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.

Students study 18-25 hours per week in class. 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

You can explore a selection of university destinations that Foundation students can choose from here.

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

  • Durham University
  • Lancaster University.

Foundation key facts

Minimum age: 16.5+
Course length: 3 or 3.5 terms
Start dates: September, October, 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 January start)
Location: Brighton
Tuition fees per term: Brighton: £7,213

Prepare for Foundation in October (3.5 term)

Start in October and you will have an extra one half of a term to prepare for the Foundation programme in January. You will receive extra English classes, extra university guidance and have more time to develop study skills.

Course modules

Pure Maths 1

Pure Maths 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decision Maths

Decision Maths

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
Core modules

Foundation English Skills 1

Develop the ability to read academic texts, write short academic texts, take notes from written and oral sources and use spoken English to discuss a variety of topics.

Computer Information Technology

Improving IT literacy and creativity using MS Office, Business and Media applications; develop internet research skills.

Foundation English Skills 2

Improve all the abilities in FES1, developing greater accuracy, speed, cohesion, organisation and presentation.

Foundation English Skills 3

Develop academic English skills for university. This continually assessed course module includes an extended research essay based on an aspect of British culture, debates and discussions, listening, note-taking and summarising as well as oral presentation.

GCSEs

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GCSEs are taken as a course of study before taking A Levels or a Foundation pathway. We offer a2 Year GCSE Pathway programme as well as a 3 and 4 term programme, offering students from the age of 14 years an early opportunity to establish the language, learning and cultural skills they need to succeed in the highly competitive world of higher education.

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. Students typically study three or four subjects with exams at the end of two years.

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 70 universities in the UK.