Program Overview

Computing Foundation

Overview

The Computing Foundation course is designed for students who lack the necessary qualifications to pursue a degree in computing. The course provides students with the knowledge and skills to progress to an undergraduate degree in computing, including hands-on experience with the latest software.

Course Details

Course Structure

The course material is A-level standard and covers core subjects in computing principles. Students will develop their mathematical and study skills, preparing them for a degree in subjects such as technology, networking, IT, and software design.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching methods include lectures, practical activities, problem-solving classes, and tutorial support. An e-learning site is available for most modules, providing access to discussion forums, self-assessment quizzes, and online material.

Assessment

Assessment is through a combination of examination and coursework, with some modules solely based on coursework. Practical work is assessed, and a variety of assessment methods are used, including class tests and practical work using applications of information technology.

Study Modules

Teaching takes place face-to-face, with around 9 hours of contact time per week. Students should anticipate a workload of 1,200 hours per year.

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)

Careers

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

Entry Requirements

• Standard Offer:
  • UCAS Tariff Points: 64
  • A Level: CC
  • IB Points: 24
  • BTEC: MPP or MM
• Further Offer Details:
  • Applications from candidates with alternative qualifications and from mature students are welcome.
  • GCSE: Mathematics and English Language grade 4/C minimum normally required.

Tuition Fees

• 2025/26:
  • Home (UK) full-time: £9,535
  • Home (UK) part-time: £1,190 per single module
  • International full-time: £17,750
• 2026/27:
  • Home (UK) full-time: £9,535*
  • International full-time: £18,250

• Tuition fee level for . Tuition fees for home undergraduate students in will be confirmed by the Government later in 2025 and will be updated on our website as soon as the information becomes available.

Funding Your Studies

• Financial Support and Scholarships:
  • Oxford Brookes Bursary for Continuing Students
  • Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students
  • Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students
  • Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students
  • Oxford Brookes Bursary for New Students

Additional Costs

• Optional Costs:
  • Bringing your own computer (Windows machines recommended, but Macs also viable)
  • Print/binding costs for coursework submission
  • Books to support studies (many available via the Library or secondhand)
  • Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting or university halls
  • Graduation costs (gowns, tickets, photography)
  • Travel to and from university for classes

Programme Changes

On rare occasions, changes may be made to course programmes after publication on the website. For more information, please visit the changes to programmes page.