Technology Foundation - 2012 entry
Foundation course
Typical A-level offer: DD or equivalent
Overview
This course is run by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
This is a one-year course for students who want to enter degree or higher diploma courses in computing, engineering, science or technology but don't have sufficient grades or appropriate mathematical or scientific A-levels (or equivalents). On successful completion, the course leads on to one of our BSc (Hons) degree courses in media technology, computing or communication networks.
The course covers core subjects in electronic and mechanical engineering principles, and helps to develop your mathematical skills. In addition, modules are available in media technology and computing. The level of the material is of A-Level standard and provides opportunities for you to improve your technological knowledge before entering industry as well as preparing students for higher degrees in a broad range of subjects such as media technology and software design.
As a foundation student in Technology you will have access to state-of-the-art workshops, laboratories and computer facilities, and you will study in an environment in which technical expertise is combined with creativity and imagination.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Various teaching and learning methods are used to stimulate the process by which you acquire knowledge. These include lectures with question-and-answer sessions or demonstrations, small-group tutorials and practical work. These are coupled with tutorial sheets and assignments intended to develop your abilities, and to encourage you to work on your own and extend your understanding.
Most modules are assessed using a combination of examination and coursework, although some are assessed totally by coursework. Assessment can take many forms, including assignments, library exercises, class tests and assessed practical work using innovative applications of information technology and specialised equipment.
Learning outcomes
This course will provide you with:
- the numerical and mathematical skills necessary to proceed onto the first year of an engineering degree course
- study skills for retrieving, selecting and processing information and an appreciation of technology and basic engineering principles
- skills in computing, including a familiarity with the use of software packages
- an understanding of the behaviour, operating characteristics and design considerations of a range of simple engineering components
- a range of transferable skills.
In detail
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Course content
The course will introduce you to a wide range of technology subjects and will prepare you for the first year of study in an undergraduate course in technology.
All students take a core module in the principles and applications of technology, through which you can achieve the necessary grounding in science and technology. You can then choose from a wide range of modules in areas relevant to the degree courses that follow on from the foundation year.
There is plenty of practical work, with laboratory and practical sessions to provide real hands-on experience. Surgery sessions are held in mathematics to help you to bridge any gaps in your mathematical skills.
This is normally a one-year course and you will need to take 8 modules over two semesters. The modules on offer may vary from year to year and some will be compulsory.
Module list
- Fundamentals and Applications of Technology (double)
- Basic Mathematical Methods 1
- Essential Mathematics for University Study
- Introductory Mathematics
- Foundations of Computer Systems
- Foundations of Computer Programming
- Foundation Statistics
- Basic Mechanical Engineering Principles
- Basic Electronic Engineering Principles
- Engineering Applications
- Study Skills and Preparation for Higher Education
- Basic Data Analysis
- Basic Survey Methods
- Basic Mathematical Methods 2
- Word-Processing and Spreadsheet IT Skills
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Department
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Course length
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
Teaching location
Wheatley Campus
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
J900 FTN
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
Tuition fees
International students
Full-time: £11,750
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: DD or equivalent
IB Diploma: 24 points
Advanced Diploma: grade D
BTEC National Diploma: with 3 passes
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics and English Language at grade C minimum
Applicants should fall into one of the following groups:
- aged at least 18 years and holding recognised non-science qualifications to A-level standard
- aged at least 18 years and holding recognised science qualifications to A-level standard but with grades insufficient to qualify for a degree or diploma course
- mature students with relevant experience, including a substantial period of suitable employment.
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Student experience
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Why Oxford is a great place to study Technology Foundation
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which will provide you with a host of work placement and other learning opportunities.
Oxford is a hub for UK-based computing and tecnology firms, so our research partnerships and links with industry are hard to beat. Many technology students take up work placements within Oxfordshire-based companies.
It is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for its large student population, from theatres and cinemas to museums, art galleries and music venues. A bustling and stunning cosmopolitan city, Oxford has excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
Situated in the heart of rural England and home to around 150,000 people, Oxford offers students a clean and safe environment less than an hour from London and international airports.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Further study
Successful completion of the course enables you to progress onto one of our degree courses, subject to meeting the specific entry requirements of the particular course. In Semester 2 you will be asked which course you wish to join. The options are listed below.
BA/BSc combined honours courses including:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
There are many other combined honours subjects available across the university to pair with a technology subject.
BSc single honours in:
- Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Games and Animation
- Computer Science
- Information Technology Management for Business
- Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Media Technology
- Mobile Computing
- Motorsport Technology
- Multimedia Production
- Network Computing
- Sound Technology and Digital Music
- Software Engineering
As a foundation student, you will be well prepared for study on an undergraduate course having gained the theoretical knowledge and experience of teaching methods and notation used within your chosen subject.
