Foundation Year in Computing

Overview & facilities

The Foundation Year in Computing is offered as an entry route to a computing degree for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study. You enrol on a four-year course, which includes the one-year foundation course. If you complete this year successfully you progress directly onto any one of our three-year degree courses. The number of students who progress to degree study are very high - in fact some of these students have gone on to become some of our most successful graduates.

During the foundation year you learn how computers are used by a broad range of people and organisations as well as acquiring fundamental software development skills and knowledge of hardware. You also gain relevant mathematical and statistical skills and develop useful communication skills.

The Foundation Year is for you if:

• you do not have the right qualifications for a full degree
• you feel you are not yet ready for degree-level study
• you are returning to study and feel you need some help to get up to speed with the demands of learning before embarking on a degree.

If you are interested in studying the computing foundation year you must apply to one of the four-year degree courses. If after a successful foundation year you feel your original degree choice is not the course you wish to follow you can transfer without delay or penalty to another of the computing science courses.

The course is also taught at our partner college, Grafton College, at their campuses in Shepherd's Bush, west London and in Dublin, Ireland. The course has an identical syllabus to the course taught at Middlesex University and a Middlesex staff member acts as a link tutor for the students on these courses. For more details, please visit the Grafton College website.

Successful completion guarantees entry onto one of a suite of our career-focused computing degrees. See our full portfolio of undergraduate Computing and IT Courses.

The Foundation Year in Computing Degree is taught in our excellent new computer labs at our Hendon campus. It is taught by the same lecturing staff who teach on our degree courses and you are taught in small group seminars, workshops and lectures.

The course will allow you to develop transferable skills in information technology, communication and problem-solving. Many of our students go on to become our highest achievers on our undergraduate degrees.

Download the School of Engineering and Information Sciences brochure.

Content & modules

You will study four modules over the year. Three of these are focused on the key areas of computing that we teach at Middlesex so that you gain a real overview of computing and IT. The fourth module is in study skills and mathematics.

Each module is a year long which means you have the chance to examine topics in-depth.

Introduction to Computer Networks and Hardware
This module teaches you the basic concepts of computer hardware and the relationship between hardware and software and between the different hardware elements. You will learn the basic elements of computer networks and data transmission and gain an insight into the exciting possibilities offered by new developments within computer hardware. You will also develop the basic concepts of computer communication systems and be provided with a basic introduction to computer networks. Throughout the module you will understand the characteristics and operational behaviour of computer systems.

Introduction to Computers and Multimedia Technology
This module teaches you a fundamental knowledge of a programming language, knowledge of design principles for applications and user interfaces and the key principles of multimedia and associated technologies. You will be provided with an introduction to a programming language and develop formal writing of programmes that will give you the opportunity to investigate some principles of programming in a specific language. You will consider two examples of application development methods and develop an overview of the ways in which people work well when using computers. This module will help you to understand the concept of the information society; and develop an appreciation of web based applications and services.

Introduction to Computers in Business
This module provides you with an understanding of essential skills, terminology, concepts and issues relating to Business Computing.

Study Skills and Mathematics
The module aims to develop your study skills and analytical skills writing and presentation skills using a problem solving approach. You will be given an introduction to mathematics used in the study of information systems and experience of using a mathematical learning support computer package e.g. Derive. You will gather an understanding of the techniques used in the analysis and presentation of data, develop confidence in using mathematics and your  abilities in manipulating mathematical expressions and solving problems by application of mathematical methods. This module gives you a mathematical foundation and context that you can build up in response to the needs of your degree.

Download the course specifications.

Entry & applying

GCSE grade C or above in mathematics and English language or equivalent, plus one of the following: one A level GCE or equivalent in any subject UCAS Tariff 60 points, with a minimum of 40 points from one six-unit award pass at BTEC National Diploma or accredited Access Course pass overall in GNVQ Advanced Diploma overseas qualifications equivalent to the above Advanced Progression Diplomas equivalent to above relevant experience for mature students aged 21 or more.

You must apply to one of the four-year degree courses listed below. If after a successful foundation year; you feel your original degree choice is not the course you wish to follow; you can transfer without delay or penalty to another of the computing science courses.

If you are an international student you can apply through one of our Regional Offices who will support you through the application process.

