Cloud Computing with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Foundation year
A cloud computing student with a laptop leaning against a glass wall that she is reflected in.

The Cloud Computing with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the digital sector.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

162I

Start date

May 2023
July 2023

How to apply
Open days
Download a prospectus
Contact us

Course overview

Digital technology pervades our society and studying it can lead to an exciting and fulfilling career. The digital sphere isn't just about improving efficiency. It improves business prospects, can shape the development of a company and can influence the way people operate. Innovations in technology have improved operations in companies and governments of all sizes and through IT, small businesses can quickly become successful on a global scale. The Cloud Computing with Foundation Year BA (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the digital sector.

The strength of the course lies in preparing students, who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Cloud Computing.

  • This course is available as either a full-time four year programme or a three year programme (foundation year plus accelerated two year degree programme).
  • Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Cloud Computing BA (Hons) degree.
  • Cloud Computing is a model for enabling on-demand access to a pool of computing resources, e.g. networks, servers, storage, applications, and services, that can be rapidly provisioned with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
  • The Cloud Computing BSc (Hons) degree part of the course incorporates contemporary issues and approaches in computing, underpinned by fundamental skills in networking, software design, data science, coding, computer hardware and physical infrastructure.

Why CU Coventry

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. Wherever possible we aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities2 to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, so you have the opportunity to study topics in-depth and give assignments your full attention before moving onto the next.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The foundation part of this course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies1:

BCS

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

Modules within the programme include units based on the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) ITQ Level 3 award. Upon successful completion of these elements, you’ll have the opportunity to take the examinations to complete this professional qualification. This is not, however, a condition of academic credit; assessments for the professional qualification will be independent from that undertaken for the academic award. Should you decide to take the professional qualification with BCS, there is an initial affiliate membership fee. Please visit the BCS website for further details.

How can we help?

How can we help?

Chat with an advisor now or leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

What you'll study

The foundation year aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge relevant for successful progression onto a degree in Cloud Computing. It also aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of hardware, workshop, software and the internet. You will also be supported in developing a range of transferable skills in areas including research, project and laboratory skills, academic writing and communication.

The Cloud Computing BSc (Hons) degree part of the course is designed to provide you with the breadth of skills to be effective in the varied digital workplace, developing your self-management and self-development capabilities to keep pace with change and adapt to new technologies, software languages and cloud management systems.

We aim to produce graduates that are well equipped with a range of skills, knowledge and understanding of latest cloud-based platforms and technologies, e.g. Scalable and Elastic systems, Infrastructure as Code, Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, Software as a Service and Machine Learning.

This course is available as either a full-time four year programme or a three year programme (foundation year plus accelerated two year degree programme). Students taking the full-time four year course will study four modules each year instead of six modules. All modules and the order they are studied are the same for both options.

Your foundation year will provide a strong framework for your continued studies toward your Cloud Computing BSc (Hons) degree.

Modules

  • This module is aimed at creating a culture of careful learning and self-reflection, and you will be encouraged to take ownership of your own development and to recognise its strengths and weaknesses. You will be introduced to a range of skills that will aid you throughout the course and further study, such as time management, planning and resource management and interpersonal skills.

    Additionally, you will learn employment skills such as digital proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint etc.), team management, communication, planning and more. We will also cover plagiarism, referencing, library skills and professional standard skills, alongside lectures on ethics, health and safety and technical skills, so that you receive thorough, 360 degree training.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to provide you with the basic skills required to safely build, troubleshoot and upgrade computers. You will take part in workshop practices, gain health and safety awareness as well as develop technical skills. You will also develop invaluable knowledge on desktop and portable computer hardware, graphics and displays, motherboard connectors and printer technologies. By the end of this module, you will understand the basics of modern day technologies and internet fundamentals, ready for progression onto the next module.

