Begin with a preparatory foundation year. Build practical understanding of software, networks, databases and secure digital systems. Develop solutions to computing problems and explore technical or information-systems directions.
Stratford, London Holborn, Ealing London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, LeedsOn CampusNext intake: November 2026
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For learners who benefit from a preparatory foundation year before progressing through the full honours degree.
02
What you will learn
Published modules
Selected published modules. Options and availability may change between intakes.
Preparing for Success as a STEM StudentFoundation Year
STEM ProjectFoundation Year
Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional DevelopmentLevel 4
Introduction to ProgrammingLevel 4
Introduction to NetworkingLevel 4
Human Computer InteractionLevel 5
IT Project ManagementLevel 5
Systems Analysis and DesignLevel 5
Data MiningLevel 6
Information Security ManagementLevel 6
Computing ProjectLevel 6
Put it into practice
Illustrative examples based on these subjects; assessed activities are confirmed by the provider.
Illustrative example: Create a booking-app prototype and use test cases to check how it handles inputs and errors.
Subject areas
Subject guidance. The exact curriculum for this course variant needs confirmation with the provider.
ProgrammingNetworks and securityData and systems
03
Explore your career potential
Gross annual figures. Region and source are shown for each occupation.
Indicative occupational salaries, not guaranteed earnings after this course.
Software developer
Related career
Design, build, test and improve software applications.
Starting out
£30,000
UK median (2025)
£56,914
Experienced
£75,000
How to read the median
Median for SOC 2134: programmers and software development professionals. Covers different career stages; this is not starting pay or a course outcome. The sample requires more than one year in the same job and excludes self-employment.
Designs improvements to organisational information systems.
Starting out
£34,000
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
£65,000
How to get there: Develop the relevant technical specialism through projects and placements; employers may require further specialist study or certification.
Maintains secure, reliable and accessible organisational databases.
Starting out
£28,000
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
£62,000
How to get there: Develop the relevant technical specialism through projects and placements; employers may require further specialist study or certification.
Protects systems and information against security threats.
Starting out
£35,000
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
£76,000
How to get there: Develop the relevant technical specialism through projects and placements; employers may require further specialist study or certification.
Investigate business needs and recommend improvements to systems and processes.
Starting out
£23,000
UK median (2025)
£53,295
Experienced
£55,000
How to read the median
Median for SOC 2431: management consultants and business analysts. It is not exclusive to business analysts; IT business analysis has a different classification. Covers different career stages; this is not starting pay or a course outcome. The sample requires more than one year in the same job and excludes self-employment.
Computer game developers create video games for phones, tablets, PCs and consoles.
Starting out
£27,000
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
£71,000
How to get there: Develop the relevant technical specialism through projects and placements; employers may require further specialist study or certification.
Computer games testers play games to check that they work as intended and identify problems or ‘bugs’.
Starting out
£24,000
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
£36,000
How to get there: Develop the relevant technical specialism through projects and placements; employers may require further specialist study or certification.
Deploy and maintain machine learning models in products.
Starting out
Not published
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
Not published
How to get there: Build strong mathematics, software engineering and model-deployment experience; the degree alone does not demonstrate these technical competencies.
Prioritise product features around user needs and business value.
Starting out
Not published
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
Not published
How to get there: Build a relevant portfolio and the role’s research, digital or ethical competencies; start through supervised or junior opportunities where appropriate.
Test digital barriers and advise teams on inclusive services.
Starting out
Not published
Typical reference
Not published
Experienced
Not published
How to get there: Build a relevant portfolio and the role’s research, digital or ethical competencies; start through supervised or junior opportunities where appropriate.
Stratford, London Holborn, Ealing London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Leeds · On Campus · November 2026
Duration
To be confirmed
Published tuition fee
£9,525 each year for all 4 years
Awarding university
Arden University
Historical information (not the current offer)
£9275 each year for all 4 years
Entry requirements and routes
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following:
Level 3 qualification with a minimum of 45 credits or above
OR
At least 2 years (full-time) of current work experience
If current work experience is less than 2 years, applicants may provide a work reference from a previous job (within the last 5 years). The reference must include the employer's name, job role and a valid company email address.
English language
Duolingo: 105, If not born british and from the country where English is not the first language. For example Ghana Nigeria, Carrebean Islands those are exempted from English test. Thoe who GCSE English (Grade 4 and Above) and Functional Skills Level 2 English, they are also exempted.
Interview or assessment
30 minutes online video call interview on Microsoft Teams. Please Inform the learners that the admission team will help to prepare them for the interview (Common for All Courses)
Classes and attendance
Available: Daytime: 2 days during the weekdays: Morning 9 AM to 1 PM or Afternoon 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Not Available: Evening + Weekend: Friday evening and saturday daytime
Available: Evening: 2 days during the weekdays 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Status: Open for Nov 2026
05
Funding and support
FUNDING AVAILABLE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS
Student Finance England
Tuition fees:Available subject to eligibility
Maintenance:Available subject to eligibility
For courses starting before 1 January 2027, the Tuition Fee Loan has no upper age limit. If you are 60 or over at the start of the first academic year, eligible full-time living-cost support is up to £4,582 in 2026/27, depending on household income.
For courses starting before 1 January 2027, the Tuition Fee Loan has no upper age limit. If you are 60 or over at the start of the first academic year, eligible full-time living-cost support is up to £4,582 in 2026/27, depending on household income.
Most courses starting on or after 1 January 2027 use the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). You must be under 60 on the first day of the course to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. At 60 or over, an additional living-cost loan may be available: we review this with you.
Previous study does not rule you out: it depends on what you studied, whether you received UK funding and the course. We review it with you.
Student Finance England makes the decision. We help you check.Official source
Course funding does not guarantee individual approval or a particular amount.
To receive a Maintenance Loan you normally need regular in-person classes during the week. A course offering only weekend attendance does not normally meet these requirements. Before enrolling, confirm the timetable and any applicable exceptions with the provider and Student Finance England.
The provider will check that you meet the English requirements for this course, whether you are a Home or international student. Declaring your level does not replace their assessment.
Arden offers academic-skills and English-language support, success coaches, careers guidance, wellbeing and disability services, and individually assessed adjustments. Financial guidance and eligible-student hardship support are available; funding is not automatic.
Sources and review
Academic information reviewed: 2026-10-21
Catalogue availability and curriculum/salary evidence are checked on separate dates.
