Course overview
Gain a recognised higher-education qualification in one year.
Build university-level skills in programming, computing systems, mathematics, networking and web development, then select cyber security or data analysis.
Course overview
This one-year, 120-credit qualification combines academic development with practical computing. Students build programming, systems, mathematics, networking and web-development skills before selecting a cyber-security or data-analysis pathway that supports progression to a related UWS London honours degree.
Teaching and learning
Full-time teaching uses lectures, tutorials, workshops, supervised laboratory sessions, coding activities, collaborative learning and independent study.
Progression
Successful completion can support progression to Year 2 of BEng (Hons) Cyber Security or BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at UWS London, subject to progression requirements.
Applicant eligibility
This programme is intended for Home students who are eligible for Student Finance England or who are self-funding. International and EU tuition is not available.
Curriculum
Explore the complete published one-year module structure.
01Term 1
Term 1
60 credits
Term 1
Term 1
- Aspire: Foundations for Success20 credits
- Introduction to Computer Programming20 credits
- Introduction to Computing Systems10 credits
- Mathematics for Computing Studies10 credits
02Term 2
Term 2
Term 2
Term 2
- Foundations of Computer Networking (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of Web Development (20 credits)
- Cyber Security pathway: Introduction to Cyber Security (20 credits)
- Data Science and AI pathway: Foundations of Data Analysis (20 credits)
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment may include coursework, practical computing activities, written assignments, presentations, group activities and reflective tasks, supported by regular formative feedback.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic entry
- Typical entry requires 64 UCAS Tariff points or an accepted equivalent.
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent are normally required.
- Applicants should normally be aged 18 or over, demonstrate an interest in higher education and be eligible for Student Finance England funding.
- Applicants complete reading, writing, speaking and numerical assessments; mature learners and relevant experience may be considered through RPL/APEL.
English language
- IELTS 6.0 or an accepted equivalent is normally required where applicable; the selection process also includes English-language assessment activities.
Application documents
- Completed application form.
- Qualification certificates and transcripts.
- Evidence of English-language ability where applicable.
- Personal statement and any additional evidence requested during admissions.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Published fees apply to the stated academic year and may change for later intakes. The amount in the formal offer and current University fee schedule should be treated as authoritative.
This programme is intended for eligible Home students or self-funded Home applicants; an international fee is not available.
Funding your study
Student Finance and payment-plan options may be available, subject to personal, course and residency eligibility.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Write and debug introductory computer programs.
Understand computing systems, networking and responsive web development.
Progress towards specialist study in cyber security or data science and AI.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Potential career directions
- Software-development pathway
- Network-engineering pathway
- Cloud-computing pathway
- Cyber-security pathway
- Digital-forensics pathway
- Security-operations pathway
- Data-analytics pathway
- Business-intelligence pathway
- Machine-learning pathway
- IT-consultancy pathway
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Where is this course taught?
The course is taught at UWS London Campus in London Docklands, close to East India DLR station.
When can I start?
Start dates are available in September, January, May.
Who awards the qualification?
The qualification is awarded by the University of the West of Scotland.