Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

Course overview

In our electronic engineering and computer science foundation programme, you will be equipped with the essential groundwork for your future undergraduate studies, offering a clear path towards BEng and MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.

On this programme you will learn, collaborate and flourish through project based learning with students in other engineering 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.

“The facilities we use on our course act as a great tool for enhancing our learning experience. Throughout the course I have received a lot of support from academics whether this is working independently or as a part of a team”.

Raiyan Al Hossain

Electronic Engineering

Current student

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation: Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Aston University?

TEF Gold

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Hands on collaborative teaching

Our dedicated academics ensure smooth transitions for students from diverse backgrounds

Thriving student life

Aston Students’ Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table

My Student Journey: Nishika Chettry

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

Aston University's foundation programme in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science will empower you with the essential skills and knowledge to transition onto BEng or MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.

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.

What you will provide
If you have a passion for innovation, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to be at the forefront of technological advancement, then this is the course for you. We are looking for students who enjoy problem solving and not afraid to get stuck into practical work, to discover what technological devices you can develop for society.

What skills we teach
You will develop an introductory foundation of technical software and hardware skills. Hands-on collaborative learning lies at the heart of our programme. Through practical and project-based activities, you will actively engage with course material, working together in teams to tackle real-world challenges. This hands-on approach will enhance critical thinking, problem-solving and teamworking skills, preparing you for the dynamic demands of quantity surveying.

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of our foundation programme, you will then have the opportunity to transition onto our BEng or MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science degree. Graduates from the BEng/MEng programme have gone on to successful roles such as Software Engineer or Developer, Electronics Design Engineer and Graduate Consultant Engineer for leading companies like BT, Gamma and Open Cosmos.

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.

You will be involved in individual and group project work throughout the programme, getting the opportunity to work with students across a range of engineering disciplines.

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. 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.

Extracurricular activities:

You can join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our Electrical and Electronic Engineering Society and Aston Computer Science Society
Become a member of the 'Industry Club'. Where you'll gain access to hands-on industry experience, internships, and projects with tech companies. Helping you build your professional network from the get-go.
Challenge yourself in the annual Aston Hack hackathon, a frenzied 24 hours of designing, coding, and making.
Enhance your skills in the various aspects of robotics and programming through our brand new drone project.
Let your creativity run wild in our Design Challenge, whilst you tackle real-world engineering problems and propose innovative solutions.
Join our Formula Student team where you will design, build, and race your very own formula-style car.

What you will learn

On this programme, you’ll gain an introductory grounding in software engineering and computing systems, complemented by engineering expertise in digital electronics and telecommunications. Whilst developing the essential skills to transition onto BEng or MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience that sets you apart in industry.

My Placement at Renesas Electronics

Nishika acquired her placement year with Renesas Electronics through the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) Scholarship Scheme. During her placement, Nishika worked as a software developer, writing code for microprocessors.

Nishika's placement experience

Facilities

You will learn in our recent £1.3 million refurbished electronics labs, gaining hands-on experience in our high-spec workspaces, with support from our exceptional technicians, meaning you will be industry-ready once you graduate. Some of the facilities include;

Soldering workshop
Power supply multimeter oscilloscope and function generator that are all integrated into one setting and connected to a PC
Workshop space where you can design and produce your prototypes with a laser cutter and a 3D printer
24/7-hour access to the Electrical and Electronic Engineering student society room which has equipment for testing soldering, and a 3D printer that you can use in your free time to work on your own projects and expand your creativity.

You will also have access to an extensive network of computer facilities throughout your course, including high-performance PCs for industrial standard ECAD, Unix workstations, and a large number of embedded processors for lab work. These resources are complemented by specialist electronics, telecommunications, and networked laboratories and research facilities

coursepage_electricalengineering_facilities_lab

coursepage_electricalengineering_facilities_technician

coursepage_electricalengineering_facilities_workshop

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Facilities

Course objectives

Provide the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.
Develop transferrable and communication skills required to be successful in further study.
Develop ethical and inclusive, problem solvers and critical thinkers.
Begin to develop the global awareness, sustainability and inclusive practice required in modern professional practice.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Foundation year modules

Foundation Year modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Undergraduate Professional Skills	15
Mathematics 1	15
Introduction to Scientific Principles	15
Industries of the Future	15
Global Engineering Project	15
Introduction to Programming: Web Design	15
Electronic Foundations	15
Mathematics 2	15
Total	120

Foundation year outcomes

On successful completion of your foundation 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 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: Merit Merit Merit
Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Merit
National Diploma and Diploma: Merit Merit plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade D
Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Merit plus an A-Level in any subject at grade D OR achieve an overall grade Merit plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: Merit Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: Merit plus 2 A-level minimum Grade CD

26 including 3, 3, 3 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

The way we assess you will be diverse, blending exams with coursework, portfolio submissions, and digital design on platforms. Assessing you through different practices will help gain an overall understanding of your knowledge.

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.

Our BEng and MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles including Graduate programmer, Software Engineer and Developer, Electronics Design Engineer, Graduate Consultant Engineer and Electronic Engineer. For a range of employers, such as: HSBC, Oxford University, Hewlett Packard, Cogent Defence, BAE Systems, Npower, Siemens, Orange, Vodafone, QinetiQ, the National Grid, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Cars and Microsoft.

Be part of our community

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

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study the Foundation Programme in Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University?

If you don’t currently have the grades or subjects to progress straight onto an undergraduate degree programme within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University, the Foundation Programme will equip you with the ideal base of knowledge to get you into your chosen study and career path.

You’ll be taught by Aston University staff, refining your knowledge, professional and study skills to prepare you for your chosen degree programme. You can choose to then study one of our business or social science programmes, with an integrated placement year, providing you with invaluable work experience, and even onto a Masters programme.

How will I study on the Foundation Programme?

Students will receive timetables that details the room and time of each subject. Each module will have a lecture that is delivers course content to all the students and seminar in smaller groups to provide more focused skills required for each module. Each module will have a total of four hours of teaching each week.

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

Chat with current students

Register your interest

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Find your course

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

Course overview

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation: Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Aston University?

Course description

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

How you will learn

What you will learn

My Placement at Renesas Electronics

Facilities

Course objectives

Modules