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What makes our Computing Foundation Year special?

Do you want to work as a professional in the technology sector? Do you want to study Computing but do not have the appropriate qualifications or entry points needed to get a place? Whether you are new to the subject or have spent some time away from education this course will enable you to access your desired degree and career path.

You will study a range of Computing, Mathematics, and Study Skills modules that will position you to be able to go on to your chosen degree course with confidence and armed with the tools you will need to succeed at the University of Worcester in Computing.

Overview

Overview

Key features

  • Covers the core skills to advance to a degree level Computing course such as Computer Coding, Mathematics for Computing, Creative Computing, Web Development, Games Design, Networks and Security and Studying with Confidence
  • Gives you the opportunity to progress onto any of the courses available within the Computing Department at the University of Worcester
  • An inclusive and supportive learning environment hosted by excellent, highly experienced teaching staff
  • A focus on contemporary practical skills in a modern learning environment

 

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It’s not too late to apply!

You can still apply to study with us after the January UCAS deadline. Don’t be tempted to rush an application together as fast as you can, you still want to make sure your application and personal statement are as good as possible.

Your teachers can still write you a reference after the January deadline so make sure to let them know you’re applying to university

Entry requirements

What qualifications will you need?

40
UCAS tariff points

Entry requirements

40 UCAS Tariff points and English and Mathematics Level 2 (GCSE) at C Grade / 4 or above

Other information

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from the UCAS website

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Course content

What will you study

Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and by feedback from students, external examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice. The most up-to-date information will be available to you once you have accepted a place and registered for the course. 

Foundation Year (Year 0)

  • Studying with Confidence     
  • Introduction to Coding 
  • Mathematical Fundamentals  
  • Computing and Digital Technologies

Degree level (Years 1, 2 and 3)

After successfully completing the foundation year you will be able to progress onto the Computing degree of your choice:

Teaching and assessment

How will you be taught?

The University places emphasis on enabling students to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement.  A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support from Student Services and Library Services, and also the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will help you to flourish and be successful.

Teaching

You are taught through a combination of interactive workshops, lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, fieldwork, practical activities etc. Interactive workshops take a variety of formats and are intended to enable the application of learning through discussion and small group activities.  Seminars enable the discussion and development of understanding of topics covered in lectures, and laboratory sessions are focused on developing subject specific skills and applied individual and group project work. 

In addition, meetings with personal academic tutors are scheduled on at least four occasions during your foundation year.

Contact time

In a typical week you will have around 12-13 contact hours of teaching. 

Typically class contact time will be structured around:

  • Information giving, facilitated discussions, small group work, presentations
  • Practical skills – the opportunity to practise group facilitation, presentation, communication and listening skills
  • Visiting speakers and opportunities to visit other settings are regular features of the course.
  • Most of the computing seminars take place in state-of-the-art PC labs using a variety of software specific to each module. 

Independent self study

In addition to the contact time, you are expected to undertake around 25 hours of personal self-study per week.  Typically, this will involve completing online activities, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library and online, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations.

Independent learning is supported by a range of excellent learning facilities, including The Hive and library resources, the virtual learning environment, and extensive electronic learning resources. 

Duration

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Timetables

Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that whilst we try to be as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week; and some classes can be scheduled in the evenings.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, and visiting speakers with specialised expertise.  Teaching is informed by the research and consultancy work carried out by staff and you can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Assessment

All modules have both formative and summative assessment elements. Formative assessment allows tutors and students to recognise strengths and weaknesses in learning and to address those issues immediately. Summative assessments are graded and count towards the final module grade, and they are assessed against the specific module learning outcomes.

Typically, 30 credit modules will have 2-3 assessments

Throughout the year the concept of continuous assessment and/or building up expertise in different assessment types applies. A variety of assessment types(report, portfolios, presentation, and case study) are designed to suit different learning styles

Different types of employability skills are embedded in all modules.

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.

Careers

Where could it take you?

Employability

Following successful completion of from your Foundation Year you will be able to enrol onto your chosen degree programme within the Computing Department of Worcester Business School.

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Careers and Employability

Our Graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors.

Find out how we can support you to achieve your potential.
Costs

How much will it cost?

Full-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

The standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2023/24 academic year is £9,250 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

International students

The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees in the 2023/24 academic year is £14,700 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Part-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

The standard tuition fees for part-time UK and EU students registering on this course in the academic year 2023/24 are £1,156 per 15-credit module, £1,542 per 20-credit module, £2,312 per 30-credit module, £3,083 per 40-credit module, £3,469 per 45-credit module and £4,625 per 60 credit module.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Course-related costs not included in the fees

Every course has day-to-day costs for basic books, stationery, printing and photocopying. The amounts vary between courses. 

24/7 access to computers is provided at the University and software is made available at either no additional cost or minimal cost.  Students may also want to purchase a new PC/laptop or upgrade existing equipment for their own usage.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study.

We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Hall' at £122 per week to 'En-suite Premium' at £207 per week (2023/24 prices).

For full details visit our accommodation page.

Sources of financial support

Most financial support is available from Student Finance England. The University’s Money Advice Service can provide information about student money; this can be accessed through firstpoint.

How to apply