Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Mathematics with Economics

Course overview

In our mathematics foundation programme, you will be equipped with the essential groundwork for your future undergraduate studies, offering a clear path towards BSc Mathematics with Economics.

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

aston-mathswitheconomics--fionndunn-heroimage

"I am an Analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Aston helped me achieve this by having a great careers team who worked with me to hone my CV, getting me valuable work experience through an industrial placement at Deloitte, and giving me additional support during my studies when I felt I was struggling."

Fionn Godwin

BSc Mathematics with Economics

Analyst J.P Morgan Asset Management

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation: Mathematics with Economics at Aston University?

Gold standard teaching

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

Thriving student life

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

Hands on collaborative teaching

Our dedicated academics ensure smooth transitions for students from diverse backgrounds

Mathematics at Aston University

Final year student Vishakha talks about her experiences studying mathematics at Aston.

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: Mathematics with Economics

Aston University's foundation programme in Mathematics with Economics will empower you with the essential skills and knowledge to transition onto BSc Mathematics with Economics.

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.

It is not mandatory to bring your own device for this course, however if you choose to do so please note will need laptop specifications of i5 or above (or AMD equivalent).

What you will provide
We hold in high regard individuals who not only absorb knowledge but also actively employ it, displaying determination in the face of challenges, maintaining flexibility, and embracing teamwork. If you have a passion and genuine interest in Mathematics with Economics, this course is for you.

What skills we teach
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. You will also cultivate critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how mathematical concepts intersect with economic principles.

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of our foundation programme, you will then have the opportunity to transition onto our BSc Mathematics with Economics degree. Recent graduates from the BSc programme have embarked on diverse career paths, with positions such as Graduate Forensic Accountant, Actuarial Analyst, Asset and Liabilities Management Analyst, and Route Analyst in esteemed organisations such as Virgin Media, Accenture, Fujitsu, IBM, and GCHQ. Alternatively, you might opt to further your education by pursuing an MSc or PhD program or even delve into the field of education as a career pathway.

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.

My internship at Amazon

Learn about mathematics student Alexandru-Gabriel's six-month internship with Amazon.

Find out more

What you will learn

Our joint honours course enables you to gain an introduction to versatile problem-solving skills quantitative prowess, and critical thinking abilities. You will engage in real-world applications, interdisciplinary opportunities, and have a strong foundation in mathematics with economics.

Supporting our Mathematics students

Nine ways we support our students studying Mathematics

Find out more

Facilities

You will have access to a range of facilities that will support your academic and personal development. You will gain both practical and theoretical experience in our lecture theatres and seminar rooms where you will be able to conduct any research. You will also have access to a comprehensive library with a wide range of literature.

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
Mathematics 2	15
Applied Computer Science	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 Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Mathematics with Economics programme employs a range of authentic assessment methods, including presentations, coursework, quizzes, and some exams. We make sure to coordinate deadlines to ensure you have a manageable workload.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.

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.

On successful completion of our mathematics with economics degree, the analytical skills you acquire open doors to various career paths. You can venture into the financial sector, engage in modeling and engineering, explore the world of computing and programming, or even pursue teaching and research opportunities

A career in Mathematics

We spoke with mathematician Thomas to find out what possibilities are available after completing a mathematics degree

Find out more

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

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.

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.

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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Find your course

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Mathematics with Economics

Course overview

Why Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation: Mathematics with Economics at Aston University?

Course description

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Mathematics with Economics

How you will learn

My internship at Amazon

What you will learn

Supporting our Mathematics students

Facilities

Course objectives

Modules