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

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

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

Industry-relevant skills: gain hands-on experience with modules in cloud computing, data analytics, and IT consultancy, helping to ensure 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 software.⁴

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.

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the 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 BSc (Hons)
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

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

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

This year introduces you to your chosen subject while building essential skills.

Explore everything from mathematics and business IT to software, databases, and networking, giving you a solid understanding of the subject before you progress.
Perfect the research and writing styles you’ll need to ace your degree-level assignments.
Learn core principles so you feel completely prepared when you start Year 1 of your degree.

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to progress to year 1 of the degree.

Modules

Fundamental Pure Mathematics – 30 credits

Learn the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills you need to solve problems relevant to your discipline, while fostering analytical and problem-solving abilities. You will learn to apply mathematical techniques to real-world scenarios to help enhance your practical understanding. Key topics include fundamental algebraic properties, trigonometry, and calculation of areas and volumes of basic shapes. You will also get an introduction to calculus, covering limits, derivatives and integrals. By the end of this module, you should be familiar with a range of mathematical methods required to address everyday challenges in related fields.

Compulsory

Information Technology in Business – 30 credits

Explore how information technologies support modern business needs and drive digital transformation. Learn how to leverage technologies and services to enhance customer value and increase return on investment. By applying recognised analytical techniques, you should learn how to evaluate proposed transformation projects while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. You will present your research and conclusions through a range of academic formats.

Compulsory

Software and Databases – 30 credits

This module is designed to give you a firm understanding of fundamental programming knowledge and data storage concepts. Gain practical experience with interconnected software systems and master the essentials of databases and an introductory programming language, such as Python. Throughout the module, you will create and comment on a functional application while building your professional skills in requirements elicitation, documentation, and software and database design.

Compulsory

Networking and Communications – 30 credits

Reliable, scalable, flexible and secure networks are at the heart of every business. The Internet has become an invaluable tool in commerce, education and entertainment.

Explore the theory behind how networks operate, how devices communicate across a range of media and how such networks should be designed. By the end of this module, you should have a greater understanding and appreciation of the complexities of one of the most ubiquitous systems in the modern, connected world.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Forget stressful end-of-year exams. We focus on applied learning using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online study to get you ready for the real world. Instead of one big test, we assess your progress through coursework and phase tests. This better reflects the way you’ll likely work in your future career.

Teaching contact hours

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

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning 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

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	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £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. 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.

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 table above 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, 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 RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

Foundation year funding

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. 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 degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

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

You’ll spend your foundation year at our CU Coventry Mile Lane building, just a short walk from Coventry city centre. You can still make the most of all the facilities at the main Coventry University campus whenever you like.

Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll move over to the Coventry University campus to study your degree.

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. 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 courses⁴.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

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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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

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

UCAS applications will open for this course from May 2026. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

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.

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some 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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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.

For international students, we may increase fees annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.