Program Overview

BSc/MEng Materials Science with an Integrated Foundation Year

Overview

Course overview

• Complete the Integrated Foundation Year and meet the specific progression criteria to guarantee a place on one of our materials science degrees.
• Take the next step in your education - on the Integrated Foundation Year you are an undergraduate at The University of Manchester.
• Improve your mathematical and scientific understanding to a level where you're able to progress to a materials science degree.
• You'll be taught at The University, by academics from The University.

A study experience that makes a difference

• We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
• Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
• Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
• Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Entry requirements

A-level

• BBC where a student has 3 relevant subjects
• BBB where a student has 2 relevant subjects
• ABB where a student has 1 relevant subject
• The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate

• 32 points overall with 5,5,5 at Higher Level, including at least one from Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable), Physics or Chemistry.

GCSE/IGCSE

• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Grade B/6 in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics if not studied at A-level and at least Grade B/6 from one of GCSE/IGCSE Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science if not studied at A-level.

Other entry requirements

• Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
  • Scottish requirements
  • Welsh Baccalaureate
  • Pearson BTEC qualifications
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Level
  • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Fees and funding

Fees

• Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

Scholarships/sponsorships

• The Foundation Year Bursary is available to UK students who are registered on an undergraduate Foundation Year here and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance.
• Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our International country profiles.

Application and selection

How to apply

• Apply through UCAS.

Advice to applicants

• Factors contributing to a successful application include:
  • past academic performance;
  • predicted academic performance;
  • enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
  • evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Course details

Course description

• Begin your journey to a materials science degree with our one-year Integrated Foundation Year programme, which aims to improve your mathematical and scientific understanding and skills to a level where you are able to start a degree with us in the Department of Materials.
• By completing the course and meeting the specific progression criteria, you can continue to a degree in one of the following subject areas:
  • Materials Science and Engineering, BSc
  • Materials Science and Engineering, MEng
  • Materials Science and Engineering with Biomaterials, MEng
  • Materials Science and Engineering with Metallurgy, MEng
  • Materials Science and Engineering with Nanomaterials, MEng
  • Materials Science and Engineering with Polymers, MEng
  • Materials Science and Engineering with Textiles Technology, MEng

Aims

• We aim to help you improve your mathematical and scientific understanding to a level where you are able to start a materials science degree.
• You will be taught mathematics, physics and chemistry, and will take modules in Academic Skills and ICT (Information and Communications Technology).
• You will be an undergraduate at The University of Manchester, benefitting from full access to the University's facilities.

Special features

• Welcoming environment
• Teaching and support
• Being part of the University

Careers

Career opportunities

• The University of Manchester is the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers. Graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in high demand, according to The Graduate Market in 2023.
• Our popular Integrated Foundation Year route has produced outstanding graduates across all of our science and engineering courses. Employers will recognise your determination to succeed, adaptability, analytical skills and independent thought.
• A materials science and engineering degree can open up a world of possibility - and our Integrated Foundation Year option could be your first step.

Careers Service

• We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.