This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.

The foundation year will be relevant to:

1. Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.

Find out more about the foundation year and fees.

Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation.

Year 1

You will build a strong technical foundation in computer architectures, operating systems, and networking. A key focus is the introduction to automation through scripting, teaching you to manage infrastructure efficiently from the start.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Modules

• IT Infrastructure & Hardware
• Scripting & Automation for IT
• Architectures & Operating Systems
• Computational Thinking
• Explore
• Web Design & Databases

Year 2

The second year focuses on applied operations, including cloud foundations, virtualisation, and enterprise-grade networking. You will develop ‘Systems Security’ skills to harden platforms against modern threats.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Modules

• Agile Development & DevOps
• Systems Security
• Networks and Communications
• Object-Oriented System Design
• Expand
• Collaborative Project

Year 3

In your final year, you will integrate your knowledge through a major development project. You will specialise in cloud deployment and professional IT Service Management (ITSM) using global frameworks like ITIL.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Modules

• Development Project (40 credits)
• Cloud Computing Deployment
• IT Service Management
• Professional, Sustainable & Ethical Tech
• Cyber Security & Cryptography

A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of a broad range of teaching strategies, such as technical labs and individual and group projects. This is further enhanced by real world case studies and guest talks from industry experts, and supported by Teams and Moodle, our virtual learning environments.

Due to the nature of the programme, campus-based practical workshops are key to developing students’ technical understanding and abilities, underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and independent learning time – in additional to the timetabled delivery – so as to develop a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts as they move into graduate employment.

Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also appointed a Personal Tutor from within the School, who provides a point of contact for general academic and pastoral issues. Students are also supported by Student Coaches; the Student Coach role is for current 2nd, 3rd year and Master’s students who provide peer support in Modules.

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.

Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles such as Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Platform Engineer, or Infrastructure Lead. The ‘Tech-Ops’ focus ensures you are ready for the global IT services sector or further Master’s and PhD study at Cardiff Met.

Typical Offers

The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.

• Tariff points: 104-112
• Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
• GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
• A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject.
• BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
• T Level: Merit. No specific subjects required.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.

How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

For general enquiries, please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6010 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Stuart McNeil:

• Email: smcneil@cardiffmet.ac.uk