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Develop your understanding of mathematics and physics to further your studies and kick start your career -
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Opportunity to progress onto an Aston undergraduate programme
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Undertake professional skills training which will provide you with the transferable skills to succeed at university and in your future career
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An excellent introduction to studying your chosen subject
"I chose the foundation programme because it provided me with the prerequisites for studying my course of choice, as well as preparing me for university life - making it less stressful going into the first year of my degree! I also wanted to study a course that would help me fill in the gaps from college to university whilst enhancing my knowledge. The course also allows you to explore a variety of areas before choosing what you would like to specialise in."
Filipe Zawalski
Current student
"I chose the foundation programme because it provided me with the prerequisites for studying my course of choice, as well as preparing me for university life - making it less stressful going into the first year of my degree! I also wanted to study a course that would help me fill in the gaps from college to university whilst enhancing my knowledge. The course also allows you to explore a variety of areas before choosing what you would like to specialise in."
Filipe Zawalski
Current student
Course outline and modules
Our foundation course will prepare you fully for undergraduate study and provide a pathway to a degree of your choice. As well as developing your technical skills, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills and attributes needed to be a professional engineer or applied scientist. You’ll learn note taking, academic writing, clear communication and the collection, evaluation and analysis of data from different sources.
During your foundation year, you’ll have excellent support from your tutors and lecturers. We also have a Learning Development Centre that can provide additional support, and a peer-assisted learning scheme. Group projects will give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey.
Core modules and module choices
The core modules for progression for engineers are Mathematics, Physical Science & Engineering Foundations and Engineering Skills for Engineering & Applied Science. Engineering covers a wide range of disciplines and a unique feature of this programme is the opportunity for you to study a subject which will enable you to progress onto the degree of your choice.
In addition to the core modules there are a number of choices available to you, which will lead you to your degree course.
Biomedical Engineering Foundations
Biomedical Engineering is a broad, interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biology, medicine, and biotechnology. This module provides the fundamental knowledge of biomedical engineering as discipline, alongside with examples on application of available technologies for diagnostics, treatment, modelling and replacement of human body systems, organs or parts.
Construction Project Management Foundations
This module gives an overview on the largest industry in the world ‘the construction industry’ and its relevant disciplines. It provides the students with an introduction to the knowledge and skills involved in studying three main themes: Civil Engineering, Construction and Project Management. The module involves fundamental theoretical studies and some practical applications which provides a solid basis if you wish to study any subject within the construction field.
Electronic Engineering Foundations
This module provides the necessary fundamental knowledge and skills required by an electronic engineer. You will investigate direct current electrical circuits, capacitors, inductors, alternating current circuits, alternating and direct current generators and motors and digital electronics.
Engineering a Sustainable Future
This module has been designed to provide students with a wide overview of the meaning of ‘Sustainability’ and the implications of sustainable development. During the module you will learn concepts related to sustainability and how sustainability principles are translated into the business practice through a series of case studies.
Foundation Chemistry I and II
To provide a general background to the fundamentals of the electronic structure of atoms and molecules and an introduction to the physical properties of elements and substances. You will study atoms and molecules, metals, organic and bio-organic materials, inorganic materials, organic chemistry.
Fundamentals of Computing
This module is aimed at introducing some basic and essential computer programming skills that engineers or scientists may need and the fundamentals of computer systems. You will study such topics basic components of a computer program, basic GUI components, program testing and documentation.
Mechanical Science I and II
To provide an introduction to mechanical engineering. To introduce experimental and design work involving mechanical engineering principles. You will study such topics as applied mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Systems and Logistics Foundations
This module provides students with a fundamental knowledge of systems thinking, its role in engineering and the role of logistics in society. Topics such as logistics and supply chains, its management in society and the design and re-engineering of logistics networks will be introduced to the students.
Transport Foundations
Provides an introduction to transport and its place within engineering. Introduces you to the technology and practice that transport infrastructure and services are built on, and their place in society. Provides you with the key skills to enter a degree in this area.
