Foundation Pathways in Technology

Summary

Foundation Pathways in Technology is a suite of highly successful programmes with an integrated foundation year. These programmes are ideally suited for students who would like to obtain a degree in computing, engineering, mathematics or statistics, but have not got the right qualifications for direct entry.

The Foundation programmes provide the core skills for your discipline (mathematics, science, computing, statistics etc.) to prepare you for the rest of your degree. We currently offer the following programmes.

Computing Pathway

Engineering Pathway

Mathematics and Statistics Pathway

BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics with Foundation Year

Progression

Students who successfully complete the foundation year at the appropriate level (50% for BSc and BEng titles) can progress directly onto stage 1 of their degrees. Alternatively, students can transfer to other degree titles within the same discipline (MEng titles will require a 60% pass rate).

What the students say

Arriving as an international student from Nigeria, I enrolled on the Computer Systems and Networks course in 2003, upon completion of a one-year foundation course in Technology in 2002.

Overall, I would say a First Class Degree in Computer Systems and Networks at the University of Plymouth, in addition to a very good work placement position at Accenture UK, has set me on a path of success.

I currently work for 'Research In Motion', makers of the popular wireless mobile devices, BlackBerry, as an Information Security Architect, responsible for designing and developing secure IT systems.

Opeyemi Ore

BSc (Hons) Computer Systems and Networks

Learning and Support

This is a full-time programme with approximately 18 hours per week contact time. Assessment is in the form of coursework assignments and in-class-tests. There are no end of year examinations Our aim is to get you up and running in a university environment. Many of our students have gone on to do very well in their chosen degree programmes. Continual assessment, a friendly environment and helpful committed staff will ensure that you can succeed on Foundation Pathways. The following booklet will help you prepare for your studies on the foundation year.

Career Opportunities

This one year course will let you start the degree in computing, mathematics, statistics or any field of engineering that you may have dreamed of. These exciting courses open many excellent career possibilities.

What the students say

As an international student I was advised to take a foundation course prior to a degree. The mathematical modules in the course prepared me for the degree I finally chose which was the BSc (Hons) in Applied Statistics with Management Science.

I found the statistical modules very interesting, as they were linked to real-life problems, and a variety of computer programmes were used to solve them.

I now work for the Bahrain Telecommunications Company as a Pricing Analyst, applying my statistical background to practical problems.

Maha Abdul-Rahman

BSc (Hons) Applied Statistics with Management Science

What the students say

To get onto an engineering degree course I needed to boost my qualifications and skills. The Foundation Pathways course was great - the work was well explained and at a manageable pace setting me up to be more than ready for the degree course.

The Electrical, Civil and Mechanical Engineering options of the Foundation course also helped me make an informed decision about which engineering discipline I preferred.

I am now working as an Engineer for the leading manufacturer of mechanical seals. My work involves designing and testing products using all aspects of my degree.

Alex Hobson

BSc (Hons) Mechanical Design and Manufacture

What the students say

I worked as a machinist/fitter prior to joining the Foundation Pathways in Technology. The course gave me confidence to tackle the BEng (Hons) degree course and helped me to achieve useful qualifications and skills, which I draw upon today as an Electronics Design Engineer.

I am currently working for a leading Surgical Robotics company responsible for three surgical robot design projects and hope to attain Chartered Status very soon.

Richard Curson

BEng (Hons) Robotics and Automated Systems