This Foundation Year provides an introduction to mathematics, mechanics, computer programming, electricity and electronics, and the principles of engineering.
This same Foundation Year leads onto many different undergraduate degrees (listed on the Programme Overview tab).
Introducing your degree
Our Foundation Year is for students who are either:
changing their direction of study
or from countries that do not offer A-levels or an equivalent
This course is ideal if you haven’t studied the required A-level subjects or equivalents, for direct entry to your chosen degree.
If you have already studied A-levels or an equivalent in mathematics and any other subject required for your chosen course, you cannot apply through this route.
This intensive year of study includes both theoretical and practical activities. It is for motivated students who want to make a change of direction in their studies.
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees & funding
Career Opportunities
Learning & Assessment
Programme Overview
Successful completion of the one-year full-time Foundation Year can lead you to a guaranteed place on the first year of one of 19 different integrated undergraduate degrees in Engineering, Maths or Physics .
In this preliminary year you'll learn the core principles of mathematics, mechanical science, engineering principles and electricity and electronics. You'll also undertake laboratory work and a variety of assignments to develop your critical thinking and problem solving.
During your Foundation Year, you'll receive full support from subject tutors and feedback to progress your academic development.
BEng Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year (H806)
BEng Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year with Industrial Placement Year (H807)
MEng Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year (H808)
MEng Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year with Industrial Placement Year (H809) *
We do not accept a combination of A-level (or IB Higher Level) Mathematics and Chemistry for our Chemical Engineering progression pathways. However, you will need to have an A-level in Chemistry to apply for this pathway.
BEng Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year (I403)
MEng Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year (I404)
MEng Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Studies and Foundation Year (I405) *
BEng Computer Engineering with Foundation Year (I803)
MEng Computer Engineering with Foundation Year (I804)
MEng Computer Engineering with Industrial Studies and Foundation Year (I805) *
BSc Computer Science with Foundation Year (I100)
MEng Computer Science with Foundation Year (I101)
MEng Computer Science with Foundation Year and Industrial Studies (I102)*
BEng Software Engineering with Foundation Year (I300)
MEng Software Engineering with Foundation Year (I303)
MEng Software Engineering with Foundation Year and Industrial Studies (I304)*
We do not accept A-level (or IB Higher Level) Mathematics for our Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Software Engineering progression pathways.
You will need a Grade B/6 in GCSE Mathematics and a Grade C/4 in GCSE English language or equivalent.
In addition to meeting the GCSE requirements, you will also need to achieve the required grades in one of the following qualifications. If you are aged 21 years or over, you should consult the mature applicants' section below.
Qualification
Grade
GCE A-Level
Grades ABB. There are no specific subject requirements, except for the Chemical Engineering pathway, which requires A-level Chemistry. However, there are restricted subjects or restricted subject combinations, depending on your chosen progression pathway. Further details of these restrictions are on the programme overview tab on this page.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall, including 5 points in Standard or Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretation). There are no specific subject requirements, except for Chemical Engineering, which requires Higher Level Chemistry. However, there are restricted subjects or restricted subject combinations, depending on your chosen progression pathway. Further details of these restrictions are on the programme overview tab on this page.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which:
30 credits must be graded Distinction
15 credits must be graded Merit
all graded maths modules must be graded Distinction
The following Diploma subjects are acceptable: Engineering, Computer Science or Science. Your Diploma must include at least one graded Level 3 maths module.
T-levels
Distinction, including a Core A grade in 1 of the following subjects:
Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning
Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development
Building Services Engineering for Construction
Science
Construction
Digital Business Services
Digital Support Services
Engineering, Manufacturing, Process and Control
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
BTEC qualifications
You will need a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma or Extended Diploma in one of the following subjects:
Advanced Manufacturing Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Building Services Engineering or Civil Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
You will also need to have studied one or more of the following units (minimum grade Distinction):
Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
Further Engineering Mathematics
Further Mathematics for Construction
Please refer to the table below for our typical offers:
Qualification
Typical offer
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
Distinction in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus grades AB in two A-levels (or equivalent)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF)/Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus grade B in an A-level (or equivalent)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction
Cambridge Technical qualifications
Please refer to the table below for our typical offers:
Qualification
Grade
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
Distinction in the Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate plus grades AB in two A-levels (or equivalent)
Cambridge Technical Diploma
Distinction, Distinction in the Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Engineering, including a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering, plus grade B in an A-level (or equivalent). A Distinction in Applied Mathematics for Engineering is required where studied.
Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction in Engineering including a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering. A Distinction in Applied Mathematics for Engineering is required where studied.
If you can show a proven ability in mathematics and science, but you come from a region or country where an A-Level equivalent qualification is not available, you may be considered for the Foundation Year.
Country or region
Typical offer
Azerbaijan
Orta Tehsil Haqqinda Attestat (Certificate of Complete Secondary Education) with an overall average grade of 4 out of 5 including 4 out of 5 in Mathematics and Physics.
