BSc Physics with Foundation Year - 2026 entry

Overview

We believe that fair access to higher education is a fundamental enabler for social mobility and are committed to delivering this through our education. We aim to widen participation and raise attainment - bridging gaps in retention, progression and success - to ensure our students enjoy the best possible outcome.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria, or are classed as Mature Students, and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.

• It covers the core mathematics required to successfully complete the Physics degree programme at Exeter
• You’ll be learning in a friendly and structured environment and will be supported academically and personally as you prepare to study the Physics undergraduate degree
• Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress into Year 1 of our BSc Physics programme which has a Foundation Year
• Depending upon the qualifications you’ve gained prior to beginning the Foundation programme it may be possible to transfer to an undergraduate programme in Mathematics, Natural Sciences or Engineering which have a foundation year and provided you meet the entry requirements for that programme
• International students looking for a foundation course, please visit our INTO page.

Eligibility criteria

• Qualification: Typical offer: Required subjects
  • A-Level: BBC: B in Maths and B in Physics. We will also accept AS Maths at A or Core Maths at A in lieu of A-Level Maths.
  • IB: 28/554: Maths HL 5 and Physics HL 5
  • BTEC: DDM: Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require at least grade B in GCE A-Level Maths and Physics.
  • GCSE: 4/C: Grade C or 4 in GCSE English language
  • Access to HE: 18 L3 credits at Distinction grade and 27 L3 credits at Merit grade: 12 L3 credits in Maths at Merit Grade and 12 L3 credits in Physics at Merit Grade.
  • T-Levels: T-Levels not accepted: N/A
  • NB: General Studies is not included in any offer.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.

Accreditation

Please note: As part of our ongoing commitment towards improving the student experience at Exeter, we are introducing a new foundation level year to our Mathematics degrees from September 2022. The foundation course covers the core maths skills needed to progress onto our Year 1 of the BSc Physics with Foundation Year programme, or have the opportunity to transfer to Year 1 of another programme with a foundation year provided you meet the entry requirements for that programme. As a result of introducing the foundation year we are currently going through a process to expand our accreditation to include this programme.

Course content

The Foundation Year is part of an integrated 4 year undergraduate degree programme. The information below relates to the Foundation Year only. Please see our 'pathways' below for further information and details of the modules available on the degree programmes you can progress to from the Foundation Year.

The course comprises of 90 credits of core maths, to elevate students’ knowledge to A-level grade A standard, plus some aspects of the further maths curriculum, but concentrating on developing core mathematical skills.

The other 30 credits comprise a project that includes key skills for university study.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Foundation year modules

Compulsory modules

• Code: Module: Credits
  • MTH0001: Principles of Pure Mathematics: 30
  • MTH0003: Exploring Mathematics: 15
  • MTH0004: Foundation Statistics: 15
  • MTH0005: Science: Skills and Culture: 30
  • MTH0006: Applied Mathematics: 15
  • MTH0007: Programming Skills: 15

Pathways

The courses listed below are the pathway options available for these integrated 4-year undergraduate degree programmes. In the second term of your Foundation Year, you will specialise in your chosen course:

Taught at Streatham Campus, Devon:

• Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Civil Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc
• Data Science with Foundation Year BSc
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc
• Natural Sciences with Foundation Year BSc
• Physics with Foundation Year BSc
• Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year BEng

Taught at Penryn Campus, Cornwall:

• Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mining Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Renewable Energy Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Systems Engineering with Foundation Year BEng

Exeter’s foundation has been created to support and prepare students for the challenges of an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Physics, Natural Sciences or Engineering.

The programme has been designed for students with the passion and aptitude for a degree, but who may have missed our standard entry criteria for various reasons, and is a call to widen participation and increase access to higher education.

Fees

Please note: The fees for students starting in 2026 have yet to be set. The fees provided below are the fees for students starting in 2025 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2026 entry shortly.

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

• UK students: £9,535 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

• Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Learning and teaching

The way you learn at university may be different from what you have experienced before. Depending on your course, you may encounter a variety of teaching methods.

In the Foundation year of this programme, you will experience a range of teaching and learning activities including lectures, workshops, tutorials, group projects/presentations and/or seminars. The mathematics modules at this stage comprise of 90 credits in total, while 'Science: Skills and Culture' module is 30 credits. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time including guided independent study hours.

Visit our course pages for details of the Learning and Teaching methods on the BEng Civil Engineering or BEng Mechanical Engineering, BEng Engineering, BEng Electronic Engineering, BSc Mathematics, BSc Natural Sciences and BSc Physics degree programmes for the subsequent years of your chosen degree programme.

Private study and support

In addition to lectures and seminars, you should spend about 20 hours per week in private study. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics, and we advise you attempt all coursework problems, whether formally assessed or not. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services and you are encouraged to discuss mathematical problems or questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through lunchtime mathematics surgeries or our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.

A research and practice led culture

You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising of internationally-recognised experts active across a wide range of topics in your chosen degree programme. As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become involved in a research project yourself.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of summative assessments. You must pass your foundation year and meet the progression criteria to progress to Year 1 of the BSc in Physics with a foundation year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.

Your future

Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum. The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist is appreciated by employers: they acknowledge the benefits of excellent problem solving skills, an educated scientific intuition, and the confidence to be able to grasp new concepts quickly.

Related courses

• Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Civil Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc
• Natural Sciences with Foundation Year BSc
• Foundation

View all Physics and Astronomy courses

University of Exeter

---

Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

---

Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

Allows students to access their university email accounts.

Payment portal:

Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.

MyExeter (student app):

A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.

Library:

Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.

SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

Allows students to view their class schedules.

Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

---

Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Medicine and Health:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

---

Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.