    Compulsory

  • Developing your written communication and presentation skills, the aim of this module is primarily to work on your problem-solving skills using computer programming. You will be introduced to the foundations and concepts of programming using server-side and client-side scripting programming languages. By the end of the module you will be able to use programming language to implement functions. You will demonstrate your knowledge with a presentation.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will explore the way the internet was started and how information moves around the World Wide Web. You will have the opportunity to become proficient in key internet terminology, such as HTML and CSS, gain a full understanding of IP addressing, DNS, SSL, TOR and basic internet privacy. In addition to a digital portfolio, to showcase your new skills, you will be required to develop and present a basic website.

    Compulsory

In your second year we aim to teach you the foundations of the key concepts needed to apply the knowledge and skills to solve industry-focused problems using cloud computing concepts. You will have the opportunity to develop qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, requiring the undertaking and development of both practical and contextual modules, as well as having the chance to develop your foundational skills in computing, apply and analyse them within the context of specialised cloud computing subject areas and professional standards. The emphasis is upon the critical application and evaluation of key theory and skills and how these are formulated within systems and software solutions.

Modules

  • This module seeks to provide you with an introduction to the fundamentals of software and database design, including the mathematical principles underpinning computer systems such as Boolean algebra & logic, as well as the principles of database design covering database modelling through the entity-relational model, database normalisation and SQL.

    A fundamental understanding of Object Oriented Programming Principles will be explored through practical programming workshops, the design being supported through the usage of Unified Modelling Language (UML). You will be encouraged to document the process of design, development and testing using industry-standard techniques (UML and ER Diagrams). You will also be introduced to on-demand cloud computing platforms to host and manage your databases.

    Compulsory

  • This module seeks to provide you with an introduction to the fundamentals of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), web applications and Serverless Computing, covering User Experience and human factors that are fundamental to the web design process and how to apply programming techniques in the creation of web applications.

    A principle understanding of Serverless Computing will be explored through practical workshops enabling you the opportunity to deploy web applications utilising industry-standard cloud platforms. You should also be able to apply programming and database coding constructs and should develop a web application documenting the process of design, development and testing using UX and Agile Development techniques.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with knowledge of computer networking essentials, protocols, standards, security considerations. We will explore these principles through the design and implementation of a network using a range of hardware and software, which is designed to help you develop core knowledge of Local Area Networking, Wide Area Networking and the protocols related to IP networks.

    You will be exposed to the usage of various network topologies in software-defined networks (SDN) hosted within a virtual private cloud, providing the opportunity to develop skills through a practical networking project supported by workshops. After successful completion of this module, you should be able to design and install networks, and demonstrate the operation of IP data networks, router and switching technologies and basic troubleshooting. You will also be exposed to IaaS principles in linking physical systems to a virtual private cloud subnet.

    Compulsory

  • During this module we aim to teach you the concepts, architecture, and services of Cloud Computing and you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of configuring cloud infrastructure and also explore how to integrate physical infrastructure into a hybrid solution. You will be given the opportunity to develop a core understanding of concepts surrounding cloud computing, covering deployment models and types of cloud solutions and technology underpinning the usage of cloud solutions (virtualisation and networking).

    You will be encouraged to implement a simple hybrid infrastructure to meet the needs of a business whereby the services are hosted within the cloud with physical computers linked to the cloud VPC through a VPN. Through this process, you should gain a fundamental understanding of both Linux and Windows-based server operating systems and the installation of services on these systems; which aims to further develop your networking knowledge through the application of skills that you should have gained during the programme.

    Compulsory

  • Software-Defined Networking (SDN) represents an approach to computer networking that attempts to address weaknesses in current networking design and operation. SDN’s move to a highly scalable and centralised network control architecture better suited to large scale networks prevalent in today’s mega-scale data centres.

