Information Technology Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Students working on desktops in a computer lab.

Learn to manage IT systems, develop the digital leadership skills needed to support innovation and deliver effective solutions and solve real-world problems by blending technology and business.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

GNDF

Start date

March 2026
May 2026
June 2026
September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Your UCAS Guide

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Please make sure you select the correct intake when applying

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

This course covers a range of digital technology content including fundamental software engineering and data storage concepts, the theory behind how networks operate, devices communicate and how such networks should be designed. It also covers information technology in business and the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems.

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
Provides a grounding in key areas of digital technologies.

Degree

Rapid technological change and the challenges of global competition have raised the demand for highly skilled professionals who can align corporate objectives with modern business systems, and an effective IT infrastructure.

If you're looking to combine technical expertise with strategic management skills, then this course could be for you. It includes industry-relevant learning, hands-on projects and global perspectives to prepare you for roles in the digital economy.

Business-IT integration: combines strategic management with technical skills like data analytics and cloud computing.

Research-led learning: learn from experts through research-informed teaching, tackling real-world challenges in emerging technologies and digital business strategies.

Career pathways: develop skills and knowledge that can help you work towards roles such as IT consultant, project manager, data engineer or business analyst.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study
Provides a grounding in key areas of digital technologies.

Degree

Industry-relevant skills: gain hands-on experience with modules in cloud computing, data analytics, and IT consultancy, ensuring you graduate with skills employers need.
Professional opportunities: the option of a professional placement year that can provide you with invaluable experience and potential opportunities for networking events to further enhance your employability.²
Practical experience: work on live projects and case studies, developing solutions for real business problems while building a professional portfolio.
Global career opportunities: you may have the opportunity to build industry connections and gain exposure to international perspectives, which could help you stand out when applying for graduate roles.
Modern facilities: you will have the opportunity to use specialist labs (virtualisation, cloud computing, and programming) and industry-standard software⁴

What you'll study

This course covers key areas like data analytics, cloud computing, IT consultancy and project management. Learn to design tech-driven solutions, apply business intelligence and manage IT systems in global organisations.

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:

Computer Science MSc/BSci (Hons)
Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence MSc/BSci (Hons)
Digital Technology and Computing BSc (Hons)
Information Technology Management
Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

Modules

The Web and Human Centred Programming – 30 credits

Equip yourself with an introductory understanding of web development and the principles of human-centred design. Explore the foundational technologies of the Web, including HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and learn how to create responsive and accessible web applications. An emphasis is placed on user experience (UX) design, teaching you how to conduct user research, develop personas and create wireframes and prototypes that prioritise usability and accessibility.

Through a combination of teaching methods, you should gain practical experience in front-end and back-end development and human-computer interaction (HCI) and learn how to evaluate web and interactive systems using usability testing methods.

Compulsory

Programming and Artificial Intelligence – 30 credits

This module introduces you to programming and artificial intelligence. Learn the fundamentals of programming, how to write clear and effective code, and develop your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills, with a focus on AI applications.

The module focuses on simple AI programming challenges, including games, chatbots and maze solvers, along with introductory material on machine learning, neural networks and generative artificial intelligence. Content includes necessary mathematics, as well as basic data manipulation. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative projects, you should gain practical experience in applying AI techniques to solve real-world problems.

Compulsory

Computer Systems – 30 credits

This module introduces the core concepts of computer systems, covering both hardware and software. Investigate what constitutes a computer by exploring ideas like the Von Neumann architecture and Turing Completeness, and understand how data is represented, including memory, storage, number systems, binary logic, logic gates and transistors. This module explains instruction sets and assemblers along with CPU structure and memory management, including caches and system/virtual memory.

Study optimisation techniques like parallel processing and speculative execution, how devices communicate and the role of operating systems, network structures and system security measures.

Compulsory

Programming and Software Development – 30 credits

Learn basic programming concepts and simple algorithms within the application space of software development. The focus will be on new concepts for the exploration of different programming paradigms, particularly (but not limited to) procedural and object-oriented programming (OOP).

Investigate the differences between major programming languages and be exposed to best practice design and development techniques for software. This includes learning professional practice in terms of code repositories and management, software documentation, codes of conduct and social, ethical, legal and professional issues in programming and software development.

Compulsory

Modules

Enterprise System and Cloud Computing – 30 credits

Get a solid understanding of enterprise systems and cloud computing. Explore how systems help automate processes, integrate data and support decision-making. Learn about cloud computing models, deployment strategies and how to manage and secure cloud infrastructure using top industry platforms. By the end of this module, you should be able to design and implement enterprise and cloud-based solutions that drive business innovation, security and efficiency. Topics include enterprise system principles and architecture, cloud service and deployment models, case studies and emerging technologies.

Compulsory

Digital Business and Strategic Management – 30 credits

Develop skills to design and deliver strong digital business and marketing strategies. Explore how digital tools, customer engagement and optimisation techniques boost business performance in modern tech-driven settings, including SaaS and traditional businesses. Critically evaluate digital marketing methods, assess technological readiness for growth and improve workflow efficiency. Through case studies and practical work, gain a solid foundation in digital marketing, product positioning and business optimisation—preparing you for advanced digital strategy and management studies. Topics include digital marketing channels, customer journeys, data-driven decisions, automation, ethics, and creating strategic plans.

Compulsory

Cyber Security Management and IT Governance – 30 credits

Understand the different layers of cybersecurity used in organisations of all sizes. Analyse what encourages or blocks the adoption of security strategies by looking at external influences and internal resources. Learn how to apply key frameworks like NIST and ISO, and use security lifecycles to prevent, respond to and recover from cyber-attacks. Topics include business environment factors, IT security governance, risk management, security lifecycles and standards, security planning, controls for risk mitigation, cyber project management, and cybersecurity auditing.

