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.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
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.
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
2026/7 entry
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.
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 and above are also required, to include Maths and English Language.
Standard Offer: CCD
Contextual Offer: CDD
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: MMM
Contextual Offer: MMP
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: MM in any subject with A level grade D
Contextual Offer: MP in any subject with A level grade C
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Merit in any subject with A level grade CD
Contextual Offer: Merit in any subject with A level grade DD
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 26 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
Contextual Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 25 points. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 2 or HL 2
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Obtain a minimum of 88 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma course with 45 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma course with 45 credits at Level 3
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Pass (C or above on the core)
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll 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
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
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
2026/27 entry
UK
£9,790 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£17,400 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 £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
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
Assessment and feedback
The ratio of exams to coursework is approximately 60:40. Coursework consists of mainly of short tests and project work.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.