Course Enquiries - UK
Tel: 0207 815 7500
Foundation Year Computing
Southwark CampusMode: Full-time; Part-time
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.
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 4 years |
Start Date September |
Location
Southwark Campus
|
Modules
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.
Employability
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.
Professional links
- 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 learning
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.
Entry 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.
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
- Accreditation and Course validation status
How to apply
International students
International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 4 years |
Start date September |
Application code G402 |
Application method |
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.
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
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.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this 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.
Fees and funding
Fees are shown for new entrants to courses, for each individual year of a course, together with the total fee for all the years of a course. Continuing LSBU students should refer to the Finance section of our student portal, MyLSBU. Queries regarding fees should be directed to the Fees and Bursaries Team on: +44 (0)20 7815 6181.
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Extended Degree Computing Foundation Year (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £9250 | International fee: £15400 |
| 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 226 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 226 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.
Contact information
Course Enquiries - UK
Tel: 0207 815 7500
Order a prospectus