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Foundation Year in Computing

This course, which is part of four years of integrated study, provides an introduction to computing and information technology and gives students without the necessary qualifications the skills required to study an undergraduate computing course.

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Overview

The course introduces a wide range of IT, communication and study skills that will prepare you for a degree in computing, enabling you to progress onto more advanced study.

The course covers the basics of cutting-edge IT topics, such as computer animation, as well as more familiar office applications, such as 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, as well as people looking for a change of career, and parents planning to return to employment.

Key features

  • Preparation for degree study
    This course can be a stepping stone towards one of our undergraduate degrees, and is a great place to start if you are returning to study. It issuitable for people from a wide range of backgrounds particularly mature students, as well as people looking for a change of career, and parents planning to return to employment for example
  • More than 50 years of computing experience
    This long-standing history allows us to draw on research and academic expertise allowing us to inform our teaching. Computer Science and Informatics research at DMU was ranked third among modern UK universities for its research power in the Research Excellence Framework 2014
  • Computer Science and Informatics research at DMU was ranked third among modern UK  universities
    for its research power in the Research Excellence Framework 2014
  • Supportive academic expertise
    You will work together with staff in a friendly and supportive environment in small groups of up to 20 students
  • Enjoy an international experience with #DMUglobal
    We offer all students the opportunity to take part in a #DMUglobal experience, which can enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons. Previous #DMUglobal trips have included New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Russia and Italy to name a few.

 

"The course offers a good insight into computing; what I have learned has provided me with a base of core skills needed to progress onto a degree."

Grace Hughes, Foundation Year in Computing graduate

 

You may also be interested in:

Computing HND

  • UK
  • EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G403

Duration: Four years full-time

Fees and funding: 

2022/23 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250


Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G403

Duration: Four years full-time

Fees and funding: 

2022/23 tuition fees for international students: £15,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

 

International students can apply to study at DMU directly using our online applications portal.

How to apply

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria


  • Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics, plus one of the following:
  • Normally 56 UCAS points from at least one A-level or equivalent or
  • BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at MPP or
  • Pass in the QAA Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
  • International Baccalaureate: 24+ points

Portfolio Required: No

Interview Required: No

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

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

 

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

I found a new beginning

The tutors that believed in Tennessee and shared their industry experience took her from foundation degree to software engineer – now she's helping the next generation.

Structure and assessment

 

Course modules

Teaching and assessments

 

 

 

  • Problem Solving and Programming - This module will enable you to gain problem solving skills while learning logic, set theory and data representation. You’ll also learn to program using the friendly programming language, Python. Programming is an essential part of computing so we start off slowly and build your knowledge and confidence over time. As your knowledge increases you’ll attempt to write more complex solutions for a given scenario. This module will also introduce you to systems analysis and design
  • Creative Computing and Technology - The technology side of this module will provide you with an introduction to computer technology from computer architecture, hardware, software and networks while also looking at user requirements and integration issues right through to researching trending technologies. The creative side of the module will introduce you to the theory behind 3D modelling and animation techniques. The practical side of the module is where you will put this knowledge into practice and learn how to apply it using industry standard software to design and create a 20 second stand-alone animation
  • Computing Skills and Research - This module covers a variety of useful computing skills and techniques including essay and report writing, using and creating spreadsheets, learning the mathematics necessary to study computing, as well as practical advice to help you plan and manage your time and acquire the skills to confidently do a degree in computing. You will also learn how to conduct academic research using various sources of information into ethical issues associated with computing, which could include topics such as personal identity theft, piracy and plagiarism
  • E-commerce Computing - This module will give you an introduction to the technology behind the World Wide Web and the way it's used for business. You will learn the fundamentals of good database design and put that knowledge into practice by developing a database using industry standard software. You will also learn how to evaluate, design and build a website and see how it could work together with the database.

The course is taught by dedicated staff with experience of supporting students who need additional help with academic study. 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 concurrently over the academic year. Assessments across the four modules consist of both individual and group work. There are no formal exams but there are phase tests 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 24 additional hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

 

Facilities and features

 
Placements
Placements
Placements
 

Computer Science Laboratories

The Computer Science laboratories in Gateway House provide over 100 computer workstations for students to use. The space is divided into four interconnected laboratories each with 20 machines (20 HP PCs running Windows/Linux).

There are printing facilities available, internal network access and digital projectors to aid in teaching. All the machines are connected via the Faculty of Technology network to a dedicated, high-performance file server for storage and backup of students' work. Many of the software packages are open source which means students can download and run software at home.

The Computer Science laboratories include a study space area, in which students can work individually or in groups.

Campus Centre

The home of  De Montfort Students' Union, (DSU) our Campus Centre offers a welcoming and lively hub for student life. Conveniently located at the heart of campus, it includes a convenience store, a Subway and a Starbucks. Here you can find the DSU-owned charitable accommodation service Sulets and DSU’s shop, SUpplies, selling art supplies, stationery and clothing, and printing and binding services. The building is also home to the DSU officer team. 

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Opportunities and careers

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Graduate Careers

The natural route upon successful completion of the course is to progress to the first year of one of our undergraduate degrees, including Computing BSc (Hons), Software Engineering BSc (Hons), and Computer Science BSc (Hons).. Those who perform exceptionally well will have access to the more specialist degrees at the discretion of the course leader.

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#DMUglobal

Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers. 

Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

While overseas DMU Global opportunities are not currently possible, DMU will continue to review government advice and if travel is permitted, we hope to offer overseas opportunities in the future.

 

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