China
Senior High School Graduation Certificate with a minimum overall mark of 85% and no less than 85% in Mathematics and Physics.
If you have taken the National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) you must achieve an overall average grade of 80% (or 600 total score) including 80% in Mathematics (a score of 120) and 80% in Physics (a score of 80). If you have not taken Physics in the Gaokao, we require you to achieve 80% in Physics in the Senior High School Graduation Certificate.
Greece
Without Panhellenic examinations: An overall grade of 18 in the Apolytirio Genikou Lykeiou including 18.5 in Mathematics and Physics is required.
With Panhellenic examinations: An overall grade of 18 in the Apolytirio Genikou Lykeiou, and 15 in Mathematics and Physics in the Panhellenic examinations.
Saudi Arabia
Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) with a minimum overall average of 85% and a minimum of 85% in Mathematics and Physics.
United Arab Emirates
Tawjihiyya (Secondary School Certificate) with a minimum average grade of 85% and a minimum of 85% in Mathematics and Physics.
USA
GPA of 3.5 with grade B in Mathematics and Science subjects. There are additional requirements if you are taking APs, ACTs or SATs.
West Africa
WASSCE or Senior School Certificate with a minimum of B2 (or equivalent) in 5 relevant subjects including Mathematics and Physics and at least C4 (or equivalent) in all remaining subjects.
The list above is not exhaustive. If you hold another qualification, please contact us for more information about our entry requirements.
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency equivalent to grade C/4 in GCSE English Language or UoS Band C: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in all components.
Applicants can meet the English language requirement either through an accepted test or an accepted academic qualification. You can find out more about our accepted tests and academic qualifications on our English Language page.
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from applicants aged over 21. You will need to demonstrate recent study (in the last two years) or work experience relevant to your preferred subject area. Study could include for example: a Level 3 Access course in a suitable subject (please check our Access courses section above), Open University modules (such as Y033 or MU123) or a Level 3 mathematics qualification (e.g. AQA Level 3 Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
If you have not completed any recent study, you will need to demonstrate an aptitude for mathematics by taking our own maths test. You may also be invited to an individual interview. Please contact us for more information before applying.
Selection process
Each application is considered individually. However, you'll need to demonstrate an aptitude for maths, either through recent study or by taking our maths diagnostic test. Please refer to the Pre-Maths Skills' document, which provides an example of the minimum level of mathematics required to start the Foundation Year. If you have not studied maths beyond GCSE or equivalent, you will normally be expected to take the maths diagnostic test once you have applied for the Foundation Year.
We are unable to consider applications without a reference. If you don't provide a reference your application will be unsuccessful.
Contact us
For more information, contact the Engineering, Physics and Maths Foundation Year Admissions Team:
Whatever degree you are aiming for, you will take all of the modules listed below. In addition you will be expected to complete coursework in all subjects. The year is divided into two semesters, each lasting 15 weeks. Modules last for two semesters.
Year 1
Compulsory
GENG0001 Credit [?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
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 or website).
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
The foundation year fee is separate from your undergraduate degree fees. You'll pay the fee for your foundation year, and then the yearly fee for your degree. Once you start your undergraduate degree the amount you pay each year will stay the same. You can check the fees on the individual course pages .
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £24,800
Please note: Fees for EU and international are not fixed with increase after 1 year.
Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University or other sources.
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk .
Stationery
You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
Books
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Equipment
Students may wish to purchase additional laboratory notebooks. Cost varies depending on personal choice.
IT: Computers suitable for completing all assessed tasks for this course are provided in the University computing suites, but students may wish to purchase their own laptop to enable them to study more effectively away from the campus.
Printing and copying
In some cases, coursework and/or projects may be submitted electronically. Where it is not possible to submit electronically students will be liable for printing costs.
Career Opportunities
Successfully completing the Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to the majority of our engineering, physics and maths courses. Our engineering courses carry professional accreditation and offer excellent career prospects.
Graduates who have entered our degrees through the Foundation Year have progressed to a variety of exciting engineering, science and technology roles in the private and public sectors, as well as to self employment and consultancy, both in the UK and overseas.
The foundation year opened up the opportunity to do any of the fantastic range of engineering degrees on offer at Southampton and that flexibility is what really appealed to me.
Learning & Assessment
Teaching and learning
Our students acquire knowledge and understanding through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory experiments, coursework and individual and group assignments. You will develop the transferable skills for degree success.
Ground-breaking research
The University has an excellent reputation for research in engineering and science. You will be taught by staff at the cutting edge of their research fields in an environment that promotes and values independent enquiry and helps you to develop these skills for yourselves.
Assessment and examinations
You will be assessed through unseen written exams, short tests, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory log books and reports, problems and other set assignments.
