Computing Year Zero Foundation

About the course

This full-time, one year foundation course provides an introduction to computing and information technology and gives those without the necessary qualifications the skills required to study an undergraduate computing course.

The course will introduce and develop a range of IT, communication and study skills required to prepare for a degree in computing, enabling you to progress onto more advanced study with increased confidence and develop a sense of responsibility for your learning.

The course covers the basics of cutting-edge IT topics such as computer animation, as well as more familiar office applications like spreadsheets and databases. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive workshop environment.

The course is particularly well suited to mature students and is ideal for those who missed the chance to go to university after leaving school, people looking for a change of career and parents planning to return to employment.

Key facts

UCAS course code: G403

Duration: One year full-time

Interview required: Yes

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

  • Normally 80 UCAS tariff points from at least one A level or equivalent with five GCSE's at grade C or above including English and Maths.

If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart.|

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

Non-UK Entry and Admissions Criteria|

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

The course is taught by dedicated staff with experience of dealing with students who need additional help and support. You will work together with staff in a friendly and supportive environment in small groups of up to 20 students.

The four modules on the course run over the two academic terms. Assessments across the four modules consist of both individual and group work. There are no formal exams but there are phase tests that are held under exam conditions. The majority of the work is assessed through time constrained coursework which will be issued at regular intervals across the two terms.

You will normally attend around 12–16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 14–16 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Course modules

  • Computer Research and Technology
  • Creative Computing
  • Computing Skills
  • E-commerce Computing

Graduate careers

The natural route upon successful completion of the course is to progress to the first year of one of our undergraduate degrees. Those who perform exceptionally well will have access to the more specialist degrees at the discretion of the course leader.

How to apply

Home/EU

Applications for undergraduate courses from UK/EU applicants must go through UCAS, you can fill out an application form through their website ucas.ac.uk|. If you do not have regular access to the internet or find it difficult to fill out applications online you can request an alternative format from UCAS either through their website ucas.ac.uk or via the contact details below.

Customer Service Unit
UCAS
PO Box 28
Cheltenham
GL52 3LZ, UK

T: 0871 468 0 468

International

International students can apply directly| to the university.

Contact details

Technology Admissions
Queens Building 1.25
De Montfort University
Leicester
LE1 9BH, UK

T: +44 (0) 116 257 7456
E: technology@dmu.ac.uk|
F: +44 (0) 116 257 7693

Some people may be having issues sending emails to or receiving email from technology@dmu.ac.uk, please call us on the details above and we will advise on alternate contact details.

“The tutors on Computing Year Zero are very supportive and are available outside taught lessons. The other students come from a wide range of backgrounds and are of all ages. I’ve made some good friends.” Amal Al Safar, Student
 
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