2-Term Pathway - International Foundation Programme - STEM Pathway - Continue to Bachelor of Science - Computer Science (Honours)

The STEM pathway enables students who are seeking to join a Solent Undergraduate degree in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) an opportunity to develop fundamental knowledge contextualised to their chosen area of study. This programme is designed with real-life scenarios and practical applications in mind and equips students with the knowledge and confidence to apply scientific and mathematical theory for the purpose of problem-solving in a variety of contexts. Drawing on examples from science, computing, construction, mechanical and electrical engineering, the Pathway demonstrates the relevance of mathematical principles and helps to prepare learners to deepen their study in their chosen degree course. This Pathway teaches the fundamentals of mathematical reasoning and, through the application of this knowledge to increasingly complex problems, develops the learners’ skills in independent problem-solving skills. The aim of the academic pathway-specific modules is to not only develop competencies in mathematics and problem solving but to expose learners to the knowledge and skills that apply to their chosen area of study related to STEM subjects. The computer science degree at Solent University encourages students to develop an extensive knowledge of computer programming using Java and Python. A range of projects will also help students build practical experience in designing, building and implementing computer systems, culminating in a major final-year software development project. We believe it is important that students enter the world of work with a range of skills that enable them to succeed, and actively focus on enhancing their employability throughout the degree. Students will be supported to gain work experience throughout their degree, and recent students have worked with a wide range of companies including large organisations such as the NHS, General Dynamics, Qinetiq, Garmin, Rackspace, the Met Office, Ordnance Survey and Capita and many more local SMEs such as CleverTouch, Transactor Global Solutions, Zentive, Westermo and MWR Security. Thanks to the course team's close links with industry, the curriculum is informed through a range of guest speakers, live briefs and access to regular British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT) meetings, held at the University. Professional practice also extends into the curriculum with several current staff accredited in Prince2, Oracle Java and SQL, E-C Council Certified Ethical Hacker and through the Solent University Cisco Academy.