Computing Foundation

Studying Computing at Bellerbys College

The UK has a long history as a place of innovation and discovery in the world of computing. Studying our Computing Foundation programme will provide you with all of the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to progress to undergraduate study. This Foundation is taught at our college in Brighton, in a city famous for its creative spirit and vibrant tech scene.

The course is modular in structure. It has core modules studied by all Foundation students and modules tailored for computing students. The core Foundation modules develop academic and English language skills.

Where will this Foundation take me?

This Foundation prepares you for university degrees in Computer Science, Software engineering or IT related courses. You will develop a sound knowledge of key concepts in computing. recent graduates of this Foundation have gone to university to study Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, Visual Effects and Software Engineering.

Destination universities

Students on this subject pathway will receive an offer of conditional progression* to study at the following universities:

  • Coventry University
    • Computer Hardware and Software Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Computing
    • Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity
    • Games Technology
    • Informatics
    • Information Technology for Business
    • Interactive Media and Web Technologies
  • Lancaster University
    • BSc (Hons) Computer Science
    • BSC (Hons) Software Engineering
  • Loughborough University
    • BSc Computing & Management
    • BSc Computer Science
    • BSc Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
    • BSc Computer Science & Mathematics
    • BSc Information Technology Management for Business
  • Newcastle University
    • Computer Science
    • Computer Science (Game Engineering)
    • Computer Science (Software Engineering)
    • Computer Science (Security and Resilience)
    • Countryside Management
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
    • BSc Computer Science
    • BSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
    • BSc Computer Science (Information Security)
    • BSc Computer Science (Software Engineering)
    • BEng Electronic Engineering
    • BEng Computer Systems Engineering
    • BSc Mathematics
    • BSc Mathematical Studies
    • BSc Mathematics with Statistics
  • University of Bath
    • Computer Science BSc
    • Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc
    • Computer Systems Engineering BEng
    • Electrical & Electronic Engineering BEng
    • Electronic Engineering with Space Science & Technology BEng
  • University of Birmingham
    • Computer Science
    • Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science
    • Mathematics and Computer Science
    • Mathematics
  • University of Exeter
    • BSc Computer Science
    • BSc Computer Science and Mathematics
  • University of Surrey
    • BSc (Hons) Computer and Internet Engineering
    • BSc (Hons) Computer Science
    • BSc (Hons) Computing & Information Technology
    • BSc (Hons) Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems
  • University of Westminster
    • Business Information Systems
    • Computer Games Development
    • Computer Network Security
    • Computer Science
    • Data Science and Analytics
    • Smart Computer Systems
    • Software Engineering

Foundation key facts

Minimum age: 16.5+
Course length: 3 or 3.5 terms
Start dates: September, November or January. See term dates
Entry requirements: Satisfactory completion of secondary or high school education. 4 GCSEs at C or above.
English language requirements: IELTS 4.5 (IELTS 5.0 for November and January starts)

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are now able to accept a wider range of English tests
Location: Brighton
Tuition fees: Visit our fees page for full details

Course modules

Coding

Coding

Design and write computer programs and build simple components in Java to develop program solutions.

  • Introduction to IDE
  • Code Planning Process
  • Basic concepts of Programming
  • Classes
  • Data-Types and Variables
  • Methods
  • Re-Use of Code
  • Encapsulation
  • Objects
  • Inheritance
  • User Interface
  • Files and Streams
  • Polymorphism
  • Identification of Different Kinds of Errors
  • Documentation of Planning, Code Development, Programme Version Control
  • Testing and De-Bugging Code in Context

Databases

Databases

Develop skills through practice with physical data models, and apply theoretical concepts such as relational database management to data design.

  • Definition and Creation of Tables, Columns, Rows (tuples) and Data Elements
  • Use of Data Types: Considered Choice, Storage Implications
  • Relationships Between Tables, Realising the Relational Model
  • Use and definition of Primary and Foreign Keys
  • Database Design
  • Normalising Data
  • Understanding the Relationship Between a Data Dictionary, ERD and Normalisation and Database Design
  • Appreciation of Example Databases
  • Definition and Use of Forms
  • Definition and Use of Queries
  • Definition and Use of Reports
  • Appreciation and use of SQL – Structured Query Language
  • Data Definition Language
  • Data Manipulation Language

Pure Maths 1 and Stats

Pure Maths 1 and Stats

An introduction to algebra, including transformations and logarithms; trigonometry, data handling, and calculus.

  • Algebra
  • Co-ordinate Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Differentiation
  • Integration
  • Trapezium Rule
  • Handling Data

Pure Maths 2 or Introduction to Coding

Pure Maths 2 or Introduction to Coding

Gain an understanding of algorithms; algorithms on graphs; the route inspection problem; critical path analysis and linear programming.

  • Algorithms
  • Algorithms on Graphs
  • The Route Inspection Problem
  • Critical Path Analysis
  • Linear Programming

Systems Analysis

Systems Analysis

Understand how to approach problem solving with computer systems and how to develop system solutions.

  • Problems that are Appropriate for a Computer System Solution
  • Data and Information
  • HCI principles (input/output)
  • SA Methodology Overview and Detailed Understanding of One Method
  • Understand the System Development Life Cycle
  • Planning and Managing Projects
  • Data Gathering Processes
  • Understanding appropriate System Design Processes
  • Design Test Plans
  • Understand Process of Evaluation of Systems
  • Social and Legal Considerations and Constraints
  • Analysis and Design
  • Data Capture
  • System Design

Web Technologies

Web Technologies

Learn to use a range of languages and adopt a mobile first approach to responsive web design. You will also develop web design and scripting skills.

  • The Client/Server Model
  • The Document Object Model (DOM)
  • HTML5: Organising Web Content
  • CSS3: Organising Web Layout and Presentation
  • Javascript: Adding Interactivity
  • Applications

Core modules

Academic English Skills with IELTS

Academic English Skills with IELTS

Academic English Skills provides thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at University. Key skills include:

  • Reading effectively and critically
  • Making notes in lectures and presentations
  • Delivering presentations and participating in academic seminars
  • Researching, planning and writing academic essays
  • Students are also supported in developing the accuracy and range in written and spoken language required to express themselves effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence.

*Offer of conditional progression is subject to meeting all academic requirements, submission of completed UCAS application, academic reference, personal statement meeting required standard, and passing the Foundation programme with the required grades and English language level. Please note that the letter in itself is not a Conditional Offer from the university. You will receive a conditional offer if you meet all the requirements through your submission of a completed UCAS application.

A Levels

Bellerbys Cambridge students in a Foundation Media class at the College

A Levels are British qualifications, accepted by all universities in the UK and recognised in the USA and Australia. Students who are with us for five or six terms will typically study up to four A Levels. This gives you a world of choice.

Choose your subjects

Foundation

Bellerbys London Star Student Mark Lee

A one-year course for international students that builds specialist subject knowledge and language and study skills. It is more focussed than A Levels making it good preparation for university. It is recognised for entry onto a range of degree programmes at more than 100 universities in the UK.

Choose your programme

International Year One

Students looking for books in the library

An International Year One course is a one-year course equal to the first year of an undergraduate degree. Taught in Brighton and London, this course prepares you for the second year of a related degree at university.

Discover International Year One