Computing with Foundation Year
Get a strong start in tech, providing you with the practical skills and theoretical grounding needed to excel in today’s digital landscape.
Key information
For:
starting September 2026
Typical offer:
32 tariff points at A level, or equivalent.
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
This foundation year provides a supportive pathway to university study, equipping you with the essential computing knowledge, academic skills, and professional competencies needed to progress on to our Bachelor's in computer science. You’ll gain a strong foundation in programming, IT, and mathematical concepts while developing critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities.
Delivered through interactive workshops in small groups, the course emphasises hands-on learning with no traditional exams - assessment is based on coursework and practical tasks. With a focus on real-world applications, you’ll be fully prepared for university study and future career opportunities.
Course highlights
- Learn through hands-on experience where you will develop your skills through interactive workshops, coursework, and practical tasks in small, supportive groups.
- Study in a capital surrounded by leading tech companies and innovation. You’ll be perfectly placed to build industry connections and future career opportunities.
- Learn in a brand-new, purpose-built campus, designed for teamwork, leadership development, and independent study.
After your foundation year
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, the topics and modules you go on to study will depend on the degree course you choose to take.
Bachelor's degrees you could progress onto:
Quick guide to foundation year courses
A foundation year course allows you to:
- Explore your options before choosing your Bachelor's degree course
- Experience university life and get a taste for the way you'll be taught
- Develop the study skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed in your chosen Bachelor's degree
Find out more about how this course works in our foundation year guide.
Your new home at UoP London
Located just a minute’s walk from Walthamstow’s tube and bus stations, our campus provides easy access to the entire city, placing you at the centre of London’s dynamic business scene.
Come along to an Open Day
Open Days at the London campus vary to those held in Portsmouth.
Contact information
London Campus Enquiries: london@port.ac.uk
Clearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing 2025 is now closed
Discover how Clearing works
Clearing 2025 opens on 5 July and closes on 20 October
Every year thousands of students find their ideal undergraduate course through Clearing. Clearing matches students who are looking for a different course or university from their original choice, or who are applying for the very first time after 30 June, to courses that universities still have places on.
The majority of people apply through Clearing once they receive their exam results on A level / T level results day (14 August 2025).
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025
Yes, we welcome Clearing applications from international students and you can apply in exactly the same way as UK students do.
The majority of UK students apply through Clearing once they receive their A level / T level results in August, so as an international student if you already have your exam results you can apply when Clearing opens on 5 July.
Make sure that you have time to get your visa, funding, and English language certification sorted out before the beginning of term.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office for advice.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8087
Entry requirements
Computing with Foundation Year entry requirements
Please note this course isn't currently open to EU or International students
Typical offers
- 32 tariff points at A level, or equivalent.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
This degree will prepare you to climb the career ladder in any sector that appeals to you and will open doors to a wide variety of careers in the business world. You’ll graduate with the skills to start a successful career in any commercial arena, or even start your own business.
Previous graduates have secured various jobs such as:
- AI and Machine Learning Engineer
- Applications Developer
- Data Analyst
- Research and Development (R&D) Scientist
- Systems Analyst and developer
Our graduates have gone on to work for some of today’s best-known organisations, including:
- Aviva
- BAE Systems
- BT
- Capita
- DQ Global
- Honeywell/Trend Controls
- MASS
- NHS
- Penningtons Manches Cooper
- Servicenow
Modules
What you'll study
Core modules
All of the modules during this year are core modules.
You will gain knowledge of computer systems, including operating systems, storage technologies, and communication networks, while examining advancements in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Cybersecurity. Through practical applications, you will learn to solve problems using algorithms, data representation, and introductory programming concepts, equipping you with a solid understanding of modern computing technologies and their transformative potential.
You will be introduced to leadership techniques you can use to motivate others and to provide constructive feedback. You will learn to make use of creative thinking to tackle real-world challenges and to communicate professionally while taking account of diverse perspectives. The interactive workshops include group simulation activities where you will work collaboratively over several weeks to address challenges or problems. Following the activity, you will give and receive feedback on how you managed the tasks. You will also reflect on your own learning and the feedback you provide to others, a skill that will help you to be a valuable team player throughout your degree and beyond.
You will learn programming fundamentals, including syntax, variables, data types, control structures, functions, and basic data structures like arrays. Emphasis is placed on debugging, testing, and algorithm development through pseudocode and flowcharts. The module also introduces web design, covering HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript to create functional and interactive web pages. By the end of the module, you will be able to develop small programs, design multimedia-enhanced web pages, and build interactive web applications with responsive and accessible features.
You will explore problem-solving methods by creating algorithms, flowcharts, and logical statements, while utilizing mathematical tools such as graphs, sets, and matrices to represent and solve computational challenges. The module also highlights the importance of error detection and encryption in maintaining data accuracy and security, providing a strong mathematical framework for understanding and addressing computational problems.
You'll learn about and practice some coaching techniques and skills to manage your time and priorities effectively, while reflecting on your strengths, values, and goals to build your professional identity. You will explore concepts like emotional intelligence, resilience and cultural awareness. Through engaging workshops including discussions, group and individual activities, quizzes and surveys, you will learn about evidence-based ways to navigate ethical dilemmas, considering diverse perspectives, and to present your ideas confidently. You will practice different presentation techniques to improve your communication strategies, both in-person and online.
This module focuses on essential academic and professional skills in sourcing, analysing, and presenting information. Through practical, interactive workshops, and by exploring topics that interest you, you will learn to identify credible sources, evaluate arguments, and consider the advantages and limitations of AI and other digital tools while upholding academic integrity. You will practice using numerical data and writing clear, audience-specific written communication. You will also reflect on the insights gained through writing drafts and acting on the feedback you receive on your work.
The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 will depend on which degree you move onto at the end of year 1.
Bachelor's degrees you could progress onto:
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
Please note this foundation year isn't currently open to EU or International students
To start this course in September 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I109
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To apply directly, use our online application form:
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To apply directly, use our online application form:
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.