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International Foundation Programme - Computing

International Foundation Programme - Computing

12, 9 or 6 months

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Overview

The International Foundation Programme in Computing is ideal if you are looking to study a computing-related undergraduate degree.

The combination of modules will enable you to develop key skills and understanding in language, study skills, critical thinking and a good understanding of knowledge relevant to Computing.

Key facts

  • Learn the skills you need to succeed in your undergraduate science degree
  • Develop your awareness of academic culture in the UK as you integrate into student life within a UK university
  • Upon successfully completing your International Foundation Programme you will be guaranteed a place on a computing-based undergraduate degree at Northumbria University
  • Progress onto courses in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Networks and IT for Business
About this course

What will I study?

The International Foundation Programme supports your integration to UK study by providing you with an opportunity to explore the style and strengths of the British approach to teaching and learning.

The modules are designed to develop your English language, academic listening and reading capabilities, your ability to interpret your findings and present to your peers and tutor – specific to the requirements of undergraduate degrees in Computing.

As a Northumbria Graduate, development of these skills will be core both at foundation level and throughout your undergraduate degree

Study plan

IELTS Oct-Dec Jan-Mar Mar-Jun July-Aug Sept
4.5 International Foundation Programme – Computing
(12 month)		 Start your undergraduate degree at Northumbria University
5.0 International Foundation Programme – Computing
(9 month)		 Summer break
5.0   International Foundation Programme – Computing
(9 month)
5.5     International Foundation Programme – Computing
(6 month)
  

Teaching and Assessment

  • 16-18 hours per week in seminars, lectures, workshops, labs and tutorials
  • 20 – 22 hours independent study – total of a max of 40 hours per week overall study time
  • Assessment: Portfolio tasks, written coursework, examinations
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Upon successful completion and subject to specific entry requirements, you can go on to study a range of business undergraduate degrees at Northumbria University.

To progress and be eligible for entry onto our undergraduate degree programmes you must achieve at least 40% in your International Foundation Programme.

Please note that our undergraduate degrees are currently being reviewed, however, we have previously offered the opportunity for students to progress on to the following courses:

Your progression course
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence*
BSc (Hons) Data Science*
BSc (Hons) Games Computing*
BSc (Hons) Networks and Cyber Security*
BSc (Hons) Business Computing*

*Available from September 2023.

If you would like to progress on to a degree in Art, Design and Media; Engineering, Science, English Language, Law, Media Production, Psychology, Sport, politics and social science subjects, please see our alternative pathway programmes:

Upon successfully passing your programme you will receive a Foundation Diploma in International English for Academic Communication which some other universities may also accept as an entry qualification.

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Academic requirements

  • GCSE/iGCSE – 5 passes at A-C

We welcome applications from students who have obtained good grades in their upper secondary education.

We also now accept the following:

  • China – Successful completion of Senior Middle School 2 with a minimum average of 70% or higher, or successful completion of Senior Middle School 3 with a minimum average of 60% or higher
  • India – Standard 11 with 55%, Standard 12 with 50%.
  • Malaysia – SPM Malaysia School Certificate, Forecast results accepted – UEC pass grades also accepted.
  • Senegal – Baccalaureate/Baccalaureat Technique 10/20

Depending on your chosen degree course, specific subject requirements may apply. Our team will be able to help confirm the details for you.

For other country-specific entry requirements, please check our Entry Requirements. Alternatively, please contact our team who will be able to help you.

English language requirements

There are multiple entry levels to the International Foundation Programme depending on your IELTS level:

  • 4.5 with no single sub score below 4.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 12-month programme
  • 5.0 with no single sub score below 4.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 9-month programme
  • 5.5 with no single sub score below 5.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre will study the 6-month programme

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Age requirements

You must be over 16 years old

If you are under 18 at the start of the International Foundation Programme, you will need to include with your application a signed consent form by your parent or legal guardian. You can find a copy of this on our How to Apply page.

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All modules are core and worth 20 credits unless specified.

12 and 9 month IFP students only

Term of study will depend on entry point. Students on the 12 month IFP will have 2 periods of this module. 9 month IPF students will have 1 period.

Learn about UK Higher Education culture, and develop the skills to help you thrive at university.

  • Learnt through a number of ways including onsite communicative and task-based learning
  • Develop English language skills to study at university more proactively and independently
  • Explore subject specialisms and the International Foundation Programme as a whole

 

 

Students on the 12-month International Foundation Programme will study 2-terms of this module.

All students will study the following modules:

Gain the skills you need to become an independent language learner. Take responsibility for your own language learning, and gain the habits of continuous learning which you will need on your undergraduate program.

