Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering

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:

• BSc Business Computing and Data Analytics
• BSc Computer Science
• BEng Computer Systems Engineering
• BSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• BEng Design Engineering
• BEng Electronic Engineering
• BSc Information Technology
• BEng Mechatronics and Robotics

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.

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

Student support

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. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries to help with university costs.

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.

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.

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 recognised 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.

Fees and funding

The fees below refer to the 2026/27 academic year unless otherwise stated.

UK students¹

Foundation Year (FY): £9,535

Full-time: £9,535*

Part-time: £79 per taught credit

International students²

Full-time students: £17,200

Part-time students: £143

*Changes to tuition fees from the 2026-2027 academic year for UK undergraduate students

For the 2026/27 academic year, the maximum annual tuition fee for UK undergraduate students is currently set at £9,535.

For courses with an integrated foundation year, the first-year fee is £9,535 for courses in science, engineering and creative and performing arts, and £5,760 for classroom-based courses.

However, the UK Government has recently announced that undergraduate tuition fees for UK students will rise each year in line with inflation. The maximum tuition fee cap for the academic year beginning autumn 2026 has yet to be set, but it has been agreed that this will increase in line with the Retail Price Index (RPIx). This means that the tuition fee for students starting in 2026/27 is very likely to be higher than £9,535 once the applicable inflationary increase is applied.

Maintenance loans will also rise each year in line with inflation.

Once the maximum tuition fee for the 2026-2027 year is confirmed by the Government, we will publish it on our website and course pages.

You can find further information about Government long-term plans for higher education funding in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.

Subsequent tuition fee rises

For students whose tuition fees are regulated by UK legislation (or any relevant UK government, regulatory or funding organisation) your fees may increase at our discretion up to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for the relevant academic year. This would include any further inflationary rises to the tuition fee cap set by the government in future years.

Depending on the duration of your study, your tuition fees for subsequent academic years may therefore be subject to further inflationary increases (the inflation measure used is yet to be confirmed but may be in line with RPIx). This means that the fee set out above is likely to be increased for any subsequent years of study beyond your first year.

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

Student testimonials

"I thought it was a good idea to step back and study computing from the basics. I intend to go for a degree in computer networks next. I really appreciate the resources we have at the University, such as all kinds of top-end software"

Adhiraj Sajay Khajuria

"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 maybe I will expand it into something like Branson's Virgin!"

Thuli Mabelane