    Content Delivery Networks (CDN’s) can improve the user experience by delivering a cached copy of the content from a nearby edge. In this module you will be encouraged to critically appraise the usage of SDN in the development of a SDN linked mini-project and have the opportunity to critically determine whether traditional network designs achieve the same objectives. You should also develop a scalable CDN to be able to serve content to multiple simultaneous users globally.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces the fundamentals of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning algorithms and practical implementation of these algorithms supported by the opportunity of hands-on experience using industry-leading cloud platforms.

    Machine learning can enable systems to learn from data or to solve problems without being explicitly programmed, and can be used in several areas such as predictive modelling, speech recognition, object recognition, computer vision, anomaly detection, medical diagnosis and prognosis, robotic control, time series forecasting and much more.

    We aim to teach core concepts in artificial intelligence from a theoretical, practical and cognitive point of view, designed to develop innovative thought processes to build intelligent systems for future needs. At this stage you are not expected to design and develop bespoke machine learning algorithms but rather understand their function and integration into intelligent systems and how cloud systems can be used to accelerate data training.

    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 before your 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

  • 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

  • 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

The final year will provide you with opportunities to further engage with formal business practices, international standards, and legislation to hone workplace acumen. You will be able to formulate your strategy for cloud project development and creation, service management and deliver solutions to meet a business, social or ethical need. You will engage in learning pivotal skills to becoming a graduate practitioner. Your final project places you in an innovative real-world environment where you will propose, design, develop, test, deliver and maintain across your entire stage.

Modules

  • This module introduces the fundamentals of cyber security and its implications within the cloud. Organisations expect their workforce to take their asset security seriously. The loss of data by an organisation can have severe consequences, including prosecution and loss of customers.

    You should benefit from contemporary case studies, including examples of corporate theft, regulatory approaches to IT security and international cooperation between agencies and nation-states. As system administration and management are essential tasks in the day-to-day functioning and security of Information Systems, inadequate or improper practices can lead to loss of data, its integrity, performance reductions, security breaches or total system failure. Individual planning and provisions need to be made for the ongoing support of systems and networks, which account for a significant proportion of the IT budget.

    On successfully completing the module you should be able to discuss, apply and analyse network and infrastructure security measures that can be adopted if working within cloud environments. You should also have a clear, practical understanding of the associated protocols, cryptographic types and configuration settings of network security environments.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to allow you to propose, implement and suggest a management strategy to fulfil enterprise business requirements, and the need and purpose of systems integration to support organisational goals.

    You are expected to gather and review business objectives so that you should be able to develop a systems specification document, with the opportunity to evaluate factors and issues affecting the successful completion of the integration, and describe and document the functional architecture and design of a system. Exploration of cloud technologies to establish an integration methodology to design and implement cloud-based solutions should be considered.

    In addition, you will have the opportunity to investigate and compare different cloud service models and evaluate different deployment methods considering their effect on systems integration. An introduction to service management frameworks will be provided in preparation for final year projects.

    Compulsory

  • This module applies the knowledge gathered during the first two years of the program to propose an integrated cloud project covering both a cloud architecture solution and a cloud software solution to solve a social, ethical or business need.

    This project will be proposed under a PRINCE2 Agile framework, enabling you the chance to gain experience in using and operating in an industry-standard project management environment. You should also, during the development of your Project Initiation Documentation (PID), consider ITIL practices so that you should be able to effectively service manage the resulting solution in a later module as part of implementation and maintenance planning in the PID. Following the successful completion of this module you should be able to propose a cloud project under the PRINCE2 lifecycle, critically demonstrating an applied understanding of PRINCE2 Agile.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to enable you to demonstrate the capacity and ability to conduct academic and technical research, towards the research objectives proposed at the start of the project year, and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats.

    We will encourage you to demonstrate an advanced technical ability to give you the opportunity to develop a cloud architecture to support the projects research goals and detail this application in the form of a detailed executive summary and analysis while continuing to operate under the PRINCE2 lifecycle and keeping all documentation up to date.

