Overview
Get into I.T.
There’s more than one way into a successful computing career. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree course, but have the experience, maturity and determination to work in the sector, then this course is for you. This foundation year isn’t a freestanding degree - but it’s the perfect preparation for one. Think of it as the first year in a four- year period of studying that will lead you to a BSc (Hons) in Computing or another related course.
We offer the opportunity for all undergraduate Home students to undertake a work placement, internship or work experience while studying a full-time course starting in September 2021.
Why study Computing at LSBU?
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- A future that fits you: we’re part of an Information Technology framework, designed to give opportunity for specialisation to suit career aspirations.
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- We’re professionally recognised for full exemption from British Computer Society examinations.
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- Ranked joint 2nd for Overall Score amongst London Modern Competitors for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2021).
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- Specialist labs and industry-standard software mean you get the practical digital skills that employers value.
| ModeFull-time | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeG402 | Application method UCAS |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
- 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.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
Course status
United Kingdom
£9250.00
Tuition fees for home students
International
£15900.00
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
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Full-time
full-time
BSc (Hons) Extended Degree Computing Foundation Year (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £9250.00 International fee: £15900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 569 Session code: 1FS00
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.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code G402 | Application method UCAS |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
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.
Careers
Employability Service
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:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- 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.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
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.
- At LSBU we have a longstanding professional relationship with the British Computer Society and are recognised for full exemption from their professional examinations.
Teaching and Assessment
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.