Computing with Foundation Year

From analysis and design, through to database theory, networking, object-orientated programming, mobile computing and web-development, this specialism offers a strong understanding of current computing applications, design and development.

You'll learn about all crucial aspects of computer system and software development including analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance. You'll study a full-range of system development skills, including maintenance and quality assurance.

The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate programme.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Learn the latest industry knowledge alongside working with industry professionals to gain invaluable practical experience whilst building your network base. Studying our programme allows you to learn fundamental vocational skills such as analysis and design, programming and testing, networking and security, software engineering and databases.

We are a student focused and employer-led university which means that you are at the forefront of all that we do. We provide you with a thorough understanding in computing and systems, web development and programming and our modules are designed to reflect the latest issues in the constantly changing area of computing to ensure you graduate ready for employment or further postgraduate study.

Not only will you be learning vital information, you will be learning from innovative, forward-thinking and highly motivated expert lecturers. Our lecturers have close industrial links and all work together to ensure that you have the best possible enriched and stimulating learning environment.

What will I study?
In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree.

From analysis and design, through to database theory, networking, object-orientated programming, mobile computing and web-development, this pathway offers a strong understanding of current computing applications, design and development. You'll learn about all crucial aspects of computer system and software development including analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance. You'll study a full-range of system development skills, including maintenance and quality assurance.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to extend your knowledge in programming and database management. This hands-on course will see you master the art of Java, C# and C++. You’ll cover the full systems implementation cycle, using industry standard tools and techniques including CASE. You’ll learn alternative architectures for emerging cloud-based technologies. You will also study modules on developing and deploying secure and mobile-ready web applications with backend databases. This will help prepare you for both generic ‘computing’ job markets and more specialised areas that require mobile web-based services.

In year one you will work on developing a range of knowledge and skills to provide you with a solid foundation of the fundamentals of computing. You will look at a range of topics from computer architectures to networking (Cisco), application programming to web development, and user experience to digital technologies. You will also develop technical competency in user-interface and location-sensitive frameworks, industry-standards for secure and robust software engineering, database development, network operation, mobile systems, and information and network security.

Foundation Year
Introduction to Programming
Computing Essentials
Core Mathematics
Design Principles
Professional Skills Review
Final Project

Year one
Core Modules
Programming Concepts
Computer Architecture
Networks
Web Development
Computational Fundamentals

Year two
Core Modules
Algorithms and Data Structures
Object Orientated Design and Development
Research Methods

Optional Modules
Mobile Systems
Network Systems
Data Essentials

Year three
Core Modules
Digital Innovation
Extended Independent work

Optional Modules
Software Testing and QA
Design Patterns
Advanced Data Technologies
Cloud Computing
Advanced Mobile
Knowledge-Based Systems in Artificial Intelligence
Learning Machines & Intelligent Agents

We have a strong computing department at the University, with a dedicated team of academics and professionals delivering industry-relevant courses in a suite of well-equipped computer labs. Our lecturers work closely with industry through partnerships or by helping web development and related industries with research, consultancy, technical and managerial inputs. These relationships provide a professional edge to our teaching. They are also a useful source of internship and industry-brief opportunities for our students.

You’ll benefit from small class sizes that give you a chance to develop close working relationships with the tutors and other students. You’ll be taught through a combination of formal lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, and seminars. You will also benefit from guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities.

Course assignments reflect real-life problems because we believe that’s the best way to learn – and it’s more fun! Over the years of your course you will be assessed and graded in a multitude of ways to allow you to develop and expand on your abilities and skills. Assessments for the various modules will mostly take the form of practical coursework, lab tests, shorter written exercises and written exams. However, the main focus will be on testing the practical application of the various concepts and techniques being conveyed.

We also encourage you to gain work experience whilst studying and actively look for clients for your project work, which provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills in a work-base setting.