Computer Science (Foundation) (4 year route with Carmel College)
UCAS code G408
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025 September 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
This programme provides a four-year route into the Computer Science BSc (Hons) degrees for students who do not meet academic requirements for the three year programme.
Introduction
Study Computer Science at Liverpool and develop a deep understanding of the technology that underpins much of modern life and society. Computer Science is a great choice for those with a keen interest in computers, software and technology. You’ll create functional applications as well as how to consistently iterate and improve your work.
You will spend your first year at Carmel College in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. The college offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement.
The foundation year will focus on mathematics and a choice of modules from physics, chemistry, biology, geography and IT.
Upon completion of the foundation year, you will progress onto your chosen degree programme in a computer science related course at the University of Liverpool.
Find information about what essential and optional modules you will need to take during your Year Zero at Carmel College to progress to your chosen University of Liverpool degree programme in our guide to progression routes
What you'll learn
- Problem solving and analytical skills
Routes
- Computer Science BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science with Software Development BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science with Software Development with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons)
- Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons)
- Financial Computing BSc (Hons)
- Financial Computing with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons)
- Mathematics and Computer Science BSc (Hons)
- Mathematics and Computer Science with a Year in Industry BSc (Hons)
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
On successful completion of the foundation programme at Carmel College, students transfer to the first year of their chosen degree programme.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Teaching is by a mix of formal lectures, small group tutorials and supervised laboratory-based practical sessions. Students also undertake individual and group projects. Key problem solving skills and employability skills, like presentation and teamwork skills, are developed throughout the programme.
How you're assessed
Assessment is mainly by examination and coursework. Depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
Students are expected to score an overall mark of 50% to progress to the second year of the course. In year two, students will start on the first year of their selected degree programme at the University of Liverpool.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
Explore where you'll study
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study Computer Science
- You will be taught by some of the best researchers in the field. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, the research output of our department was ranked 5th in the UK. This research expertise shows through in our teaching
- We teach in state-of-the-art PC and Mac laboratories running a variety of different operating systems, as well as iOS and Android tablets to encourage creativity and innovation within a stimulating environment in which to work and study
- Our programmes are continually updated to reflect new technologies and trends.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.