Foundation Year Computing

You’ll start off looking at the subjects that you’ll face in your first year of degree studies, setting you up with the academic and technical grounding you need. For details on modules at degree level please look at the individual course entries of your chosen progression route.

This preparatory year is all about giving you the core grounding of knowledge to move on to a qualification that fits your future career ambitions. You don’t have to have it all worked out in advance, your tutors will be on hand to advise you. The results you achieve may restrict your subject choices.

• Mathematics 1
  Students entering the Foundation Year often have an incomplete and sketchy knowledge of mathematics, usually acquired several years earlier. This module will review some mathematical basics and introduce the mathematical tools and skills that will be useful in developing a confident approach to the use of mathematics in computing and problem-solving. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Computer applications
  This module will allow you to develop your computer applications use skills to enable you to undertake the rest of the extended degree programme and to function well at a professional level thereafter. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Technical communications
  In this module you'll be asked to review your knowledge of oral and written communication and IT skills at various stages, and will be given opportunities to enhance practical communication, information searching and IT skills. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Mathematics 2
  This module is a natural continuation of Mathematics 1. This module will introduce basic ideas in descriptive statistics, as well as continue with the graphs of some standard functions. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Software development
  This module provides an introduction to the basics of software engineering design. It does not focus on any particular language, but rather on the principles and techniques that are common to languages. The underlying theme is Object Oriented Programme problem-solving. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Computer technology
  This module describes the architecture and operation of a simple computer system and introduces ways in which the architecture may be enhanced to improve system performance. The role of the operating system is also introduced. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Foundation project
  In this module you'll undertake a software development project, producing software and supporting documentation, as well as a group presentation and a personal logbook. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

This year is your launch pad to further study with us. Complete it successfully and you can choose from a number of BSc courses, for instance data science or information technology.

Take a look at some potential careers, including IT consultant / data analyst, on Prospects.

Skills for work

We’re hands on. We take an applied approach. As well as great practical IT skills you’ll develop professional IT skills, such as: identifying the right analytical tool to meet an IT requirement and how to present IT solutions to various stakeholders.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Personal Tutoring

As an undergraduate or MEng Engineering student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your personal tutor at least twice a semester throughout your course.  You can contact your tutor for additional support by email or in person.

• A Level DD or;
• BTEC National Diploma MPP or;
• Access to HE qualifications with Pass or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 64 UCAS points
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.