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Computer Science – Foundation

An introduction to the world of IT and technology before progressing onto your chosen degree

Introduction

The Foundation Year is designed for students who either do not meet the requirements for direct BSc entry (level of English, school qualifications, etc.) or would like to gain additional confidence and skills in their subject area and general academic practice prior to the start of their degree course.

The Foundation Year in Computer Science provides an introduction to the academic discipline of Computer Science, and guarantees progression to BSc (Hons) Computer Science or BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (subject to meeting the required criteria).

The programme can be completed in either 2 or 3 semesters, depending on existing academic qualifications and level of English. Upon successful completion you will progress seamlessly to the first year of your chosen degree at Lancaster University Leipzig.

Duration

  • Foundation: Two or three semesters (full-time)
  • Degree: Three years (full-time)

Intakes

  • January (two semesters)
  • October (two/three semesters)

Fees 2025/2026

  • Two semesters: International €18,000 /  EU/UK €10,800
  • Three semesters: International €22,000 / EU/UK €14,500

Location

Language of Instruction

English

The Advantages of a Foundation Year

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Programme Overview

The educational aims of the programme are to:

  • develop students’ fundamental knowledge and understanding of the key disciplinary elements in Computer Science, as well as overlaps and interfaces with related fields
  • consolidate in students a broad range of transferable academic literacy, as well as research and analytical skills, in order to succeed at undergraduate study
  • ensure that students have attained the required level of English language proficiency to succeed on specified Lancaster University undergraduate degrees
  • prepare students to operate effectively and autonomously within the framework of higher education
  • develop students’ graduate attributes in order to optimize future employability prospects in a global work environment

Programme structure: Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Modules

Modules (two semesters)

  • Academic English and Skills
  • Introduction to Computing and Programming
  • Computer Science Ecosystems
  • The Evolution of Computing and Communications
  • Mathematics for Computer Science
  • German Language

Modules (three semesters)

  • Academic Listening
  • Academic Speaking
  • Academic Writing
  • Academic Reading
  • Academic English and Skills
  • Introduction to Computing and Programming
  • Computer Science Ecosystems
  • The Evolution of Computing and Communications
  • Mathematics for Computer Science
  • German Language

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is delivered via a combination of small-group lectures and seminars, as part of individual and group-based coursework, and in tutorials relating to all of the above. Assessment is conducted by means of individual coursework (such as writing academic essays and research reports, and designing and delivering in-class presentations), group project presentations (written and oral), and examinations.

You will be encouraged throughout the course of your Foundation programme to undertake independent study to supplement what is being taught and learnt; to broaden your personal knowledge; and to develop subject-specific interests and specialisms.

All teaching is carried out in English.

Progression Degrees

There are two progression options available upon successful completion of the Foundation in Computer Science.

Visit their dedicated sections for more information on degree fees, modules and career opportunities.

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