Business Information Technology with Foundation Year, BSc

​​We are delighted to welcome you to the course and look forward to supporting you as you begin your studies.

During Welcome Week, you will have the opportunity to meet the course team, learn more about the structure of your course, explore the university systems and resources you will be using, and begin getting to know your fellow students.

It is very important that you attend all scheduled Welcome Week activities, as these sessions will help you understand what to expect from the course and how to access support from the beginning.

​You will also be introduced to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will be an important point of contact throughout your studies. Your PAT can support you with academic progress, help you reflect on your development, and guide you towards appropriate university services if you need further advice or support. We encourage you to engage actively with your PAT and the wider course team so that you can make the most of your time at university.​

Your Course​​

In your Foundation Year, you will study a set of core modules designed to build your confidence and prepare you for degree-level study in business and technology.

These typically include introductory topics in business and computing, academic skills, mathematics and data handling, and digital/IT skills, alongside short “success modules” that support your transition into university learning.

During Semester 1 you will study:

• FY The Big Picture
• Fundamentals of Applied Mathematics and Programming

During Semester 2 you will study:

• FY Interdisciplinary Communication Skills
• Computational Thinking
• Success modules - 3 x 5 credit point modules

The focus is on developing both subject knowledge and the academic skills you need to succeed throughout your degree.

Teaching

​Your teaching will involve a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn in hands-on ways.

You will work both independently and in groups on real-world style problems, using modern and industry-relevant software tools. Teaching is delivered through a combination of on-campus sessions and online learning activities, ensuring a flexible and engaging learning experience.

​In your first few weeks, the emphasis will be on helping you settle into university life. You will take part in induction activities, meet your tutors and classmates, and be introduced to key systems such as Blackboard.

Early teaching will focus on building core study skills such as time management, referencing and academic writing alongside introductory subject content, helping you gain confidence before progressing to more advanced topics.

Blackboard

​Throughout your studies, you will use Blackboard, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, as your central learning platform. Blackboard provides access to all your module materials, including lecture slides, recordings, assessment information and feedback.

It is also where you will submit assignments, access announcements, and engage with online activities, making it an essential part of your weekly study routine.

To help you prepare

​To support your success, you are encouraged to explore the Learning Skills Hub, which offers a wide range of short online modules covering study skills, academic integrity, referencing, and digital learning.

Before starting your course, it is also helpful to ensure you have a reliable laptop and internet access, check your university email regularly, and refresh basic IT and maths skills so you are ready to engage fully with your studies from day one.​

​​Before starting the course, you are encouraged to explore W3Schools, a highly accessible resource for learning the basics of computing and web development.

It offers clear tutorials and interactive exercises in key areas such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and SQL, allowing you to practise coding directly in your browser.

This makes it an excellent starting point for building confidence with core technical concepts and understanding how digital systems are created and used.

​You may also benefit from using freeCodeCamp, which provides a structured, project-based approach to learning programming and computing fundamentals.

It includes beginner-level content on computer basics, databases, and software development, helping you develop practical skills through hands-on exercises and real-world examples.

Working through even a small portion of its content before you begin your studies will help you feel more comfortable with the technical aspects of the course.

​Finally, Microsoft Learn offers self-paced learning pathways covering key areas such as IT fundamentals, data, and cloud computing.

These resources introduce industry-standard tools and concepts, helping you understand how technology is used in modern organisations. Exploring introductory topics such as digital systems, data, or cloud services will give you valuable context for your studies and help you start the course with greater confidence.