Program Overview

Computing Foundation Year

Overview

The Computing Foundation Year is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to progress onto a degree course in Computing. The course covers a range of topics, including computer coding, mathematics, and study skills, and is taught by experienced staff with industry expertise.

Key Features

• Covers the core skills to advance to a degree level Computing course
• Gives students 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
• A focus on contemporary practical skills in a modern learning environment

Entry Requirements

• 40 UCAS Tariff points
• English and Mathematics Level 2 (GCSE) at C Grade / 4 or above
• The University welcomes applications from candidates holding qualifications outside the UCAS Tariff, including those awarded by professional bodies and overseas qualifications

Course Content

Foundation Year (Year 0)

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

Degree Level (Years 1, 2, and 3)

• After successfully completing the foundation year, students can progress onto the Computing degree of their choice:
  • BSc (Hons) Computing
  • BSc (Hons) Data Science
  • BSc (Hons) Cyber Security

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

• Interactive workshops
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Laboratory sessions
• Practical activities
• Meetings with personal academic tutors

Contact Time

• Typically 12-13 contact hours of teaching per week

Independent Self-Study

• Expected to undertake around 24 hours of personal self-study per week
• Includes meeting with individual tutors, completing online activities, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, and undertaking research in the library and online

Duration

• 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Timetables

• Timetables are normally available one month before registration
• Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week, and some classes can be scheduled in the evenings

Teaching Staff

• Experienced staff with industry expertise
• Includes senior academics, professional practitioners, and visiting speakers

Assessment

• Formative and summative assessment elements
• Typically 2-3 assessments per 30 credit module
• Different types of employability skills are embedded in all modules

Careers

• Following successful completion of the foundation year, students can progress onto their chosen degree programme within the Computing Department of Worcester Business School
• Graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors

Fees and Funding

Full-time Tuition Fees

• UK and EU students: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International students: £16,700 per year (2025/26)

Part-time Tuition Fees

• UK and EU students: £1,190.83 per 15-credit module, £1,587.77 per 20-credit module, £2,381.66 per 30-credit module, £3,175.55 per 40-credit module, £3,572.50 per 45-credit module, and £4,763.32 per 60 credit module (2025/26)
• International students: not specified

Course-related Costs

• Every course has day-to-day costs for basic books, stationery, printing, and photocopying
• 24/7 access to computers is provided at the University, and software is made available at either no additional cost or minimal cost

Accommodation

• Finding the right accommodation is paramount to the university experience
• The University has over 1,000 rooms across its range of student halls, with prices ranging from £131 per week to £228 per week (2025/26)

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, which can be accessed through firstpoint

How to Apply

• Applying through UCAS
• UCAS Code: G401
• Get in touch with the Admissions Office for more information