Foundation Year in Computing
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award
Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
Why choose this course?
We recognise there are many routes to success at degree level. Our Foundation Year in Computing specifically caters for those who lack the traditional entry qualifications to join the first year of a science degree. You are likely to be someone with either non-computing/maths-based qualifications, someone who has tried computing/maths-based subjects but has yet to realise their potential or you are a mature student, with skills and experience from employment, who wants to return to education.
The foundation year has the benefit of being part of the extended degree and gives you access to a range of activities and staff on the degree programme that you will continue your studies with.
The foundation year in computing is taught at the University and you'll have access to all its facilities.
This foundation year is available with these courses:
Choose your pathway
- Game Development BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G624 - Computer Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G403 - Cyber Security & Computer Forensics BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G4NX - Digital Media Technology BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: G455 - Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: I102
| Pathway | Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1 year full time | UCAS codes are included on the relevant webpage for the course you would like to study | 2025 |
| Main Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- The Computer Science BSc course is accredited by The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
- In our inKUbator, you can learn directly from the industry. Speakers have been from Sony, Splash Damage, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity.
- Kingston University is an educational partner of Sony through PlayStation First. You'll have the opportunity to develop games for the PlayStation 5.
What you will study
The foundation year is designed to provide a supportive environment in which you can build your confidence, whilst developing the academic and technical skills alongside the subject knowledge to continue on to the degree of your choice.
Modules
Throughout the year you will study a range of subjects relevant to subsequent study in Year 1 of your degree and beyond. These subjects are supported by modules where your study and technical skills are developed. The broad scope of subjects is intended to allow study in a range of subject areas and, in some instances, allows flexibility of choice of intended degree route. Subjects start at an elementary level, and there is a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills. In the skills module you will also undertake a project where you focus on a topic in computer science that will involve gathering and analysing some data and interpreting it for a "client" or general audience, which adds to your portfolio of things you can share with a future employer.
Core modules
Professional Success
30 credits
This is a core module for all students on the Foundation year in Science, Engineering and Computing. It complements and supports the subject content of the other modules within the programme. The focus of the module is the development of a range of academic study skills, contextualised to the student's chosen subject. This in turn allows students to become independent, resilient and reflective learners who will be able to succeed in subsequent levels of degree study.
The module provides an early appreciation of the career opportunities that the degree leads to, which in turn allows students to determine the employability skills they need to develop. To boost employability, the basic principles of Business and Project Management are introduced to students in the context of their chosen degree subject. The personal tutor scheme is embedded within the module and is linked to students' development log and aspects of employability.
Foundation Project-Based Learning
30 credits
This is a core module for all students on foundation years in Science or in Engineering and Computing. It is designed to allow students to develop a number of the skills introduced in the Professional Skills module, in particular those relating to critical thinking, problem solving and group work. The focus of the module is on project-based learning as applied to real-world scenarios and/or problems in the degree subject area of the student.
Computing
60 credits
This module is core for all students following a computing-related pathway in the Foundation Year programme. The aim of this module is to introduce key technologies, concepts and theories and provide a platform for subsequent study as a specialist in computing. Students will acquire an understanding enabling them to build, install, configure, maintain and use computer systems in a variety of different real-world contexts. By design, the module has a broad scope that encompasses many sub-disciplines within computing; students will have the opportunity to explore this breadth and consider where their own future specialism may lie.
Future Skills
Knowledge to give you the edge
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
What our students say
Find out why our students chose Kingston University:
Teaching and assessment
Teaching uses a variety of approaches including lectures, seminars and tutorials, workshops and computer practical work. Sessions are designed to be active, involving students undertaking small projects and working in groups to solve problems. The use of technology to enhance learning is an important way in which students are supported. Particular emphasis is placed on developing study skills that will help mature applicants who are returning to education and those from non-computing and mathematics backgrounds.
Assessment includes a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework may take the form of report writing, case studies and presentations with emphasis on real world problems. Examinations take place at the end of the year, giving you the opportunity to settle back into education and into the course. The style of assessment provides a natural progression to Year 1 of your chosen degree.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including computing laboratories - fully equipped with fold-flat LCD screens, data-projection systems and high-spec processors - as well as state-of-the-art hardware and the latest software, including:
- development software and tools - such as Linux, Microsoft.net, Dreamweaver, Flash 11, Eclipse, Java 2 Standard and Mobile Editions, tools for Motorola and Nokia phones, UML and CASE tools and NXP Processors Development Kits;
- Maple, Matlab and SAS (mathematics and statistics software packages used by corporations, governments, universities, etc. across the globe);
- Digital Signal Processors (dsPIC Digital Signal Controllers); and
- a mix of wireless LAN technologies; the learning resources centre - offering subject libraries, online database subscriptions and resource materials.
Our dedicated team of IT technicians support the labs and are always on hand to provide assistance.
Careers and recruitment advice
A specialist employability team provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Employability preparation at Kingston University
In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.
As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:
- placements
- working or studying abroad
- volunteering
- peer mentoring roles
- internship opportunities within and outside the University.
In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.
Who teaches this course?
The course is taught at the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.
The School of Computer Science and Mathematics is driven by the philosophy of 'learning through making'; we focus strongly on facilitating a hands-on experience, student led and owned product portfolios and producing industry-ready graduates.
We utilise a range of innovating teaching and learning approaches in our invigorated and modernised degree programmes; combining studio practices, project-based learning, and context driven lectures to facilitate an informed approach to problem solving.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.