Course outline

The aim of this programme is to provide a theoretical and applied knowledge and skills required at foundation level. In completing the programme, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of research methods and methodologies, critical and creative thinking, management, decision-making, ICT and analytical skills in the production of written and oral assignments, to develop the prescribed level of inter-disciplinary language competence. Students will examine a range of research approaches, techniques and methodologies, and manage their personal development enhancing their intellectual and practical skills, which build a set of transferable skills as appropriate for continuing at the undergraduate level.

The Programme will be delivered using a combination of Lectures/Labs/Tutorials/Self-directed study:

Lecture

• Purpose: To deliver basic module material. 
• Structure: Each module has 4 hours contact time per week which is normally delivered in 2 hour blocks. No period of contact should exceed fifty (50) minutes at one time without a minimum of a ten (10) minute break.

Lab

• Purpose: Lab sessions provide a forum in which students can practice their practical skills. 
• Structure: Each lab is normally of two hours in duration whilst breaks are to be provided at the discretion of the lecturer. No period of contact should exceed fifty (50) minutes at one time without a minimum of a ten (10) minute break.

Tutorial

• Structure: Sessions are normally conducted according to preparation for specific topics and provide a collegiate atmosphere to encourage students to interact with class members building their class, or ‘team’, knowledge and skills. For each module there is one hour a week tutorial session.

Self-directed study

Each student is expected to undertake a minimum number of hours in individual study per week in order to support and build the skills, knowledge and understanding presented in each lecture and small group tutorial session per week. It is expected that students will increase the number of individual study hours as they approach formal assessment events. The ability for students to expand their learning by creating effective self-directed study patterns is a transferable skill deemed fundamental to further academic success as well as a key time-management tool. Formative assessment is a key aspect of the programme and is varied to ensure that a student has a variety of learning opportunities. This will include: individual and group formative assessment methods: presentations, individual and group work; and peer review. All students are provided with access to a range of on line resources through the student portal. Electronic journals and electronic books are available through the Brunel University e-resources gateway. There will be a focus of using freely available tools and benefiting from the resources available on the internet to support learning. Guest speakers from relevant industries will provide additional perspectives for students.

Our Fast Track programme will enable you to complete your foundation course at Brunel University London Pathway College and degree at Brunel University London in three years, instead of four.

The Fast track programme will enable you to complete your foundation course at Brunel University London Pathway College and degree at Brunel University London in 3 years. Start in May 2022 to complete your fast track degree in 3 years (instead of 4).

This pathway leads to the following Brunel University London degrees:

• Business Computing BSc (Hons)
• Business Computing (eBusiness) BSc (Hons)
• Business Computing (Human Comp. Interaction) BSc (Hons)
• Business Computing (Social Media) BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science (Digital Media and Games) BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science (Network Computing) BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science (Software Engineering) BSc (Hons)

Careers and your future

During your computer science degree, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare you to enter the fast-paced computing industry. Our computer science graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. With the ability to handle the increasing demands of scientific, technological and commercial development in the 21st century, you’ll be in high demand with the wide-ranging companies including, Accenture, Toshiba, British Airways and O2.

You might start out as a general analyst or programmer, or join a consultancy firm. These are often the first steps towards setting up your own business. Recent graduates have gone on to work for household names including Microsoft, IBM and Toshiba.