Technology – Integrated Foundation Year
Welcome to Integrated Foundation Technology pathway 2026.
Welcome to the Integrated Foundation Year in Computing at the University of Northampton. This is the first stage of your journey towards one of six exciting degree pathways:
- Business Computing
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Web Development and Cyber Security
- Software Engineering
- Games Programming
You are joining Computing at an exciting time. In the Guardian University Guide 2027, Computer Science and Information Systems at Northampton climbed 46 places to 24th in the UK, while Artificial Intelligence was ranked 3rd nationally for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2026. These achievements reflect the ambition, quality and momentum of the subject area you are now becoming part of.
Your Foundation Year is designed to help you make a confident transition into university study while building the academic, technical and professional skills needed for your chosen degree. During your first week, you will meet the lecturers who will teach you, the wider team supporting your programme, and your Personal Academic Tutor, who will be an important point of contact throughout your studies.
Welcome Week is also about becoming part of the University community. You will take part in course-specific sessions, receive important guidance about your studies and, where relevant, student visa requirements, and have opportunities to meet fellow students. A full programme of Students’ Union activities will help you explore the campus, make new connections, socialise and begin building your university network.
We look forward to welcoming you to Northampton and supporting you as you take the first step towards your future in computing.
Course leader
Triantafyllos Kanakis
Senior Lecturer in Computing
triantafyllos.kanakis@northampton.ac.uk
I am here to support you throughout your Foundation Year and to help make your experience at the University of Northampton as positive and rewarding as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you are simply not sure who to contact, please feel free to get in touch with me. I will always do my best to help or point you towards the right person or University service.
Additional staff
- Mrs Rita Bromley, Senior Lecturer in Integrated Foundation Year
- Dr Michael Michael, Senior Lecturer in Integrated Foundation Year
- Dr Lisa Jaafar, Associate Lecturer in Integrated Foundation Year
- Mr Tolulope Odunsi, Lecturer in Computer Science
Preparing for your course
When you arrive at the University of Northampton, there’s plenty to get involved with during Welcome Week. However, there are specific sessions taking place as part of your course induction that’ll help you settle in and prepare for teaching to start the following week.
Saturday 19 September – Sunday 4 October
Welcome Week activities
From karaoke to movie nights, wellbeing walks to craft brunch, and our immersive event ‘The Rise and Fall of Lazarus Kane’ – there’s something suitable for everyone. See our Welcome Week activities to find out more.
Monday 21 September
Session: Welcome and meet the IFY teaching team, icebreaker and getting to know the cohort
- Time: 10 – 11am
- Location: LH401, fourth floor, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
Session: Campus tour
- Time: 12 – 1pm
- Location: LH401, fourth floor, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
Session: Introduction to the Integrated Foundation Year
- Time: 2 – 3pm
- Location: LH401, fourth floor, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
This session will introduce the structure of the Integrated Foundation Year, including your timetable, contact hours, workload, assessment, expectations, NILE, staff availability and communication. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Tuesday 22 September
Session: UG & IFY Games discipline welcome and activity
- Time: 10 – 10.45am
- Location: LH017, ground floor, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
Session: UG & IFY Computing discipline welcome and activity
- Time: 11 – 11.45am
- Location: LH017, ground floor, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
Session: Personal Academic Tutoring in small groups
- Time: 2 – 2.45pm
- Location: LH401, fourth floor, Learning Hub, Waterside campus
This session will introduce the role of your Personal Academic Tutor, the PAT schedule for the year, expectations and the support available at the University. It will also give you an opportunity to get to know your tutor and other students in your group.
