About the course
Offering the in-depth technical and professional training you need for a career as an information technologist, this course is run in collaboration with local companies so you gain real-world experience while studying.
In your first year, you develop the skills to study the specialist topics later in the course including introductions to software, hardware and how together they form an information system; how information systems work with databases; and how to use Structured Query Language (SQL) and NoSQL to query database and make sense of data. You also learn about IS applications' installation, configuration and maintenance.
In year two, you focus on information system design and development; how software and hardware work together; designing secure systems; and approaches for testing software.
Learning in your final year focuses on research methods and emerging advanced IT technologies; you also undertake an independent IT project.
Why choose this course?
- It offers in-depth technical and professional training, including CompTia, Security+ and CCNA, which are required to practise as an information technologist
- Throughout the course, you benefit from work-based learning projects and hands-on experience which prepare you to graduate as a professional
- You learn how a wide range of technology can be deployed to provide systems that support organisations to achieve their business objectives
- You develop the knowledge and skills to draw out user requirements from non-IT experts and transform these into implemented system-level designs
- You will be able to lead an IT project, using transferable skills such as effective collaboration and critical thinking
- Take the course over four years and include a professional placement year (see below), where you can gain experience, build your CV and make contacts for the future
- If you need to step up into higher education, start with a Foundation year (see below), which guarantees you a place on the degree course
About the course
The Bedfordshire International Foundation Year (IFY) offers guaranteed progression* to a wide range of our undergraduate degrees, for those applicants who do not have the required qualifications or English language proficiency to join the first year of their chosen subject.
The IFY will help you improve your English language level, enhance your study and IT skills and increase your subject knowledge. This will help you succeed when you progress on to your main degree programme.
*subject to successful completion of the course
Why choose Bedfordshire International Foundation Year?
Unlike many university International Foundation programmes, The Bedfordshire IFY is delivered by the University of Bedfordshire and at the University of Bedfordshire. You will be a University of Bedfordshire student from day one.
The IFY offers guaranteed progression to over 75 bachelor’s degree programmes, via eight different pathways.
Each pathway is designed to accommodate students with a range of English language abilities from IELTS 4.5 upwards, and aims to take students up to IELTS 6.0 overall, or above, which is the requirement for undergraduate courses at the University of Bedfordshire.
The course also covers academic skills necessary to thrive in UK Higher Education and enables students to progress to their undergraduate degree, fully prepared and confident to face the challenges of a level 4 programme of study. Each pathway also offers a broadly subject-specific unit in the second semester, delivered by specialist staff from the relevant faculty, to offer you a programme specific to your subject area, as well as meeting your linguistic needs. In some cases, you may join an existing class for this session, further embedding you into university life.
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Units
- Computer Systems Structure (CIS017-1) Compulsory
- Fundamentals Of Computer Science (CIS091-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Software Development (CIS020-1) Compulsory
- Principles Of Programming (CIS016-1) Compulsory
- Information Technology Employability Project (CIS119-2) Compulsory
- Systems Development And Modern Database Practices (CIS020-2) Compulsory
- User Experience Design (CIS120-2) Compulsory
- Web Technologies And Platforms (CIS051-2) Compulsory
- Advanced Information Technology (CIS041-3) Compulsory
- Agile Project Management (CIS047-3) Compulsory
- Research Methodologies And Emerging Technologies (CIS013-3) Compulsory
- Undergraduate Project (CIS017-3) Compulsory
You are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework, group and individual projects, portfolios, essays, presentations or exams. You will also produce software artefacts in the area of your specialism. Constant feedback and advice from a supervisory or unit team will be provided to support you in your work. At level 4 you are assessed on your understanding of the fundamental concepts of Computer Science and its application. You are required to comprehend the basic range of intellectual concepts which form the foundations of the subject and application area, and will be assessed on your ability to articulate such concepts in a coherent manner, in a variety of written assessments/written briefs. For example, there will be time constraint programming assignments as well as multiple choice tests. At level 5 you are assessed on your ability to apply the basic concepts of the disciplines introduced in level 4 to existing controversies and issues on which there is already a body of research and critical opinion. You also should be able to demonstrate the inter-relationships between critical theory and practice. For example, the units `User Experience Design and `Web Technologies will further your understanding of key aspects of IT systems. At level 6 you will be required to demonstrate independent thinking and initiative. This may be in the form of analysing and criticising current approaches and theory within Information Technology in general and software use and development in particular. In all cases, you will be expected to show an awareness of the major theories and practices of the discipline. You will progress from well-defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments, which culminate in the honours project where you will be given freedom to choose your area of work within the constraints of the subject discipline.
Reasons to study in the School of Computer Science and Technology
- Specialist computing suites in our £40m STEM building
- Our computing courses are BCS and IET accredited
- Dedicated engineering environments & equipment in our new STEM building
- Our Engineering courses are IET accredited
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 96 points with 80 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 96 points with Merit Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction Distinction in the BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
How will this course improve my career prospects?
Completion of this course will open up a wide range of career opportunities in the IT industry. Our graduates find work in the computer industry, leading to long-term and specialised positions in fields that include programming, systems development, customer services and IT management. Possible roles include IT developer; IT system architect; IT consultant; database developer; mobile app developer; data engineer; and information engineer.
If you want to continue your studies at Master's level, there is a wide choice within computer science, information science and data science as well as courses related to computer science and information application.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
