Engineering and the Environment

H008 BEng/MEng Engineering with foundation year (4-5 years)

The University of Southampton Engineering, Physics and Geophysics (EPG FY) Foundation Year is designed to provide a route to a science degree. If you do not yet have enough mathematical or scientific content from your existing qualifications, the EPG FY will allow you to gain the necessary background to progress on to one of our many engineering degree programmes.

This programme may suit you if you are studying for A levels in subjects different from those normally required for these degrees. It may also interest you if you are a mature applicant, with skills and experience from employment, or if you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system.

Students registered on the programme are full-time members of the University of Southampton student community with access to accommodation within halls of residence and full use of recreational, sports, library and IT facilities.

Programme Overview

The foundation year is the preliminary year (often called 'Year 0') of a four- or five-year programme. By applying for this course you are expressing an interest in moving on to one of the following degree programmes, leading to either BEng or MEng awards.

  • Acoustical Engineering (UCAS code H722)
  • Aerospace (Aeronautics and Astronautics) (UCAS codes H422, H401 and others)
  • Civil Engineering (UCAS codes H200, H201 and others)
  • Environmental Engineering (UCAS code H251)
  • Mechanical Engineering (UCAS codes H300, H301 and others)
  • Ship Science (UCAS code J640 and others)

Providing you achieve the stipulated marks in each subject you will have a guaranteed place on one of these courses for the following year. With successful completion, you could also switch to another suitable BEng or MEng degree within Engineering.

This EPG Foundation Year also qualifies you for entry to a range of degrees in other branches of engineering, and in the fields of physics and geophysics at the University of Southampton. However, if you are interested in either environmental sciences or audiology, you should explore the separate Environmental Sciences with foundation year programme.

To Apply

You should normally apply through UCAS, quoting course code H008, and stating which area of engineering you are interested in.

The University's Admissions Tutor for all Engineering, Physics and Geophysics Foundation Year applicants is Dr Anna Barney, who is based on the Highfield Campus, Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 3113, Email: foundyr@soton.ac.uk.

Accreditation

The majority of our degree courses carry professional accreditation.

Key facts

  • A route to a degree in a physical sciences subject for students without the traditional entry qualifications

  • Designed to build up your competence in maths and physics

  • Usually almost half of EPG Foundation students are from overseas, and up to a third are mature students (over 21)

  • Taught on the University's Highfield Campus.

Meet our students

Alistair Bailey

Thumbnail photo of Alistair Bailey

“Southampton was both the friendliest and most realistic in the advice they offered me: my interviewers recommended I did the Foundation Year here prior to my undergraduate degree, which turned out to be very good advice. I also wanted to have a more unified University experience of the type available here, rather than to be at a London university with their scattered campuses.”

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements

A Levels:

A levels: BBB, including mathematics and physics. General studies, critical thinking and use of maths not accepted

IB:

38 points, 18 at higher level to include 6 in mathematics and 6 in physics; standard level 5 English

English language

If English is not your first language, we ask you to obtain a recognised language qualification. If you can demonstrate that you have achieved IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in each band, or recognised equivalent, you will be able to join the course without the need for additional English language classes.

If you have achieved IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in each band, or recognised equivalent, you can take the Language Pathway A option. This gives you the extra language tuition to help you succeed in your degree study

If you have not yet reached IELTS 5.5 but plan to be based in Southampton, you could consider taking a separate preparatory language course.

Selection process:

Intake: 140 (overall intake for Engineering, Physics and Geophysics Foundation)
Average applicants per place: 12

Each application is considered individually. However, you need to demonstrate an aptitude for maths, either through recent study or by taking our Maths test. For mature applicants we look for recent study (for example completed Open University modules) or relevant work experience.

More details about entry and selection are on the University of Southampton's Engineering, Physics and Geophysics Foundation Year pages.

Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.

Modules

Typical course content

Subjects include mathematics, mechanical science, electronics and engineering principles. It is assessed by a mix of written examinations and coursework.

On the Pathway A option, you will also have specialist English language tuition.

You can find full details on the Engineering, Physics and Geophysics Foundation Year programme and module specifications page.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).

Learning and assessment

For more information, see the Engineering, Physics and Geophysics Foundation Year website.

Career Opportunities

Successfully completing the foundation year gives you guaranteed entry to many of our engineering and other science programmes, most of which carry professional accreditation and offer excellent career prospects.

Graduates who have come through the foundation route often progress to exciting science, technology and engineering roles in the private and public sectors, both in the UK and overseas.