STEM Foundation Year

Program Overview

STEM Foundation Year

Overview

The STEM Foundation Year provides the opportunity to study an integrated 4-year programme where you will complete a Foundation Year before progressing onto a degree in biology, computer science, engineering, or geography and geology, subject to passing all assessments.

Course Features

• International students can apply

What You'll Study

Course Content

The STEM Foundation Year combines the core fundamental knowledge, which underpins science subjects, with the skills that form the foundation of studying at university.

Teaching and Assessment

You will hone your skills in academic writing and critical analysis, and reflect on your academic experiences. A group project enables you to work as part of a team and produce a significant piece of work focused on the acquisition, handling and application of a wide range of information sources.

Compulsory Modules

• Academic Writing**** develops skills in planning, drafting and writing at university. You will learn how to structure essays, write effective introductions and conclusions, and how to construct a paragraph. You will also learn how to integrate sources into your work using appropriate citing and referencing to acknowledge attribution.
  • Module code: IFP0012
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Applied Mathematics recognises that applied mathematics is a fundamental part of any science-based module. Historically major scientific advancements have relied heavily on the concepts and ideas developed within applied mathematics. The module will provide you with a detailed overview of the utilisation and application of mathematics within a wide range of real-world scenarios. You will focus on algebra, trigonometry and scientific functions. You will also solve linear, quadratic and simultaneous equations, functions and their notation, as well as complex numbers, vectors and matrices. You will also develop highly transferable problem-solving skills.
  • Module code: STM0001
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Critical Analysis and Systematic Thinking for Higher Education provides you with a flexible approach to reflecting on your own academic experiences to date. You will critically analyse your knowledge, understanding and skills acquisition and seek to relate them to practical applications of group working, academic seminars and presentations.
  • Module code: IFP0003
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 50% Coursework, 50% Practical

Optional Modules

• Introduction to Biology provides an overview of biology at all scales from molecular biology to global ecology. The study of biology is the study of life itself and the module recognises this as it reaches back in time and examines evolution. All material will be related to real-world examples and case studies to ensure that you gain a range of specific practical laboratory and fieldwork skills. The topics introduced in this module will provide a grounding in key biological concepts and principles across a broad biological range.
  • Module code: STM0004
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 50% Coursework, 50% Exam
• Introduction to Geosciences equips you with an understanding of the Earth’s systems and related processes. Recognising that geosciences is key to managing resources and sustainability, the module will introduce you to topics such as mineral resources, climate change, water, energy, geohazards, and the relationship between the Earth sciences and human activity. You will receive a detailed overview of the discipline, from basic concepts and principles, to the ability to conduct guided and independent study and evaluate, interpret and analyse your findings.
  • Module code: STM0006
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 50% Coursework, 50% Exam
• Introduction to Programming outlines the foundational concepts underpinning modern computer programming, an area of computer science concerned with the creation of software systems. Such systems can vary significantly in scope and complexity. From the desktop applications we use at work, to the control systems that protect energy grids or manage transactions on the stock exchange. Whether we realise it or not, software is being actively used to support and manage our everyday lives on a grand scale. Indeed, software is now so embedded into our world, that it has become vital to a successful modern economy. The module will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create simple software systems using an object-orientated programming language. You will also be introduced to computational thinking and analytical problem-solving techniques.
  • Module code: STM0003
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 70% Coursework, 30% Exam
• Fundamentals of Calculus provides a foundational understanding of calculus, focusing on its core principles and applications. Throughout the module, you will explore the fundamental concepts of limits, differentiation, and integration, learning to solve advanced calculus problems and gain insight into the practical applications of calculus in physics, engineering, economics, and other fields. The module emphasises the development of analytical skills, logical reasoning, and mathematical rigour, providing a solid foundation for more advanced studies in mathematics and related disciplines. By the end of the course, you will understand the essential tools of calculus and be prepared to apply these methods to a wide range of scientific and engineering challenges.
  • Module code: STM0008
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 70% Coursework, 30% Exam
• Group Project A is designed for those students who will progress onto undergraduate degrees in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The aim of the module is to introduce you to the importance of discipline-related teamwork. Teamwork is a highly sought after skill in industry and fundamental in Higher Education and the practical sessions of this module will help you develop the skills required and the knowledge that is essential to today's industrial needs. Through a group project, you will develop strategies to help determine solutions to a given scenario with a focus on the acquisition, handling and application of a wide variety of subject related information sources.
  • Module code: STM00009
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Group Project B is designed for students who will progress on to an undergraduate degree in the Department of Biology (including Chemistry) and Geography and Geosciences. The module aims to introduce you to the importance of discipline-related teamwork. Teamwork is a highly sought after skill in industry and fundamental in Higher Education and the practical sessions of this module will help you develop the skills required and the knowledge that is essential to today’s industrial needs. Through a group project, you will develop strategies to help determine solutions to a given scenario with a focus on the acquisition, handling and application of a wide variety of subject related information sources.
  • Module code: STM0010
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 100% Coursework
• Physics provides a foundation in topics that are fundamental to the study of physics and essential for rigorous academic study in science and engineering. The module provides technical breadth and embraces important skills to enable modelling of the physical world. Through a series of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, together with a range of practical laboratory sessions to help reinforce material discussed in lectures, you will use a problem-solving approach to explore classical concepts in physics, covering mechanics, energy, properties of waves, and electricity.
  • Module code: STM0005
  • Credits: 20
  • Assessment: 70% Exam, 30% Coursework

