Core units

This Foundation Year will give you a grounding in engineering and technology skills to prepare you for a degree through the following core units – building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress to a full degree – skip to a list of courses that offer this Foundation Year.

  • Academic Study Skills for Engineering and Technology: You will gain the fundamental academic and research skills required for degree level study. The unit will introduce you to a broad grounding in literature searching, literature review, data collection, methodological approach, data analysis and interpretation and ethical practice. It will also support you to begin to develop a critical and analytical approach to your work and identify areas for personal development.
  • Introduction to Computers: This unit will enable you to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of computer technology and its role in the modern world. It will also cover a range of practical computing skills and techniques you will need to be prepared for studying at degree level.
  • Mathematics for Engineering and Technology: Mathematics develops analytical and problem-solving skills and provides the knowledge to solve engineering and coding problems. This unit will provide you with confidence in mathematics and enable you to perform calculations on a range of scientific data from engineering, creative technologies and computing disciplines.
  • Introduction to Engineering Science: Engineering science is a broad discipline that encompasses many different scientific principles and associated mathematics that underpins engineering. This unit will enable you to develop a basic understanding of a range of fundamental scientific principles to solve elementary engineering problems.
  • Introduction to Computer-Aided Design Tools: This unit has been designed to enable you to use CAD tools to create basic 3D solid models and assemblies and to produce orthographic drawings. Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools are used in engineering to communicate ideas and share design intent, and are therefore a fundamental skill for engineers.  
  • Foundation Year Engineering and Technology Project: You will design, carry out and report on an engineering or technological investigation, based on an agreed topic chosen by the unit leader. You will carry out a research task for further investigation. With a focus on global context and sustainability, the student will also produce a literature review.
Entry requirements for 2024 entry
Numeracy and literacy requirements GCSE Grade 4 (or Grade C) in Mathematics and English. Excluded subject: General Studies
For September 2025 entry 48–72 UCAS tariff points.
English language requirements for September 2025 entry If English is not your first language, you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in in each component, or equivalent.

Courses you can study following this Foundation Year

Each course’s Foundation Year option has its own unique UCAS code, which is listed on the course pages below. Make sure you choose the correct code as well as the right institution code when you search for a course and fill in your application on the . Our institution code is B50. Select each course to find out the tuition fee for the Foundation Year.