Foundation Year Computing

Program Overview

The Goldsmiths Foundation Year in Computing prepares students with no prior coding knowledge for undergraduate computing programs. It focuses on developing programming, problem-solving, and mathematical skills through practical work in real-world settings. The program also explores the interdisciplinary nature of computing, and upon completion, students can progress to various undergraduate degrees in computing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: Prepare students without the necessary academic profile for direct entry into undergraduate computing programs.
• Focus: Develop undergraduate academic skills, teach the foundations of programming, problem solving, and mathematics.
• Teaching Approach: Practical work in real-world settings to develop technical and interpersonal skills.
• No prior coding knowledge required.

• Interdisciplinary approach: Explores how computing interacts with the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• Progression: Upon successful completion, students can progress to BSc Computer Science, BSc Business Computing (Entrepreneurship), or BSc Creative Computing.

Outline:

• Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (Foundation Year) followed by 3 years full-time (undergraduate degree)
• Content:

• Work on practical examples of computing applications.

• Develop simple software programs with increasing complexity.

• Develop mathematical and problem-solving skills.

• Enhance general study skills.

• Modules:
• Studying Computers (30 credits)
• Foundations of Problem Solving (30 credits)
• Foundations of Programming (30 credits)
• Foundations of Mathematics for Computing (30 credits)
• Teaching Methods: Lectures, tutorials, workshops, laboratory sessions, independent study.
• Assessment: Coursework, examinations, group work, projects.

Assessment:

• Assessed by various methods depending on the module.
• Methods include coursework, examinations, group work, and projects.

Teaching:

• Mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and laboratory sessions.
• Significant amount of independent study required.
• Faculty: Betty Fyn-Sydney (Associate Lecturer) and potentially others.
• Unique approach:
• Interdisciplinary focus on computing and its interactions with other fields.
• Strong emphasis on practical work in real-world scenarios.

Careers:

• Numerous career paths available due to the growing use of technology in business and commerce.
• IT sector offers high salaries and job opportunities.
• Potential career paths for graduates include:
• Application programmer
• Mobile app developer
• Web developer
• Video game developer
• Film special effects and post-production
• Computer music/sound engineer
• Interface designer
• Systems analyst
• Database manager
• Employers include:
• FDM Academy
• HepcoMotion
• Jigsaw Systems Ltd
• KCom
• Many graduates pursue careers and use digital methods not yet imagined.

Other:

• Program includes access to cutting-edge facilities including a VR lab and specialized computer suites.
• Optional Industrial Placement Year available between the second and third year of study.
• Goldsmiths Careers Service provides support.
• International students require an IELTS score of 6.0 with no element lower than 5.5.
• Yearly tuition fees for 2024/2025 academic year:
• Home students - full-time: £9250, part-time: £4625
• International students - full-time: £20160
• Additional costs include stationery, photocopying, and program-specific expenses.
• Specific start dates for the program.
• Comprehensive list of potential career paths and employers.

Summary

The Goldsmiths Foundation Year in Computing provides students with a strong foundation for pursuing undergraduate studies in the field. The program emphasizes a practical approach, interdisciplinary learning, and career preparation.

Annual tuition fees: Home - full-time: £9250 Home - part-time: £4625 International - full-time: £20160