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Computing Foundation

Computing Foundation

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. You can graduate to an undergraduate degree at one of our destination universities. Graduates of this Foundation have gone to university to study 2D animation, business and management, computer science, visual effects and motion graphics.

Destination universities

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

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, or IELTS 5.0 for a January start.
Location: Brighton
Tuition fees per term: Brighton: £7,120

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

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

Coding

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

Databases

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

Systems Analysis

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

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.

Decision Maths

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

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.

Computer Information Technology

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

GCSEs

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GCSEs are taken as a course of study before taking A levels or a Foundation pathway. Our GCSE Pathway programme offers 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.