| UCAS code | I403 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 year integrated degree programme: 1 year Foundation year plus 3 year undergraduate degree programme |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Computer Science |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: BCC
|
|---|---|
Overview
- You'll cover the core mathematics required to successfully complete a Computer Science degree at the University of Exeter.
- Learn in a friendly, structured environment where you'll be supported academically and personally as you prepare to study a Computer Science undergraduate degree.
- Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress into Year 1 of the BSc Computer Science programme.
- Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to transfer to an undergraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Engineering or Physics after completing the Foundation year. See the list of degree pathways below.
Discover Computer Science at the University of Exeter.
Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science
18th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Excellent facilities spanning a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems
Partner to the Alan Turing Institute
Top 15 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 12th for graduate prospects for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2026 (94%)
Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science
18th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Excellent facilities spanning a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems
Partner to the Alan Turing Institute
Top 15 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 12th for graduate prospects for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2026 (94%)
Eligibility criteria
Who this course is for
This course is open to UK-domiciled students who:
- meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria, or are classed as Mature Students,
- pay 'Home' tuition fees
- and who have not met the entry requirements for first year entry, or have not been able to take A-Level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma.
If you are an international student looking for a Foundation course, please visit our International Study Centre.
Typical offer
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | BCC | GCE A-Level Maths grade C. We will also accept AS Maths at A or Core Maths at A in lieu of A-Level Maths. Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. |
| IB | 26/544 | Maths HL 4 |
| BTEC | DMM | Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE A-Level Maths subject: Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computing, and Information Technology. |
| GCSE | 4/C | Grade C or 4 in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 18 L3 credits at Distinction grade and 27 L3 credits at Merit grade | 12 L3 credits in Maths at Pass Grade in an appropriate Mathematics subject |
| T-Levels | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply.
In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.
Course content
The Foundation Year is part of an integrated 4 year undergraduate degree programme. The information below relates to the Foundation Year only. Please see BSc Computer Science for further information and details of the modules available on the degree programme you can progress to from the Foundation Year.
The course comprises of 90 credits of core maths, to elevate students’ knowledge to A-level grade A standard, plus some aspects of the further maths curriculum, but concentrating on developing core mathematical skills.
The other 30 credits comprise a project that includes key skills for university study.
Degree progression pathways
In term 1 of your Foundation Year, it is sometimes possible to transfer to a different degree pathway, depending on your attainment and previous qualifications. In the second term, you will specialise in your chosen course.
The courses listed below are the pathway options available for these integrated 4-year undergraduate degree programmes.
Taught at Streatham Campus, Devon:
- Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year BSc
- Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Civil Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc
- Data Science with Foundation Year BSc
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc
- Natural Sciences with Foundation Year BSc
- Physics with Foundation Year BSc
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year BEng
Taught at Penryn Campus, Cornwall:
- Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Mining Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Renewable Energy Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Systems Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
Please note: The foundation year takes place at our Streatham Campus in Devon. For degree pathways based at our Penryn Campus, Cornwall, you will move campuses after completing your Foundation Year.
We’re really proud of our foundation programme pathways which demonstrate our commitment to widening access to our computer science, data science, engineering, maths, physics and natural science programmes.
For any student who has not had the opportunity to demonstrate their true ability in A-level maths, whether through educational disadvantage, exceptional circumstances or a change in ambition, this programme offers an alternative route into STEM at Exeter.
Professor Nicola King
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
The way you learn at university may be different from what you have experienced before. Depending on your course, you may encounter a variety of teaching methods.
In the Foundation year of this programme, you will experience a range of teaching and learning activities including lectures, workshops, tutorials, group projects/presentations and/or seminars. The mathematics modules at this stage comprise of 90 credits in total, while 'Science: Skills and Culture' module is 30 credits. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time including guided independent study hours.
Visit our course pages for details of the Learning and Teaching methods on the BSc Computer Science degree programme for the subsequent years of your chosen degree programme.
A research and practice led culture
You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising of internationally-recognised experts active across a wide range of topics in your chosen degree programme. As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become involved in a research project yourself.
Private study and support
You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services, and we encourage you to discuss subject related questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of summative assessments. You must pass your foundation year and meet the progression criteria to progress to Year 1 of the BSc Computer Science programme, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.
World-class facilities
Our latest computing facilities are world-class spacious teaching labs allowing comfortable, collaborative working in a sensory-friendly environment.
Your future
A degree from Exeter is highly valued by employers. Management and personal skills are built into our programmes and our students take advantage of the wide range of extracurricular and personal development opportunities offered by the University, including volunteering and playing an active role in student societies.
Our staff are active in developing our programmes and services to improve the employability of our students. We also have a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides career workshops tailored to computer science, as well as support in job applications and interview skills. The Career Zone run several careers fairs throughout the year which are particularly successful in putting major UK employers in touch with Exeter students. Relevant employers visit the department from the first year to meet and hold mock interviews with students, with the aim of helping them to develop their career ideas at an early enough stage to help with module choices and placement decisions.
Career opportunities for computer scientists are limitless and graduates can be found working in the private and public sector in areas such as software engineering, health, communications, education, life sciences, physical sciences, finance and manufacturing. Computer scientists from Exeter have a reputation as being articulate, numerate, problem solvers, who typically claim great job satisfaction, a good salary and a huge range of career possibilities.
Our single honours Computer Science degrees explore more than simply how computers and software work. They focus on the wider context within which the subject must operate; from the precise technical details to the social, scientific and industrial application. By combining logical thinking with key mathematical skills, they will lead to a wide variety of careers which require graduates who understand the science behind computer technology.
Career Paths
As an Exeter Computer Science and IT graduate you may find yourself working with business IT systems, the web, mobile communications, games technology, or in the management and development of the safety-critical systems that control planes, trains and power stations.
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Computer Science but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Academic research
- Business Analysts, Architects or Systems Designer
- Cyber Security Professional
- Engineer
- Financial Accounts Manager
- IT Network Professional
- IT Quality and Testing Professional
- Programmer
- Software Developer
Industrial Experience
Our staff are active in developing our programmes and services to improve the employability of our students. We also have a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides career workshops tailored to computer science, as well as support in job applications and interview skills. The Career Zone run several careers fairs throughout the year which are particularly successful in putting major UK employers in touch with Exeter students. Relevant employers visit the department from the first year to meet and hold mock interviews with students, with the aim of helping them to develop their career ideas at an early enough stage to help with module choices and placement decisions.
