Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Engineering and Sciences

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

Mathematics for Science and Engineering 1

This module is aimed to enhance numeracy skills. The module will cover basic algebra, functions, systems of linear equations and matrices. Students will also be introduced to MATLAB®, a widely used numerical computing tool, and will make use of it to reinforce the key concepts learned in this module.

Mathematics for Science and Engineering 2

This module will introduce the key concepts of sequences and series, differentiation, integration and differential equations. Students will also learn enhanced applications of MATLAB® and will apply the software to numerical problems related to key concepts learnt during the module.

This module focusses on developing the practical skills required for both study and careers in STEM. Alongside their introduction to basic scientific practices, students will develop communication and reflection skills, and the ability to organise their study.

• Biology 1 & 2
• Electronics
• Physics 1 

• Biology 1 & 2
• Chemistry 1 & 2

• Chemistry 1 & 2
• Applied Mathematics 1, and either:
  • Applied Mathematics 2, or
  • Physics 1 or Physics 2.

• Chemistry 1 & 2, and either:
  • Applied Mathematics 1 & 2, or
  • Physics 1 & 2.

• Computing 1 & 2
• Discrete Maths and either:
  • Chemistry 1, or
  • Physics 1, or
  • Further Calculus, or
  • Quantitative Methods

• Computing 1 & 2
• Discrete Maths
• Further Calculus

• Computing 1
• Electronics
• Physics 1 & 2

• Applied Maths 1
• Discrete Maths
• Further Calculus
• Quantitative Methods

• Further Calculus
• Physics 1 & 2, and either:
  • Applied Maths 1, or
  • Discrete Maths

• Applied Mathematics 1 & 2
• Physics 1 & 2

Applied Mathematics 1 

This module prepares students for first degree programmes in Engineering and Sciences through the development of mathematical applications, with specific regard to the study of forces, energy and the laws of motion. These key concepts will provide a solid foundation for further study in the field of Engineering and Science.

Applied Mathematics 2

This module extends the knowledge developed through the Applied Mathematics 1 module. The students will further enhance their knowledge on the study of forces, energy and the laws of motion. They will also become familiar with essential topics related to Statics, circular motion, rotational dynamics and momentum.

Biology 1

This module is designed for students progressing to degrees that require underpinning knowledge of Biology. Students are introduced to the basic molecular building blocks of life; the structure in relation to the function of living cells; the flow of information through the cell; and the basic principles of metabolism. The module includes both classroom and laboratory based learning and serves as a bridge to further undergraduate study.

Biology 2

This module builds upon the knowledge acquired in Biology 1. The main aim of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of the physiology of the major organ systems of the human body. Students will understand how the body is regulated to maintain a healthy internal environment. Students will also explore diseases where these systems are disrupted. The module is delivered through classroom and laboratory based learning. This module further aims to deepen practical laboratory and scientific communication skills gained in Biology 1 to ultimately equip students with the academic knowledge and practical skills and experience needed to link theory to reality.

Chemistry 1 

The main aim of this module is to equip students hoping to undertake further study at undergraduate level with elementary knowledge of Chemistry. The students will learn about atomic structure, periodic table, chemical bonding and the principles of thermodynamics. The concepts related to reactions of alkenes, alkynes and benzene will also be introduced.

Chemistry 2

This module builds upon the knowledge acquired in Chemistry 1. The students will be introduced to the concepts of Born-Haber cycles and how to use them in calculations with lattice enthalpy. The students will carry out laboratory operations including mass and volume measurement and titrations with an awareness of the importance of chemical safety.

Computing 1 

You will study basic computer architecture and operating systems and to develop a basic understanding of programming. You will be introduced to the study of Java as a programming language, with this being further developed in the Computing 2 module.

Computing 2

This module builds on skills acquired in Computing 1. Students will continue their study of Java programming language and will cover enhanced applications of Java to real-world problems. Students will also acquire understanding of machine language, and HTML language for web development.

The main aim of this module is to introduce elementary concepts of discrete mathematics and graph theory. Students will learn methods of proof and ways to present clear and logical mathematics. These concepts are not only essential for the students transitioning to a mathematics degree at the university but are useful for computer science and engineering students.

The primary aim of this module is to develop a firm ground in the understanding of the analysis and design of analogue and digital circuits. The module will provide students with a good mathematical grasp of circuit theory and help provide students destined for further undergraduate study in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

This module consolidates and further develop the topics previously studied in Mathematics for Science and Engineering modules. The fundamental concepts of differentiation and integration covered in Mathematics for Science and Engineer 1 and 2 will be examined in more detail, extended to a larger class of functions by means of more sophisticated methods, demonstrated in application to practical problems including solving basic first and second-order differential equations. The course will also include topics on vectors and geometry.

Physics 1 

This module will equip the students with elementary knowledge of Physics. The students will study selected topics in mechanics, waves and thermodynamics. The key concepts will be demonstrated using real-world examples and data.

Physics 2

This module will equip the students with knowledge in the areas of electricity and magnetism. The students will learn about electric charge, electric potential, circuits, magnetic fields, magnetic induction and alternating currents. The key concepts will be demonstrated using real-world examples.

Quantitative skills are highly valuable employability skills. The students will learn key concepts in data analysis, sampling and statistical inference. These concepts are the cornerstones of the cutting-edge research and applications in finance, engineering and medicine.

Progression to year 1 of a 4-year degree

• Architectural Studies BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics, Statistics & Accounting BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics, Statistics & Business Analysis BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics, Statistics & Economics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics, Statistics & Finance BSc (Hons)
• Prosthetics & Orthotics BSc (Hons)

Progression to year 2 of this 5-year degree

• Biochemistry MSci
• Immunology MSci
• Microbiology MSci
• Pharmacology MSci
• Pharmacy MPharm
• Physics MPhys

University interview and pre-approval required before you can receive an offer.  Applications to include personal statement, contact email, skype details and interview availability for referral to the University

• Prosthetics & Orthotics BSc (Hons)

Portfolio and pre-approval required before you can receive an offer for the Undergraduate Foundation Programme

• Architectural Studies BSc (Hons)

University interview required for progression.  Only 20 places available

• Pharmacy MPharm

If you do not achieve the grades required for progression to year 2, you may be able to progress to year 1

• Biochemistry and Immunology BSc (Hons)
• Biochemistry and Microbiology BSc (Hons)
• Biochemistry and Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
• Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
• Biochemistry MSci
• Biology with Teaching (International) BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Biomolecular Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Chemistry BSc (Hons)
• Chemistry with Drug Discovery BSc (Hons)
• Chemistry with Teaching (International) BSc (Hons)
• Civil & Environmental Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Computer & Electronic Systems BEng (Hons)
• Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Data Analytics BSc (Hons)
• Electrical & Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Electronic & Electrical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Forensic and Analytical Chemistry BSc (Hons)
• Immunology and Microbiology BSc (Hons)
• Immunology and Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
• Immunology BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics & Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics & Physics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics with Teaching (International) BSc (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering with International Study BEng (Hons)
• Microbiology BSc (Hons)
• Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Naval Architecture High Performance Marine Vehicles BEng (Hons)
• Naval Architecture with Ocean Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Pharmacology and Microbiology BSc (Hons)
• Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
• Pharmacology MSci
• Physics BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Teaching (International) BSc (Hons)
• Product Design & Innovation BSc (Hons)
• Product Design Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Software Engineering BSc (Hons)
• Sports Design Engineering BEng (Hons)