Our science and engineering foundation year is designed for ambitious students who want to strengthen their skills, knowledge and confidence before starting their honours degree at the University of Nottingham. This is more than a foundation – it’s your gateway to a top-ranked university and a career shaping the future of technology and scientific discovery. This programme is for Home students. International students should apply for the Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate at the [University of Nottingham International College](https://www.kaplanpathways.com/colleges/university-of-nottingham-international-college/) ([https://www.kaplanpathways.com/where-to-study/university-of-nottingham-international-college](https://www.kaplanpathways.com/where-to-study/university-of-nottingham-international-college/)). This specialist international study centre is located next to the University Park Campus and is run in partnership with Kaplan Pathways. During the foundation year, you will study a range of modules including: * maths * computer methods * electricity and magnetism * mechanics * physics * lab skills You are guaranteed progression on to your chosen degree after passing your foundation year. The degree you choose will depend on the modules you select to study, but you will not have to make this decision until your second term. The subject areas that you can progress on to are the following: **Engineering** * [Aerospace Engineering](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/aerospace/aerospace-engineering-including-an-industrial-year-beng.aspx) * [Architecture and Built Environment](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/architectureandbuiltenvironment/architectureandbuiltenvironment.aspx)\* * [Chemical and Environmental Engineering](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/chemicalandenvironmentalengineering/chemicalandenvironmentalengineering.aspx) * [Civil Engineering](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/civilengineering/civilengineering.aspx) * [Electrical and Electronic Engineering](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/electricalandelectronicengineering/electricalandelectronicengineering.aspx) * [Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/mechanicalmaterialsandmanufacturingengineering/mechanicalmaterialsandmanufacturingengineering.aspx) **Physical sciences** * [Computer Science](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/computerscience/computer-science.aspx) * [Mathematical Sciences](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/mathematicalsciences/mathematical-sciences.aspx)\*\* * [Physics and Astronomy](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/physicsandastronomy/physics-and-astronomy.aspx)\*\*\* Progression is subject to you having passed at the appropriate level during the Foundation Programme. \* Progression onto K100 and K230 courses is subject to the submission of a successful portfolio in addition to meeting the normal Foundation progression criteria. \*\* Progression to degrees in the School of Mathematical Sciences is subject to additional requirements in mathematics modules. \*\*\* Progression to degrees in the School of Physics and Astronomy is subject to additional requirements in mathematics modules. **Why choose this course?** **Course highlights** * Secure your place on an engineering or physical sciences degree after passing your foundation course * Learn from experts and turn your potential into career-ready skills * Study in state-of-the-art facilities on our beautiful, award-winning campuses **Proven results** * We’re a top 20 UK and top 100 world university (QS World University Rankings 2026). * We’re 1st for graduates entering highly-skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2025).
A Level: BBB | Excluding General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Citizenship Studies and Global Perspectives. | T Level: M | Scottish Higher: BBBBB | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades BB. | Access to HE Diploma: 21 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 18 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 6 UCAS points | If GCSE mathematics requirement is not met this can be compensated by 15 level 3 credits of mathematics units. If GCSE physics/combined science requirement is not met this can be compensated by overall performance in Access to HE course in Engineering or Science. | GCSE/National 4/National 5 GCSE requirements - English grade 4 (alpha grade C), Mathematics grade 6 (alpha grade B), either Physics grade 5 (alpha grade B) or Double/Combined Science 55 (alpha grades BB). If applicants don’t meet our GCSE Maths or physics criteria, this can be compensated by the following qualifications: GCSE maths compensation - AQA Core Maths – grade C, BTEC Engineering module – Further Engineering Mathematics – passed with Distinction, 15 level 3 credits taken as part of Access to HE Diploma. GCSE physics compensation - GCSE combined science - grades 55/BB, GCSE science plus additional science - grades 55/BB, overall performance (DDM) in RQF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Engineering, overall performance (DDM) in RQF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Applied Science, overall performance (21 Level 3 Distinctions, 18 Level 3 Merits and 6 Level 3 Passes) in Access to HE Diploma Engineering, overall performance (21 Level 3 Distinctions, 18 Level 3 Merits and 6 Level 3 Passes) in Access to HE Diploma Science. | Scottish Advanced Higher: BB | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Higher grades BBBBB. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DM | Plus A Level grade B. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 28 UCAS points | Or 555 in 3 HL Certificates. If GCSE requirements are not met then this can be compensated with Standard Level Mathematics (any subject, excluding maths studies), Physics and English at grade 4. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: B | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with A Level grades BB. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDM | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | plus A Level grades BC in any two subjects. | AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths): A | If you have already achieved your Core Maths qualification at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Core Maths qualification you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Core Maths qualification. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Core Maths qualification will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Core Maths qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer. Core Maths qualifications offered by other exam boards are also considered for an alternative offer.
For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page.
Faculty of Engineering - H100 Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation only
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