+ 3 years full-time
£13,700 (INT) *
We’re planning to teach through a flexible combination of online and face to face learning as we start the new academic year. If you’re thinking about starting in autumn 2020, there’s more detail on how we’ll deliver your course below, and in particular on the ‘Teaching’ tab under ‘Teaching and learning – changes for students in 2020’.
This course is now available in Clearing.
Follow this link or call 020 8411 6565 for more info
Overview
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 study the Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering* at Middlesex University?
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:
- 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.
*Please note this course is subject to review.
How to apply
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:
- BSc Business Information Systems
- BEng Computer Communication and Networks
- BSc Computer Networks
- BSc Computer Science
- BEng Computer Systems Engineering
- BSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
- BEng Design Engineering
- BEng Electronic Engineering
- BSc Information Technology
- BEng Mechatronics
- BEng Robotics
Course highlights
- Successful completion guarantees entry onto one of our suite of career-focused computing or design engineering degrees
- You will have access to our excellent computer labs at our Hendon campus and will be taught by the same lecturing staff who teach on our degree courses
- You will develop transferable skills in information technology, communication and problem-solving
- As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.
*Please note this foundation year is subject to review.
Find out more
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London, including updates on places available in Clearing for 2020 entry.
Course content
What will you study on the Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering?
You will study all four modules simultaneously over the year which means you have the chance to examine topics in-depth.
Modules
We’ve made sure that the skills and knowledge that you’ll gain on your course will not change during the coronavirus outbreak. If you’re applying to start this course or progressing into year one, two or three this autumn, your module information is below.
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Core modules
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Teaching
How is the Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering taught?
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.
Assessment
We’re planning to deliver our assessment in a similar way to previous years. We will review this regularly, and let you know in advance of your assessment if we need to make any changes.
Your knowledge and understanding is assessed by individual written assignments and tests, pair and group presentations, learning logs, and demonstrations.
Teaching and learning – changes for students in 2020
If you’re starting university in 2020, we’ll be teaching you in different ways to make sure you get the best learning experience possible. You’ll learn through live sessions with teaching staff and have the chance to study independently too, with access to all the online resources you need through our globally available student portal.
We’re planning different scenarios for teaching so that we can be flexible. While we’re social distancing, we’re aiming to teach you through some small group sessions on campus, with other interactive teaching as well as larger lectures delivered online and recorded sessions available to you on-demand. If you’re unable to make it to campus at first, or we need to limit access to campus in the future, your course can be delivered fully online.
The table below shows current plans for your learning across a typical week, including scheduled live online teaching and an indication of what we hope to teach face to face, where you can make it to campus. While some weeks might look different to this, due to how we schedule classes and make arrangements for any face to face sessions (for example, in some cases these could take place every two weeks with an increased number of hours), the table gives you an idea of what to expect based on the overall number of teaching hours on your course.
You’ll receive final arrangements for your teaching and a full course timetable before you start.
Scenario 1: Course delivered fully online | ||
Live learning | Contact time per week, per level: | 10.5 hours |
Self-paced learning time | Contact time per week for each level: | 34.5 hours |
On demand resources | Contact time per week for each level: | 3.75 hours |
Scenario 2: Course delivered with a mix of online and face to face learning with social distancing in place | ||
Live learning | Contact time per week, per level: | 12.5 hours |
Self-paced learning time | Average hours per week, per level: | 32.5 hours |
On demand resources | Average hours per week, per level: | 2.75 hours |
Face-to-face sessions | Contact time per week, per level: | 5 hours |
Read more about our scenarios for returning to campus and what they might mean for your teaching and learning experience, and how you’ll be able to access student support.
Future plans for teaching
We’re developing our timetable for face to face teaching with current government advice on social distancing to keep you safe. If social distancing requirements are lifted, we’ll start to safely move back towards our usual teaching arrangements with more opportunities for face to face learning. Some learning and support might stay online in this scenario. If more restrictions are put in place, or there is another lockdown, we’ll be prepared to deliver your learning and support fully online, with alternative arrangements made for any required placements. We’ll always give you notice of any changes that we make.
Definitions of terms
- Live learning – Live learning will cover everything you’ll do with teaching staff like lectures, seminars, workshops and other classes, and we’ll schedule all of this for you. This might include some study outside your regular timetable, like taking part in discussion forums or online blogs where you’re supported by academic staff.
- Independent learning – Independent learning is all the studying you’ll do outside your live learning sessions with teaching staff. This self-paced study will give you the chance to learn, prepare, revise and reflect in your own time as you need to, and you’ll have access to on-demand resources and materials to help you do your best.
- Self-paced study – Self-paced study will give you the chance to learn wherever and whenever you want to and at your own pace, outside your live learning sessions. This independent learning could include reading and reflection, preparation for classes, revision or homework along with access to other online activities such as quizzes.
- On-demand resources – You'll have access to on-demand resources like pre-recorded video lectures and workshops as part of your independent study. You’ll be able to review and revisit whenever you need to at your own pace.
- Face to face sessions – Wherever it’s possible to do so, and we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure your safety, you’ll be able to attend scheduled sessions, workshops or appointments on campus as part of your live learning. The number of hours given in this scenario provides an indication of the number of hours of face to face learning you could expect, and a full timetable will be provided to you before the start of your course.
Support
You’ll 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 mainly be delivered online and you’ll 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’ll 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.
More on teaching for your subject in 2020/21
Read our guide to what’s been happening in your subject area recently and more about what to expect this autumn.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Careers
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.
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.
Campus life
Staff profiles
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.
Student profiles
Contact us
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.
