Overview
Computer Science with an International Foundation Year is a one-year course designed for high-calibre international students who have successfully completed 12 years of school education, and therefore need an extra year of study for UK undergraduate study.
Special emphasis is placed on subject-specific tuition to prepare students for their chosen degree course, as well as developing the study skills needed for success in an independent learning environment.
Computer Science with an International Foundation Year enables entry on to any of the Computer Science courses offered by Loughborough University, provided the relevant progression criteria are met.
Our foundation course is taught in-house by University staff. As a student on the course you will be a full member the University, with the same access to the Students’ Union, clubs, societies, sports facilities and support departments.
As a student on the International Foundation Programme you will receive high quality teaching from renowned Loughborough University academics, and be supported throughout your studies by an academic tutor. During the year you will undertake modules in Applicable Mathematics, Programming and English Language, and choices from a range of subject areas including Physics, Economics and Sport Science.
Loughborough international foundation programme is very competitive and is aimed at academically able international students. See the details of the typical entry requirements, listed by country.
Why you should choose us
What you'll study
* Note. Students who meet the required English Language requirements for Computer Science will be exempt from taking English Language modules as part of the Foundation Year, pending confirmation from their School/Department. They would instead take another academic subject option (Biology, Business or Materials with Engineering Science). For subsequent undergraduate course modules, see individual course pages.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.
English Language
Applicable Mathematics
Programming
Electronics
Design
Physics
Sport Science
Economics
How you'll be assessed
Foundation modules are assessed by a combination of written exams and / or coursework assignments. Some modules are continually assessed throughout the year.
Typical coursework assignments include: laboratory reports, essays, poster presentations, assessed tutorials, workshops and peer review (review fellow students’ performance).
It is expected that for every hour you are in a structured class, you should spend two hours of your own time researching, writing up, learning work or doing set questions etc.
How you'll study
Elite athlete pathway available
The Foundation Studies course also offers the opportunity for students performing at a very high standard in their chosen sport, who wish to study at Loughborough, but do not have the required qualifications due to sporting commitments.
It is ideal for students who wish to combine their sports training with academic study. If you think your sport profile qualifies you to be considered for the elite athletes programme, please contact performancesport@lboro.ac.uk before applying.
International Programme
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one-year course designed for high-calibre international students who have successfully completed 12 years of school education, and therefore need an extra year of study for UK undergraduate study.
A mixture of subject-specific modules, classes in academic English language and study skills and one-to-one tutorials prepares students for university study.
Where you'll study
As a student at Loughborough University, you'll have access to a wide range of first-class facilities across campus.
STEMLab is a state-of-the-art laboratory facility which opened in 2017. It forms part of a wider £25M investment in the West Park of our campus, the home of our Engineering Schools, which includes an adjacent student learning and teaching hub which the foundation students may use depending on module choice.
Typical offers
To learn more about the qualifications we typically accept, please select your country from the drop-down menu below.
Typical offers for United Kingdom
- A-Level
-
BBB - CCC
- IB
-
32 - 28 points overall
- BTEC
-
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD - DDM
- GCSE
-
A minimum of 5 GCSEs grades A to C (7 - 4) are normally required. Minimum grade B/6 in Maths
The typical offers and subject requirements for each course should be read alongside the University’s general entry requirements which give further details on acceptable subjects, alternative UK and international qualifications and minimum English language requirements.
Not usually available to applicants who have taken A-Level Mathematics.
Preferred subjects
BTEC - IT or Electrical Engineering preferred
Selection
This course is designed for high-calibre international students who have successfully completed 12 years of school education, and therefore need an extra year of study for UK undergraduate study or international students who have not studied the pre-requisite subjects needed for first year entry. Offers will not normally be made to those who apply simply because their A-level grades/predictions are below the requirements for direct entry to the degree course.
