Do you want to study sciences, engineering, life sciences and Combined Honours, but do not have the correct entry requirements?
At Aston, we deliver programmes, designed to help students from a wide range of backgrounds who have an interest in any scientific or engineering area, but for whatever reason do not have the correct entry requirements to join the mainstream programmes immediately. If that describes you and you are interested in the multiplicity of programmes at Aston within Engineering and Applied Science, then read on.
Our Engineering Foundation refers to programmes with a preparatory year specifically planned to lead into the main engineering disciplines, to produce BEng and MEng graduates. They have been designed for students from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to progress into engineering but do not have the correct entry requirements.
The long-term demand for engineers and technologists is high and career prospects are excellent. The Foundation Year gives you the opportunity to become a professional engineer through access to our high quality degree programmes.
What the Foundation Year Offers
A specially designed preparatory year, with the emphasis on the engineering relevance of mathematics, physics and chemistry, at a standard equivalent to A level. You will study the mathematical, physical and chemical concepts that underpin engineering, including algebraic relationships, differentiation, integration, mechanics, physical and electrical properties of materials, chemical structure and bonding. You will also develop your knowledge of engineering graphics and computer-aided techniques. No previous engineering or IT knowledge is required, and you will be given plenty of hands-on laboratory and IT experience during the year.
On successful completion of this Foundation Year, you will join the normal BEng programme in the engineering discipline of your choice. You can delay your choice until the end of the year.
The year is moderated by external examiners to ensure that its standard conforms to that required for entry to our accredited degree programmes.
The Science Foundation is designed to prepare candidates for a successful transfer to a wide range of degree programmes leading to BSc degrees.
The year concentrates on elements of biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics at a standard equivalent to GCE AS or A level modules. The focus is to provide you with experience of those scientific and mathematical concepts that are required for success on the undergraduate programmes in Chemistry, Biosciences, and within Combined Honours, but you will also develop your knowledge of IT and computing. We don’t expect you to have advanced science qualifications, but an enthusiasm for science and a desire to learn are essential. Also, no previous IT knowledge is required. You will be given plenty of hands-on laboratory and IT experience during the year.
At enrolment onto the Foundation Year, you will have to indicate which BSc programme you wish to join and you will be advised on the standard process required to make the transfer.
We accept well motivated and able students with a wide range of qualifications, including AVCEs, BTEC National, Access, non-science GCE A levels, as well as those with a science A level background. Offers are made on an individual basis. Please contact us for further details.
GCSE Mathematics, English Language and a science at grade C or above are also required.
Your week will typically contain 18 hours of lectures, tutorials and lab/project work. You will be given regular feedback on your progress throughout your first year. Assessment will cover coursework as well as end-of-year exams.
Applicants with non-standard academic backgrounds are invited for an informal interview by the Admissions Tutor. Other suitable applicants are invited to attend an open day. Students who apply for our standard engineering programmes who do not meet our entry requirements will automatically be considered for entry onto the Foundation Programmes.
Please contact:
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Tel: 0121 204 3400
Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk
For further details on degree programme content, teaching facilities, career prospects and sandwich placements, please consult the relevant subject entries, as listed below.
There is a separate page giving details of the Engineering and Science Foundation Programme for International Students.
On successful completion of the Foundation Year the following progression paths are open:
|
Foundation programme |
UCAS code |
Leads to... |
| Computer Science |
H190 |
Computer Science, Computing for Business, Multimedia Computing
|
|
Engineering Foundation
|
H102
|
Chemical Engineering (normal progression)
Electrical Electronic Engineering (normal progression) or to any of our Electronics Programmes by internal transfer
Mechanical Engineering (normal progression) or to BEng ElectroMechanical Engineering or to any of the Product Design suite by internal transfer
|
|
Science Foundation
|
H190 |
Combined Honours Sciences subjects
Chemistry Programmes, Bioscience Programmes
|
The range of programmes to which you might progress once the Foundation Year has been completed successfully is so wide that candidates are best advised to consult the separate Admissions Tutors for specific details.
New Engineering and Applied Science Foundation Degrees (FD) are also under development in partnership with local Colleges of Further and Higher Education:
Production Management
(with Matthew Boulton College)
Includes Analytical Methods, Project Management, Plant Operation and Performance, Design etc.
Software Engineering
(with City College, Birmingham)
Practical applications of computer programmes to solve everyday problems and challenges in the workplace
Electrical Power Engineering
Contact us for further information
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