Computing Foundation
Foundation course
Key facts
UCAS code
G406
Start dates
September 2023 / September 2024
Location
Course length
Full time: 1 year
Part time: 2 years
UCAS Tariff Points
64
Overview
Do you want to pursue a degree in computing but lack the necessary qualifications? If so, our Computing Foundation course is for you.
You will gain the knowledge and skills to progress to an undergraduate degree in computing including hands-on experience with the latest software. Our course covers:
- computing
- mathematics
- information technology
- programming
- networking
- robotics.
And you will gain skills in:
- self-management
- communication
- problem solving
- teamwork.
We teach mathematics at different levels and surgery sessions are available to help you to bridge any gaps.
After having successfully completed the course you will be offered admission to a computing related degree according to your needs and qualifications.
There is a high demand for graduates in all areas of computing and a degree in computing is a great start to careers in:
- software development
- network security
- computer applications
- managing information
- scientific research.
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How to apply
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 64
A Level: CC
IB Points: 24
BTEC: MPP or MM
Further offer details
We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics and English Language grade 4/C minimum normally required
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.
Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.
Application process
Full time Home (UK) applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home (UK) applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time international applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.
Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.
How and when to pay
Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.
- For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
- For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.
Optional costs
| Additional costs | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
If you are considering bringing your own computer, most of the software we use is on Windows machines though there is some use of Linux. We do not use Apple MacOS and their use is not required but some students do choose to bring MacOS machines so a Mac can be a viable choice if you so wish.
|
£500-1200 |
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. |
From £30 |
| You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand. | £20-60 per book |
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) |
£94-265 per week |
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) |
£122-180 per week |
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41. |
Typically £0-200 |
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey. |
From £10 |
Funding your studies
Financial support and scholarships
Featured funding opportunities available for this course.
All financial support and scholarships
Learning and assessment
We encourage a critical and independent approach to learning. Our course material is A-level standard, and covers core subjects in computing principles.
You will develop your mathematical and study skills. As well as prepare for a degree in subjects such as:
- technology
- networking
- mathematics
- IT
- software design.
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Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Our teaching methods include:
- lectures
- practical activities
- problem-solving classes
- tutorial support.
We offer an e-learning site with most of our modules where you’ll have access to:
- discussion forums
- self-assessment quizzes
- online material.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
We use a combination of examination and coursework to assess your modules, but some modules are solely based on coursework. We will assess you mostly through practical work.
We use a variety of assessment methods, including:
- class tests
- practical work using applications of information technology.
Study abroad
To find out whether you can study or work abroad while on this course, please email studyabroad@brookes.ac.uk
After you graduate
Career prospects
On successfully completing the course you will transfer onto one of the Oxford Brookes computing-related degree courses.
Further study
Successful completion of the course enables you to progress onto one of our degree courses in computing or mathematics, subject to meeting the specific entry requirements of the particular course. In Semester 2 you will be asked which course you wish to join.
Free language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Related courses
Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been
published on the website. For more information, please visit our
changes to programmes page.