Overview

The Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering is offered as an entry route to a computing or design engineering degree for students who don't yet meet the entry requirements for degree-level study. You enrol on a four-year course, which includes the one-year foundation course.

Why study the Foundation Year in Computing and Engineering* at Middlesex University?

During the foundation year you will learn how computers are used by a broad range of people and organisations as well as acquiring fundamental software development skills and knowledge of hardware. You also gain relevant mathematical and statistical skills and develop useful communication skills.

If you complete this year successfully you progress directly onto any one of our three-year degree courses. The number of students who progress to degree study are very high and in fact have gone on to become some of our most successful graduates.

The foundation year is for you if:

• you do not have the right qualifications for a full degree
• you feel you are not yet ready for degree-level study
• you are returning to study and feel you need some help to get up to speed with the demands of learning before embarking on a degree.

Careers

How can the Foundation Year in Computing or Design Engineering support your career?

A computing degree prepares you for a wide range of varied careers. As a graduate you will have excellent career prospects and the range of potential employers will be vast across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. There is also the potential to work as a self employed director of your own business.

Our careers service offers you a range of support both while you're studying with us – and after you've graduated. Below are just a few career opportunities that would be open to you as a graduate:

IT Project Manager
An IT project manager specialises in information technology but also in sectors unrelated to IT that rely on IT systems. Their role is to manage the development and implementation of plans to meet business needs and the change control procedures to ensure a smooth transition during the implementation period.

Network Engineer
A network engineer is responsible for installing, maintaining and supporting computer communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. Their goal is to ensure the smooth operation of communication networks in order to provide maximum performance and availability for their users (staff, clients, customers, suppliers, etc).

Systems Designer
A Systems Designer develops and implements information systems in sectors as diverse as finance, communications and retail. The role can involve working on all elements of the system including hardware, software, installation and maintenance. There are a range of opportunities in this increasingly varied industry.

Forensic Computer Analyst/Scientist
A Forensic Computer Analyst investigates computer-based crime, such as hacking, online scams and fraud, terrorist communications or theft of sensitive company information. They gather evidence and use it to build a case against suspected individuals or criminal networks. Forensic Computer analysts often work with the police or are police officers with specialist training.