How You'll Study

The programme focuses on student activity as a means of learning. Classes are highly interactive, with practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life. Workshops, seminars, group tutorials and practical activities provide opportunities for you to work interdependently.

The STEM Foundation Year is delivered on a full-time basis. You may be required to attend up to four days a week. Upon completion of the STEM Foundation Year, you will continue your degree on a full-time basis, with the option to switch to part-time delivery on some programmes if you wish, subject to availability.

How You'll Be Assessed

You will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, reports, essays, presentations and examinations. We want you to develop the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Assessment therefore includes both forms of participation, though the emphasis is strongly on individual work.

Who Will Be Teaching You

You will learn about the very latest developments in subjects from tutors who are leaders in their fields and whose research feeds directly into their teaching. The programme team regularly engage with the wider business and academic environment in sharing knowledge, while also contributing to academic conferences and journals.

Entry Criteria

• Typical offer 72-96 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
• Example offers:
  • A Level: DDD-CCC
  • UCAS Tariff points: 72-96 points
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Merit, Merit, Pass (MMP)
  • T Level: Overall grade of Pass (E or above on the core)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 24 credits at Merit and 21 credits at Pass. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

How to Apply

• Apply full-time through UCAS
• Apply as an international student

Facilities

The STEM Foundation Year is delivered by the Language Centre, located in Creative Edge, a state-of-the-art £17million building offering highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities.

Upon successful completion of the STEM Foundation Year, you will be based in the Department of Biology, Department of Computer Science or Department of History, Geography and Social Sciences, depending on your chosen degree.

Finance

• 2025/26
• Tuition fees:
  • UK Full-Time: £9,535 a year
  • International: £17,000 a year

Your Future Career

The programme will equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to progress onto Year 1 of your intended degree in biology, computer science, engineering or geography at Edge Hill University.

Progression Routes

• Biology and Biosciences:
  • BSc (Hons) Biology with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Biotechnology with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Ecology & Conservation with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Plant Science with STEM Foundation Year
• Computing and IT:
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Engineering with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Computer Science with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Computing with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Computing (Games Programming) with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Computing (Networks, Cyber Security and Forensics) with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Information Technology Management for Business with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Robotics & Artificial Intelligence with STEM Foundation Year
• Engineering:
  • BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with STEM Foundation Year
  • MEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with STEM Foundation Year
  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with STEM Foundation Year
  • MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with STEM Foundation Year
• Geography and Geology:
  • BSc (Hons) Geography with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Physical Geography & Geology with STEM Foundation Year
  • BSc (Hons) Geology with Physical Geography with STEM Foundation Year
• Mathematics:
  • BSc (Hons) Mathematics with STEM Foundation Year
• Physics:
  • BSc (Hons) Physics with STEM Foundation Year