Entry requirements
Typical offers:
- A Levels
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- CCC
- CCD (with an EPQ or Core Maths at grade B)
- CDD (contextual offers*)
- CCC
- IB
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27 points overall and above with 4, 4, 4 at Higher Level.
- BTEC, Access & other
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BTEC
- Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma: DMM
- Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Merit
- National Diploma and Diploma: MM plus 1 A-level at minimum Grade C
- Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Merit plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C OR achieve an overall grade Merit plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit
- Foundation or 90 credits Diploma: MM plus 2 A-level minimum Grade C
- National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma: M plus 2 A-level minimum Grade C
Access to Higher Education
Pass your access with 45 credits at Level 3 including at least 15 Distinctions, 15 Merits and 15 Passes - T Levels
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The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:
Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Grade M
Digital Production, Design and Production Grade M
Education and Childcare Grade M
Building Services Engineering for Construction Grade M
Onsite Construction Grade M
Digital Business Services Grade M
Digital Support Services Grade M
Health Grade M
Healthcare Science Grade M
Science Grade M
Management and administration Grade M
Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing Grade M
Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control Grade M
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing Grade M
Accounting Grade M
Legal Services Grade M
Finance Grade M
Agriculture, Land Management and Production Grade M
Animal Care and Management Grade M
Catering Grade M
Craft and Design Grade M
Media, Broadcast and Production Grade M
Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy Grade M - GCSEs
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English and Maths, grade C/4 or above.
View our Admissions Policy
We accept well-motivated and able students with a wide range of qualifications, including BTEC National Diplomas, Access Course Certificates and A Levels. Offers are made on an individual basis and may require that you attend an interview. We also consider mature applicants who have industrial experience but do not have relevant academic qualifications.
For any queries, please contact our Admissions Team on 0121 204 3400.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Learning, teaching and assessment
We use a wide variety of teaching and learning styles on our degrees, and place particular emphasis on project-based learning and hands-on experience. You will attend lectures, tutorials and spend time on practical experiments and projects in the laboratory.
Core modules studied are:
- Mathematics 1
- Mathematics 2
- Mathematics 3
- Essential Skills for Engineering
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Foundations I
Additional module choices
- Biomedical Engineering Foundations
- Construction Project Management Foundations
- Electronic Engineering Foundations
- Engineering a Sustainable Future
- Foundation Chemistry I and II
- Fundamentals of Computing
- Mechanical Science I and II
- Systems and Logistics Foundations
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Foundations II
- Transport Foundations
Assessment is through a combination of coursework, practical work, exams and presentations.
EPS foundation blog post
We caught up with Engineering and Applied Science Foundation Programme student Filip Zawalski to talk about his experience studying at Aston University what support he received and advice he would give to students considering the course.
Fees and scholarships
Annual tuition fees (2024/25)
Home students: £9,250
*Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.
Bursary
The Peter N Roberts Endowed Bursary is available for Foundation Programme students and is a non-refundable bursary to help support students. Please click here to find out more.
Career prospects
Progression
Please note that all modules studied during the degree must be passed in order for a student to progress onto a degree programme.
Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year programme you can progress onto any of the Engineering and Applied Science undergraduate degree programmes provided you meet the progression criteria for your selected degree. Progression criteria onto a degree includes the module selected during the Foundation Year, e.g. progression on to a Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry degree requires that the following modules are taken; all core modules plus Foundation Chemistry I, Foundation Chemistry II and Physical Science and Engineering Foundation II. Progression on to other degrees may have a different requirement of modules that would need to be selected.
Please contact us if you require information about this. Please note that you should state your intended progression route (i.e. which degree you would like to progress on to) upon application.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why choose the Foundation in Engineering and Applied Science at Aston University?
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The Foundation in Engineering and Applied Science course can set you on your way to a full degree course in a subject of your choice.
- What will I be doing on the Foundation in Engineering and Applied Science course at Aston?
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You’ll cover a range of core modules as well as choosing the specialist modules that will enable you to progress to a full degree.
- Why should international students choose Aston University?
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Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 different countries chose to study with us every year and Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career.
Choosing to start your Aston journey with our foundation programme will help you develop specialist knowledge to ensure that you are fully prepared to study your chosen undergraduate course.