International students who are eligible for this course include:
- Those wishing to study a degree without the appropriate background
- Students performing at a very high standard in a chosen sport, who wish to study at Loughborough, but do not have the required qualifications due to sporting commitments*
- Mature students returning to education
- Those who did not meet their expected entrance requirements due to illness or other adverse situations
- Students with alternative backgrounds and qualifications
Applications are treated on a case by case basis and a number of other personal situations may also be considered. If applicants are made an offer of a place they will be invited to visit the department, meet staff and students, see facilities and get an insight into what it is like to be a student at Loughborough.
* If you think your sport profile qualifies you to be considered for the elite athletes programme, please contact performancesport@lboro.ac.uk before applying.
Afghanistan
- Baccalauria
80% overall average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 Overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test
Albania
- Diplomë e Maturës Shtetërore
8.0 average from the best 4 subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 Overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test
Algeria
- Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement Secondaire
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Angola
- Ensino Geral Certificado de Habilitações / Certificado de Habilitações
16.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Argentina
- Título de Bachiller
8.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Australia
Students with Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or Overall Position (OP) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Austria
Students with Austrian Reifeprüfung (Matura) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Azerbaijan
- Attestat (General Secondary Education Certificate)
4.5/5.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Bahrain
- Tawjahiya (Secondary School Certificate)
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Bangladesh
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
3.8 overall GPA
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Belarus
- Atestat (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
4.5/5.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Belgium
Students with Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) and Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs (DSO) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Bolivia
- Diploma de Bachiller Cientifico-Humanistico
80% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Brazil
- Certificado de Conclusão de Ensino Médio
8.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Brunei
Students with A Level or IB qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Bulgaria
Students with Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Cambodia
- Diploma of Upper Secondary Education
BBBBBB from the best 6 subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Cameroon
- Baccalauréat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Canada
Students with grade 12 qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements for different states.
Chile
- Licencia de Educación / Enseñanza Media
6.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
China
- Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate
80% over 2 years
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Colombia
- Bachiller Académico
8.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Croatia
Students with the Croatian Matura (Svjedodžba o Maturi) qualification will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Czech Republic
Students with th Czech Maturita (Vysvědčení o Maturitní Zkoušce) qualification will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Denmark
Students with the Bevis for Studentereksamen (STX) qualification will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Djibouti
- Baccalauréat Général
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Dominican Republic
- Bachillerato
80% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Ecuador
- Título de Bachiller en Ciencias
8.00 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Egypt
- Thanaweya A’ama (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Eritrea
- Eritrean Secondary Education Certificate Examination (ESECE)
75% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Estonia
Students with Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Ethiopia
- University Entrance Examination Certificate
595 out of 700
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
European Baccalaureate
Students with European Baccalaureate qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Fiji
- Year 13 Certificate
280 aggregate mark from 4 subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Finland
Students with Ylioppilastutkinto / Studentexamen qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
France
Students with French Baccalaureat qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Gabon
- Baccalaureat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Germany
Students with Abitur qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Ghana
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)
B3 B3 B3 B3 B3 B3 from the best 6 subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Greece
Students with Greek Apolyterion and Panhellenic Exams qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Haiti
- Diplôme d'Enseignement Secondaire
80% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Honduras
- Título de Bachiller Científico Humanista
80% average
- English language
5.5 Overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test
Hong Kong
Students with HKDSE qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Hungary
Students with Hungarian Matura (Érettségi Bizonyítvány) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Iceland
Students with Stúdentspróf qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
India
Students with Standard XII school leaving qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Indonesia
- Ijazah: Sekolah Menengah Atas/Madrasah Aliyah (SMA/MA)
8.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Ireland
Students with Leaving Certificate qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Israel
Students with Bagrut qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Italy
Students with Diploma di Esamo di Stato qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Ivory Coast
- Baccalauréat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Japan
- Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho
4.0 average over 3 years
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Jordan
- Tawjihi (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Kazakhstan
- Certificate of Completed Secondary Education)
4.5 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Kenya
