Computing Foundation

Foundation course

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Key facts

UCAS code

G111

Start dates

September 2024 / September 2025

Location

Headington

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.
Student learning practical skills

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 language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

International qualifications and equivalences

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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 UCAS

Part time Home (UK) applicants

Apply direct to the University

International applicants

Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£16,100

Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£16,900

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

Tuition fees

2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£16,100

2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£16,900

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

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.

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.

Brand new facilities

All Computing courses are moving from Wheatley Campus to brand new, custom designed buildings at our main Headington site. These buildings are expected to open in September 2024, but as with any large-scale building project those timescales could change. You'll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and equipment including a VR cave, digital, computing and robotics labs, as well as social learning spaces, teaching rooms and cafe space.

Computing Foundation

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Essential Mathematics for University Study (15 credits)

  • Study Skills and Preparation for Higher Education (15 credits)

  • Introduction to Databases (15 credits)

  • Foundations of Computer Programming (15 credits)

  • Foundations of Robotics (15 credits)

  • Graphics and the Web (15 credits)

Optional modules

Foundation Engineering Mathematics 1 (15 credits)

Basic Data Analysis (15 credits)

Basic Communications and PC Networking (15 credits)

Basic Electronic Engineering Principles (15 credits)

Foundations Engineering Mathematics 2 (15 credits)

Foundations of Business (15 credits)

Basic Survey Methods (15 credits)

Principles of Animation (15 credits)

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

Successful completion of the course enables you to progress onto one of the Oxford Brookes computing-related degree courses subject to meeting the specific entry requirements.

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.

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.