The Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering is offered as an entry route to a computing or design engineering 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.
During the foundation year you will 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.
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 and in fact have gone on to become some of our most successful graduates.
The foundation year is for you if:
*Please note this course is subject to review.
If you are interested in studying the computing foundation year you must apply to one of the four-year degree courses. Please have a look at the How to Apply tab for further information. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees entry onto your chosen computing degree. We offer:
*Please note this foundation year is subject to review.
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You will study all four modules simultaneously over the year which means you have the chance to examine topics in-depth.
This module provides an introduction to some of the fundamental concepts in computing, engineering and networks. You will learn about the latest developments within computing, both software and hardware, and gain basic understanding of the characteristics and operational behaviour of computer systems and computer communications. The module will assist you in making you degree choice for future careers.
This module provides the fundamental written and oral communication skills required to continue studying at degree level. You will develop analytical skills through a problem solving approach, build your confidence working individually and as a member of a team, and gain appreciation of research techniques by using libraries and a range of e-learning resources.
This module introduces some fundamental mathematical topics and concepts that are required in a range of subjects studied at degree level. In a structured and supportive environment, you will begin to develop an appreciation of the importance of mathematics as an aid to understand and describe abstract ideas.
This module will give you the relevant experience in a range of related subject-related projects that reinforce understanding of topics taught, and provide opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in other modules.
More information about this course
See the course specification for more information:
Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we've learnt in recent years by enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning.
The Foundation year aims to engage you in all aspects of your learning.
You will gain knowledge, understanding and skills through interactive online lectures, and workshops, online activities and tests, guided research, individual and group projects and virtual laboratories and face to face laboratories, COVID-19 permitting. You will receive formative verbal feedback in live teaching practical sessions and summative feedback is provided electronically and/or verbally.
We’ve made changes to how we assess our courses due to the restrictions which were in place during the pandemic. We’re reviewing what aspects of these changes to take forwards into 2021/22 and you’ll be provided information on this by your academic department.
Your knowledge and understanding is assessed by individual written assignments and tests, pair and group presentations, learning logs, and demonstrations.
We have developed new approaches to teaching and learning for the 2021/22 academic year.
We are currently reviewing our approach to teaching and learning for 2022 entry and beyond. We've learned a lot about how to give you a quality education - we aim to combine the best of our in-person teaching and learning with access to online learning and digital resources which put you more in charge of when and how you study. We will keep you updated on this throughout the application process.
Your timetable will be built around on campus sessions using our professional facilities, with online sessions for some activities where we know being virtual will add value. We’ll use technology to enhance all of your learning and give you access to online resources to use in your own time.
The table below gives you an idea of what learning looks like across a typical week. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.
This information is likely to change slightly for 2022 entry as our plans evolve. You'll receive full information on your teaching before you start your course.
Learning structure: typical hourly breakdown in 2021/22
Live in-person on campus learning | Contact hours per week, per level: | 9 hours |
Live online learning | Average hours per week, per level: | 2 hours |
Tutor set learning activities | Average hours per week, per level: | 0.50 hours |
Outside of these hours, you’ll be expected to do independent study where you read, listen and reflect on other learning activities. This can include preparation for future classes. In a year, you’ll typically be expected to commit 1200 hours to your course across all styles of learning. If you are taking a placement, you might have some additional hours.
Definitions of terms
Support
You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.
Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.
You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
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. 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.
Dr Stocker's research interests lie within the simulation and verification of human-agent-robot-teamwork, where he has worked at NASA to simulate pilots (the humans), the auto-pilot (the agent), and the aeroplane (the robot) working as a team to fly safely. They would model many situations the plane can be in and `verify’ certain conditions either do or don’t happen, e.g. the plane always lands safely or the pilot’s workload never exceeds a threshold limit.
Having completed a Bachelors in Computer Science and Masters in Creative Technology at Middlesex University, Almaas worked as a Graduate Academic Assistant for two years, assisting and supporting students in various of courses in the department. Almaas is currently undertaking a PhD investigating how Mixed Reality - the merging of the real and virtual world to create a new environment/visualisation - may be embedded to teaching, learning and assessment activities.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.
