Overview
Ranked no.4 in London for student satisfaction in mathematics by The Complete University Guide 2024.
Our foundation year course is designed to help you progress to a challenging and exciting career in computing or mathematics. Our carefully designed curriculum is particularly suitable for those who want to change direction, perhaps having taken A-levels in arts or humanities subjects, and for mature applicants returning to study. You will quickly find that willingness to learn and determination is more important than prior knowledge.
At Brunel we understand that you may not be ready to decide exactly which area of mathematics or computing you would like to specialise in, so this foundation year gives you the perfect opportunity to decide where your interests lie. You might opt for computer science and work with ever more sophisticated computer technology and information systems. Or you may find yourself drawn to mathematics where you’ll learn to model and solve problems from the worlds of business, finance and science. Once you have successfully completed your foundation year you can progress to any of the following degree programmes:
- Business Computing BSc (with the option to specialise in eBusiness, Human Computer Interaction or Social Media)
- Computer Science BSc (with the option to specialise in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Media and Games, Network Computing or Software Engineering)
- Financial Mathematics BSc
- Mathematics BSc
- Mathematics with Computer Science BSc
- Mathematics for Data Science BSc
With the grades needed for your chosen computing or mathematics degree course, you progress directly into Level 1 of that degree – there’s no need to re-apply.
We look forward to helping you develop your learning and setting you firmly on the way to your chosen career.
Course content
The foundation year covers material that would usually have been covered in A-level mathematics and ICT, so that you’ll be well equipped to begin a BSc programme in any of our mathematics or computing courses.
Computing Route
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Computing
- Programming
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Study Skills
- Discrete and Decision Mathematics
Optional Modules
- Algebra A or Algebra B (depending on mathematical knowledge)
Mathematics Route
Compulsory modules
- Calculus
- Statistics
- Discrete and Decision Mathematics
- Study Skills
Optional Modules
- Algebra A or Algebra B (depending on mathematical knowledge)
- All students take either Introduction to Computing or Introduction to Finance and Accounting for Business
Compulsory
- Study Skills
- Discrete and Decision MathematicsThe aim of this module is to give a sound foundation in logic, numbers and sets, graphs and linear programming.
- Introduction to ComputingThis module aims to develop a sound foundation in the way that computers operate and can be used to facilitate a variety of tasks and operations.
- ProgrammingThis module aims to give a sound foundation in the way that computers can be used to solve various types of problems.
- Introduction to Artificial IntelligenceThis module aims to provide students with basic understanding of concepts and principles for modeling and solving complex problems using artificial intelligence technique
Optional
- Algebra A
- Algebra B
- Introduction to ComputingThis module aims to develop a sound foundation in the way that computers operate and can be used to facilitate a variety of tasks and operations.
- Introduction to Finance and Accounting for Business
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This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
Career prospects for mathematics and computer science are excellent. As nearly all businesses today rely on computers, you’ll find that there are opportunities across all of the sectors in large organisations, the public or charity sector or in SMEs. Maybe you want to pursue a career that specifically uses your mathematical, statistical or computing skills or choose a more general career such as management or consultancy. Either way you’ll possess key skills that are highly sought after by business – in fact any industry that uses modelling, simulation, cryptography, forecasting, statistics, risk analysis and probability.
Our combination of work experience and up-to-date teaching means that you will be well-equipped to follow the career you want after graduation.
These are some of the areas where a maths degree is valued highly:
- Finance: banking, accountancy, actuarial, tax, underwriter, pensions, insurance
- Medicine: medical statistics, medical and epidemiological research, pharmaceutical research
- Design: engineering design, computer games
- Science: biotechnology, meteorology, oceanography, pure and applied research and development
- Civil Service: scientists (‘Fast Stream’, DSTL, DESG), GCHQ, security service, statisticians
- Business: logistics, financial analysis, marketing, market research, sales oil industry, management consultancy, operational research
- IT: Systems analysis, research
- Engineering: aerospace, building design, transport planning, telecommunications, surveying
UK entry requirements
2024/25 entry
- GCE A-level CCC-CDD.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma MMP.
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma MP in any subject with an A-Level at grade C.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma M in any subject with A-Levels grade DD.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 25 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
- Obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at level 3.
- T levels : Pass (C or above on the core) .
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 and above are also required, to include Maths and English Language.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
- BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£21,260 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Lectures will primarily be delivered in-person on-campus, though some may be delivered online either as pre-recorded or live sessions. The expectation is that you will attend all timetabled on-campus lectures, and that online lectures will be viewed by you in advance of related on-campus activities.
Tutorials & discussion-based sessions will primarily be delivered in-person on campus, though some may be delivered online in order to supplement on-campus learning. You will attend all timetabled on-campus or online tutorials.
Computing Labs will primarily be delivered in-person on campus, though some may be delivered online in order to supplement on-campus learning. The expectation is that you will attend all timetabled on-campus or online computing labs and be provided with access to the specialised software required.
Support/resources: Learning materials for every module will be made available online, through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Assessments will be varied, and may include: CAA (computer aided assessment) tests, written coursework assessments (including software tasks), presentations (in-person or video presentations) and written examinations. You will be expected to attend assessments in-person on campus.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Mathematics at Brunel has an active and dynamic research centre and many of our lecturers are widely published and highly recognised in their fields. Their work is frequently supported by external grants and contracts with leading industry and government establishments. Lecturers are consequently at the frontiers of the subject and in active contact with modern users of mathematics. This means that you can be assured that our academics are teaching you a truly up-to-date degree and you’ll benefit from a wide range of expertise across the different areas of mathematics.
Your academics are always here to help and offer support. There are maths and numeracy workshops run throughout the year where you can seek support in linear algebra, complex calculus, LaTeX, MATLAB and more. You’ll also benefit from the extra support offered to you at our Maths Café. Here you can bring along any maths-related questions and receive one-to-one help in an informal setting.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
The ratio of exams to coursework is approximately 60:40. Coursework consists of mainly of short tests and project work.