Compulsory

Operational Research and Simulation – 30 credits

Learn operational research techniques to improve process efficiency and manage complex systems. Explore both theory and practical applications of computer simulation and logic modelling. Topics include linear programming, forecasting, simulation methods, identifying and fixing bottlenecks, verification and validation, client involvement, and manufacturing systems.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Your final year of study builds on the advanced topics which were previously explored, while allowing you to decide for yourself which areas you wish to specialise in as you finish your degree. In addition, this year includes your major project, where you bring everything you have learned to bear upon a specific challenge related to information technology management, and devise your own solution.

Modules

IT Service Management and Digital Transformation – 30 credits

Explore digital transformation and IT service management (ITSM), focusing on key drivers, success factors and challenges you’ll face. Evaluate ITSM frameworks like ITIL and COBIT, learning how to align IT services with business goals. Through case studies and hands-on learning, develop skills to assess, implement, and optimise ITSM solutions that drive efficiency, innovation and effective service delivery. Topics include digital transformation foundations, strategic models, ITSM principles, governance, risk management and emerging technologies in the field.

Compulsory

IT Project Management – 30 credits

Gain a solid understanding of project management principles and practices to plan, execute and deliver projects successfully across different sectors. Explore traditional methods and modern approaches like Agile methodology, developing the skills to manage projects in fast-changing environments. Topics include the project life cycle, scope and time management tools like Gantt charts, cost and quality control, risk management strategies, key methodologies such as PRINCE2, leadership and team communication, plus evaluating project success and benefits.

Compulsory

Data Science and AI Management – 30 credits

Gain a thorough understanding of data science and AI, focusing on how they apply to management. Learn how to process different datasets for prediction, visualisation, and decision-making in business. Study cutting-edge machine learning techniques and big data technologies, helping you discover patterns and build analytical and predictive models and dashboards. Topics include an introduction to data science and AI, data collection from open sources, big data applications in business, machine learning methods, descriptive and predictive analytics, data visualisation, business intelligence, key performance indicators (KPIs), and presenting insights using dashboards.

Compulsory

Project – 30 credits

The Individual Project module gives you the chance to apply everything you’ve learned throughout your degree in a significant, independent project. Develop your skills in solving real-world problems, carrying out independent research, improving professional abilities and showing technical expertise in your chosen subject. Key areas you’ll cover include project planning and time management, research methods and literature reviews, system design and development, data collection and analysis, and ethical considerations.

Compulsory

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

Fundamental Pure Mathematics - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. You should also be equipped to turn real-world problems into mathematical problems and present mathematical and logical arguments. Concepts covered include basic algebraic properties, trigonometry, computation of areas and volumes of basic shapes, an introduction to calculus including computation of limits derivatives and integrals. Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an awareness of many of the mathematical techniques required to tackle everyday problems in related disciplines.

Compulsory

Software and Databases - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of fundamental software engineering and data storage concepts. Upon successful completion of the module you will leave with experience of working with interconnected software systems and sufficient knowledge of databases and a programming language.

During the module assessment you will be required to create an application to meet a specified brief, as a result you will develop skills in requirements elicitation, documentation, and software and database design. You will also be assessed on your ability to read and understand code and recall programming principles from their body of knowledge.

Compulsory

Networking and Communications - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the theory behind how networks operate and devices communicate across a range of media and how such networks should be designed. Upon successful completion, you should have developed a greater understanding and appreciation of the complexities of one of the most common systems in the modern connected world. Teaching and learning is structured around industry-standard qualifications such as CompTIA Network+ and entry-level networking certification such as those offered by Cisco Systems Inc.

Compulsory

Information Technology in Business - 30 credits

This module seeks to provide you with an introduction to business needs and how these are supported by information technologies. You will explore how businesses can embark on transformation projects to leverage supporting technologies and services to provide better value to customers and a greater return on investment. In doing so you will perform objective analysis using recognised techniques to support a proposed transformation project, while respecting relevant legislation and regulation, presenting research and conclusions in a variety of academic manners.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

formal examinations
phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Learning will be facilitated through a variety of methods which may include lectures, seminars, lab, workshops, online activities and group work. You will be expected to engage in both class and online activities and discussions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods may include:

formal examinations
phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments
laboratories
posters.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	Start dates: Sept 2026-July 2027 £9,790 Start dates: March 2026-July 2026 £9,535	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,790 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. As an indication, students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees. The University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only:

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites⁴. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is usually open 364 days a year, and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses<sup>4</sup>.

Careers and opportunities

The effective use of information technology is crucial to every modern business. On this course, you should not only look to develop the technical skills and knowledge required to create IT applications, but you should also seek to gain a solid understanding of the business environment in which they operate.

Successful completion of this course is designed to help prepare you for careers in the design, delivery and management of IT systems within a business, although the skills learnt could be applicable in careers such as web development, data analysis, content management, business analysis and project management.

Throughout your studies, we focus on developing your technical capabilities and ability to deliver solutions. This, together with analytical, numerical and problem solving skills, has led previous students to secure employment at IBM and Cap Gemini. Organisations such as National Grid and Severn Trent Water also employ information technology business specialists.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year (start Sept 2026 - July 2027)

Apply via UCAS

GNDF

BSc (Hons) with foundation year (start Mar 2026 - Jun 2026)

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry, Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting progression requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject building for your progression degree.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The current 2025/2026 contract applies to students starting between September 2025 and July 2026. Students starting between September 2026 and July 2027 will be covered by the 2026/2027 Student Contract. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.