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Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering

Get ready for a full-time computing or engineering degree with our foundation year. Learn from our experienced team and develop your skills at local placements
Code
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Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
+ 3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK) *
£16,600 (INT) *
Course leader
Dr Serengul Smith

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.

Why choose a Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering at Middlesex?

This one-year course is a stepping-stone onto one of our three-year courses in computing or engineering.

A foundation year might be a good choice for you if you don't have the right qualifications yet or feel ready for degree-level study. Or perhaps you are returning to study and want to get up to speed before starting a degree.

You will need to enrol on a four-year course, which includes the one-year foundation course. When you complete this year successfully you will progress directly onto one of our three-year degree courses.

We offer:

What will you gain?

You will discover which aspects of computing and engineering most resonate with your interests and career ambitions. You can use that knowledge to choose the best three-year degree option for yourself for further study at Middlesex.

With a local placement, you will apply the skills you have learned in a real-world situation, developing your confidence and valuable skills for your CV. You'll have access to high-quality specialist digital and wireless laboratories, equipped with industry-standard software, hardware and tools.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Fantastic career prospects
    This course will provide you with skills to start  tech-based careers as IT project manager, network engineer, systems designer, forensic computer analyst/scientist and more
  • Industry-standard facilities
    We are a Cisco Local Academy and Arm, Opnet and Xilinx University partners, Huawei approved 5G training centre, LABVIEW Academy, with access to high-quality specialist digital and wireless laboratories
  • University life without resits
    The Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering is offered as an entry route to a degree for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study

Keep informed

Sign up to receive the latest information about studying at Middlesex University London.

Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.

You will study all four modules simultaneously over the year which means you have the chance to examine topics in-depth.​

Modules

  • Core modules

    • Computing and Digital Technology (30 credits) - Compulsory

      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.

    • SMART (Students Mastering Academic writing, Research and Technology) (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      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.

    • Foundation Mathematics (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      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.

    • Foundation Project (30 credits) - Compulsory​

      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.

To find out more about this course, please download the Foundation Year specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Coursework and assessment

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Foundation Year in Computing or Design Engineering support your career?

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.

Graduate job roles

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 is 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.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognized with the following awards:

The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
A top 10 university for producing CEOs  – Novuana, 2023

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year.

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free laptop loans for a maximum of 24 hours
  • Free access to everything on your reading list
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you will need to budget for these:

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Richard Stocker
Associate Lecturer in Foundation year

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.

Almaas Ali
Associate Lecturer in Computer Science

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.

  • Thuli Mabelane

    Well, the original reason to come to Middlesex was simple: I wanted to get out of my small town and experience the big world. Middlesex seemed to be a good option and I am so glad I made the decision.

    The foundation year prepares you for further studies better than A levels do. It also gives you this new mindset you need for studying at university and you get a better idea of what you actually want to study. The foundation year has been so much fun and it really fulfilled all my expectations: I got involved with the Student Union and the multi-cultural social life at Middlesex is so interesting and enriching. I like the practical and academic stuff as well! For example, I took part in this international project where we worked together with students from the University of North Texas.

    Even though I felt confident with ICT before I started studying here, this course certainly developed my greater love for computers. One day, I would like to start my own IT business and may be I will expand it into something like Branson's Virgin!

  • Adhiraj Sajay Khajuria

    I felt I knew a lot in some areas and totally missed out on some others. I thought it was a good idea to step back and study computing from the basics. I intend to go for the degree in computer networks next.

    I really appreciate the resources we have at the University, such as all kinds of top-end software. The social side of University is important to me too. I am a guitarist who specialises in heavy metal music in my free time and the student bar here is great, especially the pool table.

  • Elenia Davis

    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.

  • Jakub Skoczylas

    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.


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.

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