Foundation · 1 Year · 120 Credits · Full-Time · NCC Education (UK)
The Foundation in Higher Education Studies — Computing is a one-year, full-time bridging programme delivered face-to-face on our Brussels campus, designed for students who need to strengthen their academic background or English language skills before continuing their studies. It is built on the NCC Education (UK) Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES), an Ofqual-regulated qualification set at RQF Level 3 — the same regulatory level as A-Levels or a BTEC Level 3 — with 120 credits, 1,200 hours of Total Qualification Time and 672 Guided Learning Hours.
The Computing Pathway (NCC's own name for its Computer-Science-track orientation) combines three core academic-English, mathematics and study-skills units with four Computing Pathway elective units — Introduction to Programming with Python, Further Maths for University Study, Introduction to Computer Science and Digital World — giving students a genuine first taste of undergraduate computing study while closing any gaps in their secondary-education profile or English proficiency. The programme is delivered over three terms (36 weeks including induction, feedback and submission weeks) and assessed entirely by coursework — assignments, coding projects and portfolio tasks, graded Pass, Merit or Distinction — with no written examinations.
An Ofqual-regulated, RQF Level 3 qualification — equivalent in level to A-Levels — purpose-built to prepare students for direct entry into Year 1 of a computing degree.
Write your first programs in Python and build core computer-science and digital-literacy foundations before your degree even starts.
Dedicated English for Academic Purposes, Mathematics for University Study and Research & Study Skills modules — with an extended English track for students entering below IELTS 5.5.
On successful completion, progress directly onto Brussels College's ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Information and Digital Technologies — the next step on our own qualification ladder — with no separate entrance exam required.
Onward recognition of the L3IFDHES by universities outside Brussels College's own ladder varies by receiving institution and is confirmed case-by-case at application stage — see the Admission tab.
All students complete 120 credits across one academic year, delivered as 7 units over 3 terms (Term 1: Weeks 1–12; Term 2: Weeks 13–24; Term 3: Weeks 25–35). The exact mix of core and elective units depends on your English level at entry:
3 core units (60 credits): English for Academic Purposes, Mathematics for University Study, Research & Study Skills for University Study — plus all 4 Computing Pathway electives (60 credits): Python, Further Maths, Introduction to Computer Science, Digital World.
4 core units (80 credits): the above three plus Developing English Language Skills — plus 2 of the 4 Computing electives (40 credits): Python and Further Maths only.
Full unit-by-unit, term-by-term detail is in the Curricula tab.
Brussels College is committed to recruiting students with the potential and motivation to succeed at university level. All candidates must meet the following entry requirements to be considered for the Foundation in Higher Education Studies — Computing programme.
Every unit is assessed entirely by coursework — assignments, coding projects and portfolio tasks — with no written examinations, and graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. Each term follows the same rhythm: a formative draft is reviewed with tutor feedback partway through (Weeks 8, 20 and 30), and final submissions are due at the end of each term (Weeks 12, 24 and 35). All submissions are plagiarism-checked (Turnitin) and countersigned with a Learner Declaration Form, with sampling by Brussels College's Internal Quality Assurance team and periodic review by an NCC Education External Quality Assurer. Newly enrolled students must be registered with NCC Education within 28 days of the start of study. On successful completion of all 120 credits, students progress directly onto Brussels College's ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Information and Digital Technologies, the next step on our own qualification ladder. Students wishing to progress instead to a different university, or onto NCC Education's own Level 4 Diploma in Computing, should confirm that institution's requirements with our Admissions Office before applying, as progression terms are set by each receiving institution individually.
All Foundation students are supported by: a Personal Academic Tutor; in-sessional English Language Support for borderline IELTS entrants; Study Skills Support (time management, note-taking); an IT Support Clinic and Library/Digital Library access; Career and University Progression Guidance, including dedicated UCAS/university application workshops in the final term; Disability Support Services; International Student Support; and Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.
The following documents are required to complete your enrollment. Please ensure all documents are valid and, where applicable, officially translated into English or French.
International students requiring a Belgian student visa must also submit the Enrollment Certificate issued by Brussels College, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate as required by Belgian immigration authorities. Please verify current requirements with the Belgian embassy in your country.
| Unit | Name | Category | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 01 | English for Academic Purposes | Compulsory | 20 |
| Unit 02 | Mathematics for University Study | Compulsory | 20 |
| Unit 03 | Research and Study Skills for University Study | Compulsory | 20 |
| — | Developing English Language Skills | Route B only | 20 |
Route A students (IELTS 5.5+) take Units 01–03 (60 credits). Route B students (IELTS 4.5–5.4) also take Developing English Language Skills (80 credits of core units total).
| Unit | Name | Category | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 04 | Introduction to Programming with Python | Elective | 20 |
| Unit 05 | Further Maths for University Study | Elective | 20 |
Units 04–05 are taken by both Route A and Route B students.
| Unit | Name | Category | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 06 | Introduction to Computer Science | Elective | 10 |
| Unit 07 | Digital World | Elective | 10 |
Route A students (IELTS 5.5+) take all four electives, Units 04–07 (60 credits). Route B students (IELTS 4.5–5.4) take only Units 04–05 (40 credits), replacing Units 06–07 with the extra core unit above.
Structure and unit numbering as delivered by Brussels College (Curriculum Plan v1.0, August 2026). Assessed entirely by coursework — assignments, coding projects and portfolio tasks — graded Pass, Merit or Distinction; no written examinations. All module details are subject to annual review by NCC Education.