Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Business and Supply Chain Management

Our foundation programme paves the way to a degree programme in BSc Business and Supply Chain Management at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
Duration

1 year

UCAS code(s)

N1JF

Start date

Course overview

In our business and supply chain management foundation programme, you will be equipped with the essential groundwork for your future undergraduate studies, offering a clear path towards BSc Business and Supply Chain Management. 

On this programme you will learn, collaborate and flourish through project based learning with students in other infrastructure areas. This approach of learning mimics the real-life working world, where your career will be enriched by working alongside people with different skill sets, view points and approaches.

Daniel-Walsh-testimonial

“Aston’s teaching is tailored to the needs of industry, which sets you up well for a future career. There is also bountiful support available, so there is always someone on hand to help with any issues that may arise.”
 

Daniel Walsh
Procurement Graduate, BT

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Business and Supply Chain Management at Aston University?

Tef_gold
Gold standard teaching
Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
8th in the UK
Thriving student life
Aston Students’ Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table
Teaching
Hands on collaborative teaching
Our dedicated academics ensure smooth transitions for students from diverse backgrounds

Course description

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Business and Supply Chain Management

You will develop an introductory understanding of supply chain management and support companies to satisfy industry needs and wants. You with learn the essential skills and knowledge to transition onto BSc Supply Chain Management. 

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What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second largest city, delivered by experienced and passionate faculty members who are not only experts in their fields but dedicated to helping you succeed. You will make use of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs. 

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

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What you will provide 
You will be encouraged to find innovative solutions for optimising supply chain operations in a dynamic industry. Through dedication, continuous learning, and practical experience, you will enhance your ability to analyse data, identify patterns, and make strategic choices. 

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What skills we teach
You will develop introductory knowledge of the principles of supply chain management and the intricate processes involved in meeting customer demands and preferences effectively. This will enable you to delve deeper into the responsibilities of procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, while also exploring the essential aspects of planning, organization, and resource management required to effectively oversee a global supply chain.

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Progression opportunities 
On successful completion of our foundation programme, you will then have the opportunity to transition onto our BSc Supply Chain Management degree. Graduates from our BSc Chain Management programme are highly sought-after, and through our NOVUS scheme, after graduation, you could be employed with one of the 27 companies involved which includes Wincanton, Arla, Sainsbury’s, DHL or Kingfisher.

How you will learn

Our teaching methods range from engaging lectures to interactive workshops, allowing you to absorb knowledge through multiple approaches. You will dive into real-world projects that challenge and inspire you through hands-on work, where you will put theory into practice.  

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance, and a dedicated programming support officer for additional support. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in PAL sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry and individuals, our course provides you with a introductory understanding of key business and supply chain management concepts and an ability to critically analyse these, alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of supply chain management that interest you.
 

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My Journey at GE Aviation Wales

Montserrat takes us on a journey at GE Aviation Wales where she completed her placement year

Facilities

Our lecture theatres and seminar rooms are available to provide you with theoretical content, while our computer facilities offer the necessary tools for data analysis, modeling, and software projects. You will have 24/7 access to our library which will be a valuable resource for you, offering a diverse range of digital and print materials such as textbooks, reference materials, academic journals, and online databases to enhance your learning.

Course objectives

  1. Provides you with the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.
  2. You will develop the transferrable and communication skills required to be successful in further study.
  3. You will develop ethical and inclusive, problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
  4.  You will begin to develop the global awareness, sustainability, and inclusive practice required in modern professional practice.
     

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Foundation Year modules

In your foundation year you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Undergraduate Professional Skills15
Mathematics 115
Introduction to Scientific Principles15
Industries of the Future15
Global Engineering Project15
Fundamentals of Engineering Management15
Introduction to Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering15
Developing Client Relationships15
Total120

Year 1 outcomes 

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

  • Use mathematical principles to solve well-defined problems.
  • Solve well-defined problems using technical and scientific concepts relevant to the framework of study.
  • Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating inclusive, effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Communicate discipline-relevant technical ideas and solutions effectively, in a variety of ways, to diverse audiences, using appropriate terminology.
  • Conduct practical activities using appropriate equipment/tools, review data, and draw conclusions to support technical decision-making relevant to the framework of the study.
  • Discuss ethical and professional responsibilities, including stakeholder involvement, sustainability, safety, technical, EDI, and social factors.
  • Collect, interpret, and present, data from a variety of sources.
  • Reflect on their own learning needs and successes.
  • Demonstrate awareness of project management principles and methods
     

 

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

  • A Levels

    Standard offer: CCD
    EPQ Offer: CDD and Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) grade B
    Core Maths Offer: CDD and Level 3 Core Maths Qualification grade B
    Aston ready (Widening participation) offer: DDD
     

  • Contextual offers

    Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

 

Contextual offer criteria

 

  • Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: DDM
  • Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction
  • National Diploma and Diploma: DM plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade B
  • Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C OR achieve an overall grade Distinction in BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert grade in any subject at grade Merit
  • Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: DM plus 2 A-levels at minimum grade B
  • National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: M plus 2 A-levels at minimum Grade B
  • Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted
  • 31 points and above, with 5, 5, 5 in higher level subjects.

Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 60 credits including 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 9 Distinctions, 12 Merits and 24 Pass.

All subjects are accepted at T Level: Merit 

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements: 

  • GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
  • GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:£9,250

International students
(2025/26)

ONCAMPUS

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships 

Assessment

Our teaching and learning approach is diverse, with a strong emphasis on project-based learning. Industry guest lecturers regularly visit to share their real-world expertise and enrich your educational experience. You will be assessed through a variety of methods including coursework, presentations, and exams.

Career prospects

Engineering and physical science skills are used in almost all aspects of our modern lives, meaning that graduates in these areas are in high demand. Students who have completed an Engineering and Physical Science Foundation Programme go on to study for their Bachelor level degree. 

Upon completion of your BSc degree, graduates with business and supply chain management knowledge and skills are highly sought after. You will be equipped to pursue careers in supply chain management, purchasing and procurement, logistics analysis, and distribution management. With the opportunity to join the NOVUS scheme, you will be guaranteed employment with renowned companies like Wincanton, Arla, Sainsbury's, DHL, and Kingfisher. Previous graduates have secured positions with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, L'Oréal, Caterpillar, Unilever, and GSK.

Graduation

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Business and Supply Chain Management at Aston?

Combining input from both Aston Business School and the College of Engineering and Physical Science, you’ll get a rounded learning experience, getting you ready for a career where your skills will be in high demand.  

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

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