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
63 AGP (B) overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Kosovo
- Diploma for High School Graduation
4.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Kuwait
- Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Latvia
Students with Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Lebanon
- Baccalauréat Général
14.0 overall or 400/560
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Libya
- Secondary Education Certificate
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Lithuania
Students with Brandos Atestatas qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Madagascar
- Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement du Second Degré
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Malaysia
Students with Matrikulasi (Matriculation Certificate) or the Sigjil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysian (STPM) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Mali
- Baccalauréat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Malta
Students with Advanced Matriculation Exam qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Mauritania
- Baccalauréat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Mexico
- Bachillerato General
8.5 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Moldova
- Diplomă de Bacalaureat
8.0 average from 4 subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Morocco
- Diplôme du Baccalauréat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Mozambique
- Certificado de Habilitações Literarias
16.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Netherlands
Students with Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
New Zealand
Students with National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Nigeria
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) / National Examinations Council (NECO)
B3 B3 B3 B3 B3 B3 from the best 6 subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Norway
Students with Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Oman
- General Education Diploma/Thanawiya Amma
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Pakistan
- Intermediate/Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC)
70% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Paraguay
- Título de Bachillerato Científico
8.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Peru
- Certificado de Educación Secundaria Común Completa
16.0 average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Philippines
- High School Diploma (Grade 12 Academic Track)
Grade B average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Poland
Students with Matura qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Portugal
Students with Diploma de Ensino Secundário qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Qatar
- Senior School Certificate/Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama
85%
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Romania
Students with Diploma de Bacalaureat qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Russia
- Certificate of Secondary Complete General Education
4.5 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Saudi Arabia
- Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate/GSEC)
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Senegal
- Baccalauréat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Singapore
Students with Singapore A Levels qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Slovakia
Students with Matura (Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Slovenia
Students with Maturitetno Spričevalo qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
South Africa
Students with National Senior Certificate (NSC) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
South Korea
- Ilbankye Kodung Hakkyo (High School Diploma)
70% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Spain
Students with Titulo de Bachillerato qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Sri Lanka
Students with A Level or IB qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Sweden
Students with Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Switzerland
Students with Certificat de Maturité or Maturitätsausweis, Attestato di Maturità qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Syria
- General Secondary Certificate/Al Shahâda al-Thânawiyya al-Ämma
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Taiwan
- Senior High School Leaving Certificate
80% in 5 relevant subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Tanzania
Students with Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Thailand
- Certificate of Secondary Education/Maw 6
3.00 Average GPA
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
The Caribbean
Students with Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Tunisia
- Baccalauréat
14.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Turkey
- Lise Diplomasi
70% cumulative GPA after y12
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
If you are taking the Anadolu Lisesi (Anatolian High School Diploma) or Fen Lisesi (Science High School Diploma), please refer to our undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses’
Uganda
Students with A Level or IB qualifications qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses. Please see the undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements.
Ukraine
- Atestat / Svidotstvo pro Povnu Zagal'nu Sersdniu Osvitu
9.0 overall
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
United Arab Emirates
- Tawjihiyya (Secondary School Certificate)
85% average
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
United States of America
- High School Graduation Diploma
3.2 overall GPA
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
If you are taking the High School Diploma alongside either Advanced Placement Exams (from our approved list) or SAT II Subject Specific Tests, please refer to our undergraduate prospectus for specific course requirements for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses.
Vietnam
- Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học
7.5 in the Graduation mark
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
Zambia
- General Certificate of Education
333333 from the best 6 subjects
- English language
IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each part of the test is required.
The University uses contextual data in the admissions process to provide insights into the context in which your academic qualifications have been achieved. This may influence the typical offers listed above.
Tuition fees 2020-21
UK / EU fees
- Full-time course per annum
- £n/a
International fees
- Full-time course per annum
- £18,650
Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by installment.
Additional costs
While the cost of your tuition covers lots of things, it doesn’t cover everything. For instance this course doesn’t cover the cost of any stationary, printing, books or re-assessments which you might need.
