, and you will be introduced to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) software design pattern.

  • Network and Security

    On this module you will identify fundamental issues in computer networks and their security, and study approaches for addressing these issues. By learning these principles, you will be able to understand emerging network technology more quickly.

  • Group Research Project

    This module will introduce you to collaboration and research skills, and develop your basic understanding of research approaches. You will gain experience of working collaboratively as part of a project team and have opportunities to adopt different team roles to deliver a solution and project.

  • Employment and IT Industry

Compulsory modules

You will study all the compulsory modules.
  • Managing Information Systems Projects (MISP)

    This module aims to give you an understanding of how to manage information system (IS) development projects so as to deliver quality projects on time and within budget. Your studies will apply to the management of your individual project as well as to team leader roles in the management of larger scale commercial projects.

  • Project

    You will investigate a topic of interest and prepare a project proposal. You will then present your ideas to the school for approval and once this has been approved, you will begin a detailed literature review of your chosen field. You will choose and follow a suitable development methodology leading to an implementation which you will evaluate.

  • Business Intelligence Technologies

    By taking this module you'll be introduced to machine learning and data mining techniques that are typically used in business applications. You will develop a toolbox of quantitative analytical techniques and skills from which you can build solutions for various business scenarios.

  • Databases and Analytics

    There has been an explosion in data, much of which is not fully structured, but contains valuable information such as search trends, consumer behaviour and other patterns. This module aims to cover some of the developments in the broad range of "Big Data" problems. It will give you a good understanding of data structures, software development procedures and the range of analytical tool used to undertake a wide range of standard and custom analyses to provide data solutions to these issues. 

  • Enterprise Security Management

    The module aims to introduce managerial approaches to information security in modern enterprises. It considers how to manage the use of information assets securely and support the goals and objectives of enterprises through effective information security governance, risk management, and contingency planning.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Information Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Information Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Information Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Information Technology without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students on a four-year degree with a foundation year have received our Path to Success Scholarship.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

 

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Laden Husamaldin

Dr Laden Husamaldin

I am an associate professor and course leader in Information Systems and Project Management, with over 15 years of academic experience. Dr. Husamaldin focused on taught and research modules for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including modules such as Principles of Project Management, Dmain Business Analysis, Strategic Business in Digital Environment and Employment in IT industry. Furthermore, she has also actively supervised successful BSc and MSc students in their project dissertations. In addition, She supervises PhD students in their doctoral studies at the University of West London.

I am an associate professor and course leader in Information Systems and Project Management, with over 15 years of academic experience. Dr. Husamaldin focused on taught and research modules for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including modules such as Principles of Project Management, Dmain Business Analysis, Strategic Business in Digital Environment and Employment in IT industry. Furthermore, she has also actively supervised successful BSc and MSc students in their project dissertations. In addition, She supervises PhD students in their doctoral studies at the University of West London.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Two colleagues discussing something on a computer monitor

Once you graduate you could go on to be a:

  • software engineer
  • ICT manager
  • web developer
  • analyst/programmer
  • application developer
  • database administrator
  • helpdesk/support technician
  • information systems manager
  • IT project manager
  • IT system/business analyst
  • network engineer
  • software/hardware trainer
  • system analyst
  • system support engineer.

You may also want to progress your studies to explore a related field or specialise on a postgraduate course.

How to apply

How to apply

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.