Foundation Leading to Engineering & Computer Science

The programme structure is tailored to support your progression onto the following honours degrees delivered within Cardiff School of Technologies:

Computer Science & Creative Technologies

• Business Information Systems - BSc (Hons)
• Computer and Data Science - BSc (Hons)
• Computer Games Design and Development - BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence - BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science - BSc (Hons)
• Computer Security - BSc (Hons)
• Computing with Creative Design - BSc (Hons)
• Software Engineering - BSc (Hons)

Engineering

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons)
• Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons)
• Robotics Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons)

BSc Business Information Systems and BSc Computing with Creative Design are currently undergoing programme enhancements and modifications, to be implemented from September 2027. Further information on these changes will be provided later in the summer, however if you have any queries please contact the Programme Director for further information.

Core Modules

• Prepare (20 credits)
• Project (40 credits)
• Extend (20 credits)

Depending on your chosen degree programme, you will also take one of the following 40-credit modules:

• Computer Science Fundamentals
  • BSc Computer Science
  • BSc Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Security Fundamentals
  • BSc Computer Security
• Data and Information Fundamentals
  • BSc Business Information Systems
  • BSc Computer and Data Science
• Engineering Fundamentals
  • BEng / MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • BEng / MEng Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering
  • BEng / MEng Robotics Engineering
• Games and Design Fundamentals
  • BSc Computer Games Design and Development
  • BSc Computing with Creative Design
• Software Engineering Fundamentals
  • BSc Software Engineering

We take a student-centred approach to learning and teaching where you’ll actively engage in technical labs, creative studios, and a blend of individual and group projects that reflect real industry practice.

Learning is enriched through real-world case studies and guest talks from industry professionals, helping you connect theory with practical application. Campus-based workshops are central to the programme, enabling you to develop strong technical skills underpinned by robust theoretical foundations. Alongside timetabled sessions, you will be expected to take an active role in your development through directed self-study and independent learning. This supports the creation of a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts, preparing you for graduate employment.

Collaborative learning and community are key to your experience. Much of your collaborative work happens in The Nexus, our heart-of-the-school social learning space where students, staff, and industry experts interact.

Support throughout your studies is built in at every stage. You will be guided academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director, and assigned a Personal Tutor as your main point of contact. In addition, Student Coaches – experienced students from Years 2, 3, and Master’s level – offer peer mentoring and support within modules.

Flexible digital learning underpins all teaching. Platforms such as Moodle and Microsoft Teams give you access to learning materials, collaboration tools, and support whenever and wherever you need them.

Our assessment strategy is built on authenticity. We want to see how you apply what you’ve learned to real-world challenges. You will be assessed through a variety of methods designed to build your professional portfolio, including practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.

Completion of this foundation year enables you to progress onto the degrees listed within the ‘Course Content’ section of this webpage.

Whether you aspire to become a Cyber Security Analyst, Robotics Engineer, Games Developer, or Data Scientist, this year equips you with the essential technical knowledge and EDGE competencies (Ethical, Digital, Global, and Entrepreneurial) needed to succeed in a competitive global market.

For detailed information on employability and career opportunities associated with each degree pathway, please refer to the relevant course pages.

Students should normally possess:

• a minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grades A*-C) including English Language / Welsh First Language and Mathematics* at grade C / 4 or above
• for Computer Science degree pathways – 64 UCAS tariff points from at least 2 A levels to include CC
• for Engineering degree pathways – 64 UCAS tariff points from at least 2 A levels to include minimum grades DD, in Mathematics, Physics or a Technology subject; or 64 UCAS tariff points from at least 2 A levels to include minimum grades CC, in non-relevant subjects

* For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy.

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, Dr Paul Angel:

• Email: pnangel@cardiffmet.ac.uk