Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme: Mathematics

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.

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.

"I chose to study mathematics at Aston as it was much more industry-based than other Universities, it had real-life applications and so could be used in the professional working world when it came to the job I would get after university".

Neha Pal

BSc (Hons) Mathematics

Graduate

Why Mathematics 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

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

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
We welcome students to our maths course who possess a deep love and genuine interest in mathematics, fuelled by curiosity and a desire to think originally. We value those who actively apply their learning, are determined to overcome difficulties, remain adaptable, and embrace teamwork for collaborative success.

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. Our curriculum aims to develop your mathematical mind and will empower you for a successful career.

Progression opportunities
On successful completion of our foundation programme, you will then have the opportunity to transition onto our BSc Mathematics degree. Our graduates from the BSc programme have gone into roles in a variety of sectors including finance, IT, education and consultancy with large companies such as Virgin Media, Accenture, Fujitsu, IBM and GCHQ.

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.

Supporting our Mathematics students

Nine ways we support our students studying mathematics

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What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry and individuals, our course provides you with an introductory understanding of mathematical concepts. Whilst developing the essential skills to transition onto BSc Mathematics, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience that sets you apart in industry.

My internship at Amazon

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

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 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.

Career prospects for a mathematician are vast and diverse. Upon completion of their BSc degree, graduates have gone onto roles in finance, modelling, engineering, computing, programming, teaching, and research. Regular career talks by alumni and research opportunities shared by academics enrich students' understanding of potential career paths, opening doors to fulfilling and impactful futures.

A career in Mathematics

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

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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