Program Overview

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Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation (integrated honours programme)

Overview

This programme is for Home students. International students should apply for the Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham International College. This specialist international study centre is located next to the University Park Campus and is run in partnership with Kaplan Pathways.

Strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you progress on to year one of your honour's degree. You are guaranteed progression on to your chosen degree after passing your foundation year.

Course Information

• Qualification: NA
• Entry Requirements: BBB
• Start Date: September 2026
• UCAS code: H100
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Fees: £9,535*

Entry Requirements

• A level: BBB, including maths and physics if taken
• GCSE: maths grade 6 (B); physics grade 5 (B) or science grade 5 (B) and Additional Science grade 5 (B); English grade 4 (C)
• IB score: 28 points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates
• BTEC Nationals: RQF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma - DDM in any subject plus GCSE maths at grade 6 (B) and physics at grade 5 (B)
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma in any subject - 21 Level 3 credits at Distinction, 18 Level 3 credits at Merit and 6 at Pass, plus GCSE maths at grade 6 (B) and physics at grade 5 (B)

Additional Entry Requirements

• GCSE maths and physics compensation: If applicants don’t meet our GCSE Maths or physics criteria this can be compensated by the below qualifications:
  • GCSE maths compensation:
    • AQA Core Maths – grade C
    • BTEC Engineering module – Further Engineering Mathematics – passed with Distinction
  • GCSE physics compensation:
    • GCSE combined science - grades BB
    • GCSE science plus additional science - grades BB
    • Overall performance (DDM) in RQF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Engineering
    • Overall performance (DDM) in RQF Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Applied Science

Course Overview

You will study a range of modules including:

• maths
• computer methods
• electricity and magnetism
• mechanics
• physics
• lab skills

The degree you choose will depend on the modules you select to study, but you will not have to make this decision until your second term. The subject areas that you can progress on to are the following:

Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering
• Architecture and Built Environment*
• Chemical and Environmental Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical, Materials, Manufacturing Engineering

Physical sciences

• Computer Science
• Mathematical Sciences**
• Physics and Astronomy**

Modules

Year one

• Core modules:
  • Computer Methods
  • Professional, Experimental and Academic Competencies
  • Foundation Mathematics 1
  • Electromagnetism
  • Mechanics
  • Foundation Mathematics 2
• Students must also take 20 credits from:
  • Further Foundation Mathematics
  • Engineering Project
  • Further Applied Engineering

Teaching Methods

• Group study
• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment Methods

• Coursework
• Examinations

Contact Time and Study Hours

On average, you will have around 20 contact hours a week. Combined with coursework and self-study, you may spend over 40 hours a week on your studies.

Job Prospects

The average starting salaries for undergraduates in the departments you will join are:

• £23,150 in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment
• £31,426 in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
• £26,595 in the Department of Civil Engineering
• £30,810 in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• £29,073 in the Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

Careers Advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Tuition Fees

This programme is for Home students only and is not open to international applications.

International students should apply for the Science and Engineering Foundation Certificate at the University of Nottingham International College.

Additional Costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses:

• Books - You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, and all material for the course will be provided electronically.
• Printing – Black and white printing costs 4p per side.
• PPE – the department shall provide eye protection and lab coats as required, for use within the laboratory facilities.
• Laptops – Although there are PCs available for your use in our computer labs, you may wish to purchase your own laptop, read more about our recommended specification.
• Calculator - While the calculator you used for your former study is usually sufficient some students will choose to purchase a new calculator which will cost around £10.

Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

There may also be costs issued by the university for replacement student ID cards, additional transcripts or certification letters, reassessments and library fines.

Scholarships and Bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to student which can contribute towards the cost of studying at the University of Nottingham.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

*A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.