    Compulsory

  • This module enables you the chance to demonstrate the capacity and ability to conduct academic and technical research towards the research objectives proposed at the start of the project year and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats. The module also encourages critical evaluation of engagement in the research process during which recommendations for future, personal development are key learning points completed during the viva-voce.

    You should be able to demonstrate advanced technical ability, and will have the chance to develop a cloud software solution to support the projects research goals and detail this application in the form of a detailed executive summary and analysis, operating under the PRINCE2 lifecycle keeping all documentation up to date.

    You should be able to prove advanced knowledge of some of the following; database, programming and web applications and have applied them to a range of context, e.g. artificial intelligence/machine learning, web services and Information Systems in support of the project goals.

    Compulsory

  • This module covers how services are managed delivered and supported by organisations and are structured around the ITIL framework. The module will cover a range of areas relating to IT organisations involved in service and support and will provide the opportunity for you to understand how related small-medium enterprises operate and are managed.

    The module continues the final project; in this final module, you will have the opportunity to apply ITIL and service manage your cloud solutions, and complete your project closure documentation for PRINCE2 Agile.

    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

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

After your foundation year, you will have the option to do either another two or three years or another three or four years if you choose the sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year) for the four/five year option. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, CU may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), CU Coventry may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Assessment

During your foundation year, 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.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Interactive Assessments

During your degree, each module’s assessment is comprised of two components, the first being a pass/fail competency assessment which may take the form of a multiple choice quiz or oral assessment, this assessment does not count towards your module mark or degree classification, however, you must pass this assessment to pass the module. This has been designed so that all students progressing through the course have demonstrated knowledge and competency of the core areas of the module regardless of the project grade. This aims to help you to improve your employability and abilities as a potential cloud practitioner following graduation, by being able to recall technical knowledge and skills from memory.

The second component is a project that will be submitted in the final week of each module and may be comprised of a single or combination of; Quizzes, Viva Voce, Presentation, Artefact Submission and Demonstration, Reflective Report and Business Documents. All coursework is designed to be consistent and appropriate with the types of outputs required in the workplace (e.g. demonstration of a working product, technical report, presented to the customer) with the addition of a reflective or evaluation component to enhance self-development.

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 offer for 2022 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with us

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Fees and funding

2022/23 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK 2022/23 fees - £6,800 per year
2023/24 fees - TBC  		 Not available

*The fees for years two, three and the final year are subject to review but are currently set at £8,050 (standard full-time) and £11,100 (accelerated) per year.

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

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.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

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.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

  • Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
  • A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
  • Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
  • Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
  • Student support and careers advice teams

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the Cloud Computing BA (Hons) you will be able to:

  • Adapt and gain additional specific competencies.
  • Apply contemporary knowledge and practical skills in Cloud Computing.
  • Develop the combination of skills and knowledge required to undertake research and development work involving technically advanced computer applications.
  • Deploy a range of skills into a global cloud computing market.
  • Potentially complement the degree with additional certifications and relevant memberships responsive to local and international employer needs (such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Technology Associate, ITIL, PRINCE2). Subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements. You will need to refer to the relevant authority’s website for further information on requirements.
  • Develop cognitive, practical and employability skills needed to play a critical role for societal and economic development.

Graduates of the Cloud Computing BA (Hons) could move into a variety of jobs in the computing industry such as:

  • Cloud Support Associate/Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Data Integration Specialist
  • Data Scientist
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Machine Learning
  • Web/Software Development Engineer
  • Solutions Architect
  • Application Developer

Where our graduates work

Graduates of the department work in business analysis and cyber security roles in National Rail; software development roles in BT; IT consultancy roles in Infosys Ltd and infrastructure and deployment roles at McKesson UK.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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

    Some of our degree 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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.

    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

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    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 2022/23 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

You may also like

CU Coventry (Coventry) Digital Technologies students discussing over a laptop in a large classroom

Foundation Digital Technologies
CU Coventry (Coventry) Young brunette woman looking at a 3D printer as it prints

Electro-Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)

Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

Discover Uni stats