BSc Computing (with integrated Foundation)
- Full-time
- Typical Offers: See 'Entry Requirements' tab below
- UCAS Code: I100
The BSc Computing (including Integrated Foundation year) programme will benefit those individuals who wish to study an undergraduate degree but have non-standard academic qualifications.
Year one will follow the Foundation Pathway programme with the addition of the Access to Computing programme introducing students to key concepts and study skills. This is followed by a pre-university access programme specially designed for Applied Computing. The overall aim is to equip students who have not achieved the minimum entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Computing with the fundamental knowledge and essential skills required for the intensive study of the undergraduate degree programme at Buckingham.
These preparatory modules include mathematics, fundamentals of computing as well as web computing. Students must pass all modules before being allowed on to the BSc Computing degree portion of the programme.
In years two and three students will build on these skills and enhance their knowledge, understanding and practice in core subjects following the BSc Computing programme structure. Throughout the three years, a student will be equipped with the skills to reach their potential in academic studies.
Computing and communications technologies lie at the heart of modern society. They include hardware, software, networks, tools, telecommunications equipment and required standards that provide the technological framework on which the delivery of information services is based. The IT industry is reporting a widening gap in software skills while hard technology is developing and diversifying fast.
The overall aim of this programme is to enable all students to develop their potential so that they can apply what they have learnt to deal with computational problems and develop solutions in a real-world environment. Through studying this programme, students learn how to specify, design, develop and operate efficient and innovative computer-based systems and gain up-to-date knowledge of the relevant computing technologies at an advanced level within a shorter space of time. Graduates of the degree programme will be able to undertake a variety of careers in the IT industry, including programming, systems analysis and design, network and systems management, and technical support. Alternatively, they can advance their careers in research in computing/computer science in academic institutions at Buckingham, other UK universities or universities abroad.
Applicants should have satisfactory completion of grade 12 plus GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above, plus evidence of genuine intellectual capacity. If your first language is not English, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each component).
Please note that the first nine months of this programme constitute the Foundation stage. Students are expected to pass in all the Foundation modules with marks of 60% or more, in order to progress to the second year stage of the course.
UCAS applications
You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form. Our UCAS code is B90.
Mature students
The age range of our student body varies from those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be contacted by Skype, email or phone.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or email: admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.
Terms and conditions for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >
Quality teaching
We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.
High calibre staff
Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.
Teaching methods
Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars, workshops and tutorials. It is enhanced by virtual learning environments, online / stand-alone computer-based teaching, learning packages and software tools.
A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of the University’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.
Many of our Information Systems and Computing courses have supervised practical classes in the computer laboratories in which you can apply and practise the techniques you have learnt in the lectures. These practical sessions are usually two or three hours long. You will also be expected to study on your own, using the library for reading research and the computer laboratories to improve your practical skills.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.
Preparation for work
All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.
What our students say
“Having completed a degree in Computing with Economics, I can say that it was a very enjoyable and worthwhile journey. The combined degree gave me the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of Computing as well as being exposed to the basic concepts and practices of Economics. Completing a degree in 2 years can be very challenging, however, the support that students receive from lecturers, more than made up for it. Staff at the University of Buckingham are very approachable and due to a smaller number of students, the likeliness of their availability is much higher than at other universities. If anyone wants a Computing degree and has any sort of interest in Economics, I strongly recommend picking this combined degree at Buckingham. Having recently graduated, I now look forward to starting a Master’s in Management degree at Warwick Business School.”
Abhiram Adi
BSc Computing with Economics, 2014
“From my arrival at the University of Buckingham, I found my time to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The whole department are all very approachable and friendly, and the support and help received throughout the course has been great. The course itself was challenging and stimulating, and although the 2 year programme can be stressful at times, there is still plenty to do, and time to do it, in Buckingham and the surrounding area.”
Michael Randall
BSc Computing, 2013
“As a Computing student, I was glad that our modules included both essential concepts and some current ones like the Mobile Application Development and Data Mining course modules. The department regularly invites budding entrepreneurs of local businesses or those of others within the UK to present talks and recruit our students. Academics from other universities were invited often to give presentations on their current work. We did not miss out on the presentation action as we got to do more project progress presentation than we may have liked at the time.
“Finally taking the two year Buckingham course has been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Because of the small class size I have been able to communicate with my tutors and lecturers more than I have had to at other institutions previously attended. The two year course here could be very intense. The amount of work especially after the first six months proved to be more than I had realized before signing up but support and encouragement from my personal tutor and other departmental staff was always available. I miss the university already and cannot wait to see some of my friends during graduation.”
Chukwuemeka Eze
BSc Computing, 2013
*The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
The following fee illustrations provide an insight into the cost savings which can be made by studying at the University of Buckingham.
You may also find it useful to visit the following fee-related information on our site:
Discounts
Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:
- 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
- 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham
Scholarships
The University of Buckingham Bursary aims to support students on low incomes or from low income families. The bursary is worth £2000 per year and students receive this as a termly reduction in tuition fees (£500 reduction per term). Read about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Details of other scholarships can be found on our main Bursaries and Scholarships page.
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.
We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.
Apply directly
Apply online via our course pages:
- Most flexible option
- Apply until shortly before the course starts
- No application fees
- You can apply to us as an extra option alongside your UCAS choices
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘apply’ button at the top of the course page.
Apply via UCAS
You can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices:
- You can apply to up to 5 choices
- The application and decision deadlines are set by UCAS
- There is an application fee to UCAS
Our UCAS code is B90. The University will be attending lots of UCAS fairs throughout the year, take a look and see if we’ll be visiting a city near you.
If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.
Help and support
If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.
You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.
Current applicants
If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please email (and make sure you have your application number ready!).