Foundation Years CS application

Hi everyone,
I’m planning on applying to foundation year Computer Science programmes at UCL, Durham, and Manchester for 2026 entry next cycle. I wanted to ask for advice and hear about others’ experiences with similar applications.Here’s a bit about me:

•

Qualifications: I’ll have a BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Computing, A-Level Maths, and A-Level Computer Science.

•

Contextual Factors: I’ve faced significant challenges due to ADHD, autism, and mental health issues. I’m from quintile 2 and received the 16–19 bursary in sixth form.

•

Extracurriculars: I’ve been self-studying C++ programming, working on competitive programming basics (e.g., Codeforces/LeetCode), and developing a startup project that will release a public website soon.

Ill have achieved Maths during 2025 summer, computer science sat in the october/november exams and got my results back on january 2026. Ill also be doing a btec sept 2025 - summer 2026. Im sitting my A-levels privately.

I was wondering if i have a good shot for the foundation years at those unis when they open next cycle, as i wont have my computer science grade up until january 9th and will be very late in applying. should i sit my computer science this summer instead, so i can have an achieved grade for university? any advice would be appreciated

Reply 1

McGinger

20

Original post by asdis

Hi everyone,
I’m planning on applying to foundation year Computer Science programmes at UCL, Durham, and Manchester for 2026 entry next cycle. I wanted to ask for advice and hear about others’ experiences with similar applications.Here’s a bit about me:

•

Qualifications: I’ll have a BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Computing, A-Level Maths, and A-Level Computer Science.

•

Contextual Factors: I’ve faced significant challenges due to ADHD, autism, and mental health issues. I’m from quintile 2 and received the 16–19 bursary in sixth form.

•

Extracurriculars: I’ve been self-studying C++ programming, working on competitive programming basics (e.g., Codeforces/LeetCode), and developing a startup project that will release a public website soon.

Ill have achieved Maths during 2025 summer, computer science sat in the october/november exams and got my results back on january 2026. Ill also be doing a btec sept 2025 - summer 2026. Im sitting my A-levels privately.
I was wondering if i have a good shot for the foundation years at those unis when they open next cycle, as i wont have my computer science grade up until january 9th and will be very late in applying. should i sit my computer science this summer instead, so i can have an achieved grade for university? any advice would be appreciated

You dont need achieved grades to apply - that's the whole point of conditional offers.
These specify the results you need for a place and you would then need to ensure that your Firm and Insurance Unis then received these results by the end of August 26.

Reply 2

asdis

OP

1

Original post by McGinger

You dont need achieved grades to apply - that's the whole point of conditional offers.
These specify the results you need for a place and you would then need to ensure that your Firm and Insurance Unis then received these results by the end of August 26.

I’d be applying without a predicted or achieved grade for computer science, since i’m a private candidate

Reply 3

McGinger

20

Original post by asdis

I’d be applying without a predicted or achieved grade for computer science, since i’m a private candidate

Unis can usually work round this - ask your school to explain in their reference.

Reply 4

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

18

Original post by asdis

Hi everyone,
I’m planning on applying to foundation year Computer Science programmes at UCL, Durham, and Manchester for 2026 entry next cycle. I wanted to ask for advice and hear about others’ experiences with similar applications.Here’s a bit about me:

•

Qualifications: I’ll have a BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Computing, A-Level Maths, and A-Level Computer Science.

•

Contextual Factors: I’ve faced significant challenges due to ADHD, autism, and mental health issues. I’m from quintile 2 and received the 16–19 bursary in sixth form.

•

Extracurriculars: I’ve been self-studying C++ programming, working on competitive programming basics (e.g., Codeforces/LeetCode), and developing a startup project that will release a public website soon.

Ill have achieved Maths during 2025 summer, computer science sat in the october/november exams and got my results back on january 2026. Ill also be doing a btec sept 2025 - summer 2026. Im sitting my A-levels privately.
I was wondering if i have a good shot for the foundation years at those unis when they open next cycle, as i wont have my computer science grade up until january 9th and will be very late in applying. should i sit my computer science this summer instead, so i can have an achieved grade for university? any advice would be appreciated

Hi,
It might be a good idea to sit your Computer Science exam in the summer rather than waiting until November. Having an achieved grade when you apply can strengthen your application and help ensure you're not at a disadvantage by applying late. Foundation year programs often consider a range of factors, including contextual information, so your personal circumstances and extracurricular activities like self-studying C++ and your startup will be valuable assets.
Checking the specific entry requirements and application deadlines for UCL, Durham, and Manchester will also help you plan.
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/eec/computer-science-mscibsc-hons/ ---- Coventry University Computer Science
Hope this helps,
Dan - Student Ambassador

Foundation Years CS application

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