If you are based in the UK/EU you can apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

The four-year degree titles with their UCAS codes are given below:

BSc Honours Business Information Management Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G564)
BSc Honours Business Information Systems and Management Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code GN5G)
BSc Honours Business Information Systems Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G525)
BSc Honours Business Information Technology Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G503)  
BSc Honours Computer Science Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G405)
BSc Honours Computing, Graphics and Games Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G459)
BSc Honours Forensic Computing Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code GF5K)
BSc Honours Information Technology and Business Information Systems Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code GG4M)
BSc Honours Information Technology and Networking Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code GG5K)
BSc Honours Information Technology Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G501) 
BSc Honours Internet Application Development Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G452)
BSc Honours Multimedia Computing Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G455)
BSc Honours Network Management and Security Degree with Foundation Year (UCAS code G427)

International entry requirements

We accept the equivalent of the above from a recognised overseas qualification, to find out more about the requirements from your country, see further information under support in your country. For details of other equivalent requirements that Middlesex accepts see entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students.

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

How to Apply

UK/EU students

Apply now

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have experience with helping students from your country and supporting them with their applications to study at Middlesex. Read more on international applications. 

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

A computing degree prepares you for a wide range of varied careers. As a graduate you will have excellent career prospects and the range of potential employers will be vast across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. There is also the potential to work as a self employed director of your own business.

Our careers service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.

Graduate Roles
Below are just a few career opportunities that would be open to you as a graduate: 

IT Project Manager - An IT project manager specialises in information technology but also in sectors unrelated to IT that rely on IT systems. Their role is to manage the development and implementation of plans to meet business needs and the change control procedures to ensure a smooth transition during the implementation period.

Network Engineer - A network engineer is responsible for installing, maintaining and supporting computer communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. Their goal is to ensure the smooth operation of communication networks in order to provide maximum performance and availability for their users (staff, clients, customers, suppliers, etc).

Systems Designer - A Systems Designer develops and implements information systems in sectors as diverse as finance, communications and retail. The role can involve working on all elements of the system including hardware, software, installation and maintenance. There are a range of opportunities in this increasingly varied industry.

Forensic Computer Analyst/Scientist - A Forensic Computer Analyst investigates computer-based crime, such as hacking, online scams and fraud, terrorist communications or theft of sensitive company information. They gather evidence and use it to build a case against suspected individuals or criminal networks. Forensic Computer analysts often work with the police or are police officers with specialist training.

Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. Computing is a highly competitive field so we encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity.

We have a dedicated Placement Service which helps you find and plan for a placement.

Louise Stanhope - Apple Internship 2009
Based on our excellent ongoing relationship with Apple, our careers department was asked to recruit a number of high-calibre, and highly motivated students to take part in Apple’s first project-based internship scheme in the UK. Students from Imperial College London, Oxford and Cambridge were also invited to apply. With collaboration from the Business School and the School of Engineering and Information Sciences, six of our students applied for one of the 3 summer internships available at Apple.

As part of the application process our placements team offered the candidates free CV writing and interview workshops. This assistance and individual help from our careers department helped four of our students to be invited by Apple to visit their Stockley Park base for an interview.

Apple informed us that they were 'highly impressed' by our students and after a second interview over I-chat with a member of the Apple team in the USA, BSc Forensic Computing student Louise Stanhope was one of the first students in the UK to be offered a 11 week internship with Apple. Louise has started her internship and is thoroughly enjoying the unique experience helping enhance Apples sales systems.

Louise says: "It is nice to see how a company as large as Apple works and learn about the reality of working. It is obviously a great thing to have on my CV and utilise the experience I am getting. I would love to get a full-time job with Apple when I graduate and this will give me something to help me stand out in the crowd. It has been really interesting to put my degree into practice and learn how businesses work. I am ready for my third year, and after getting my results I am excited to finish my degree and see where it can take me."

We have a dedicated team to help Computing and Engineering students find high quality placements, recent placements include:

Elenia Davis – Yahoo! Mobile - QA Engineer Intern
'A placement is definitely worth while, it means you graduate a year later but the benefits outweigh the cost. You learn things you cannot learn in a class room at university. The placement office is a big help. They do not just advise you on your CV and cover letter, they also advise you on tasks (e.g. presentations or extra questions) an employer has set, they organise workshops and they also help you search for a placement.'

Leon Beckett – IBM - Software Development

Ben Starling – Customer Systems Plc – IT Consulting

Kirsty Spring – Warner Bros - UK Anti-Piracy Intern

Jakub Skoczylas – Kingsbury High School - IT & Network Support   
‘I‘d recommend doing a work placement to anyone as it gives you a real head start in the graduate market. My placement is based around giving me a real job with real responsibility, and offering support and training, so I can perform well. I have learnt a lot about dealing with people, which no text book in the world could teach me’.