  • Develop communicative abilities in English
  • Gain language ability across the main skills of English (speaking, listening, reading and writing)
  • Grammatical knowledge and accuracy in English
  • Vocabulary and fluency in English

Explore the skills that are necessary for preparing you for studying at university and starting your journey into employment.

  • Learn through targeted activities that will help you maximise your presence within both a university context and the wider workplace
  • Develop project management skills include working with others, delegation, participation and reflecting on approaches taken

Explore broad range of essential study skills such as research and working with sources and use of digital tools.

  • Acquire the academic literacy and language skills you need to succeed at university
  • Learn writing and presentation skills, and reflection and action planning

Study the basics of web technologies and how they support the needs of modern organisations.

  • Explore the security related problems that information systems can create for organisations
  • Engage in analysing case studies to enhance your understanding of the benefits and problems of information systems for organisations
  • Understand the basics of web design and web evaluation and the implementation of information systems within an organisation
  • Implement a web evaluation technique on ecommerce websites

This module is designed to prepare you with the fundamentals of a range of industry standard software to practically navigate your way in this ever expanding digital world.

  • Explore new technology and concepts to communicate and how to use these to reach potential clients, businesses and organisations
  • Learn the digital skills to increase your capacity for creative, innovative and original thought
  • Broaden your digital literacy and uncover your digital potential

This module will equip you with vital knowledge of computing that will enable you to succeed in your studies at Northumbria University.

  • Explore some of the latest technologies underlying the Internet of things
  • Find your own solutions to some of the classic problems of computing and develop your key problem-solving skills
  • Using some of the latest educational tools you wrangle your own code

Carry out a project in your subject-specific area and will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to complete your project successfully.

  • Develop the skills such as time management and research skills
  • Explore the essential steps in the project life cycle and have the opportunity to evaluate and reflect on your (and your fellow students’) progress throughout the project work
  • Gain academic research skills and develop your ability to critically appraise and organise material
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The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2023/24. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

Tuition fee 2023/24

  • IELTS 4.5 will study the 12-month programme: £20,500
  • IELTS 5.0 will study the 9-month programme: £16,500
  • IELTS 5.5 will study the 6-month programme: £11,000

Access to a laptop/PC with a microphone, speakers, webcam and a reliable internet connect is required for accessing your live online sessions.

Included in your Tuition Fees
Academic Support, including the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) Team 
Careers and Employment Service
Class hours (lectures, seminars and tutorials)
Facilities (computers, on-campus wi-fi, printers, vending machines) 
Library resources, including a large online catalogue of books, journals and other more
Online resources 
Social spaces (quiet study spaces, multi-faith rooms and spaces to socialise) 
Student Support (Welfare Team, Finance Team and more) 

Tuition fees do not include the cost of course books you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing, photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities.

We recommend you allow an additional £300 per annum to buy some of the course texts.

Scholarships and bursaries for international students

Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying this programme.

All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.

Scholarships and bursaries

How to find out more

Enquire now to find out more information about the International Foundation Programme, studying with us, the application process, and to have any other questions you have.

Enquire now

How to apply

When you are ready you can apply online to study the International Foundation Programme – Computing. Applying online allows you to upload all of your supporting documents and you will automatically receive your student application number.

October January March
12 month Apply for October 2023 Not available Not available
9 month Apply for October 2023 Apply for January 2024 Not available
6 month Not available Not available Apply for March 2024

Information for disabled applicants

At Northumbria, we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. After receiving your offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa (if required) and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol on to your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Course information

Level of study:
Foundation - NQF Level 3
Fee:
International Fee:
£20,500 (12 months) £16,500 (9 months) £11,000 (6 months)
Leads to:
Undergraduate degrees in Computing
Entry requirements:
5 GCSE/iGCSE passes at grade A-C, or equivalent
IELTS requirements:
From IELTS 4.5 with no single element below 4.0, or equivalent, from a UKVI Approved centre
Duration:
12, 9 or 6 months
Class hours per week:
16-18
Average class size:
18
Assessment methods:
Coursework - portfolios, presentations, essays and in-class tests
Scholarship or bursaries:
Available
Payment plan:
Not available
Starts:
January, March, October
Next application deadline
testimonial image
testimonial image

“The International Foundation Programme is very supportive and will enable me to progress on to my chosen undergraduate degree. I have chosen to study a Computer Science degree because I’m very interested in the sector and there are loads of job opportunities back in my home country; Bangladesh.”

Aksar Ahmed Bahar
International Foundation Programme

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