Program Overview

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Overview

Course overview

On the Physics with an Integrated Foundation Year, you are an undergraduate at The University of Manchester. The course is taught at The University, by academics from The University. Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria for your chosen degree, completion of the Integrated Foundation Year guarantees you a place on the first year of your chosen degree.

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.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every course at Manchester contributes towards theUN's Sustainable Development Goals , so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your course:

• Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
• Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
• Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
• Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
• Goal 13: Climate action

Entry requirements

A-level

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all applications are considered on their individual merits. Decisions are based on the application as a whole - including the qualifications, the personal statement, and the referee's comments. The following must therefore be viewed only as general guide.

Our entry requirements vary depending on the subjects being taken at A-level. Typically, we would be looking for:

• BBB, where a student has three relevant subjects
• ABB, where a student has two relevant subjects
• AAB, where a student has one relevant subject

The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, and Computer Science.

If you are unsure whether you would be considered with your qualifications/predictions, we would encourage you to contact us before making an application.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the Integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme. To help us make our decision, applicants may be asked to attend an Academic Assessment.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

Duration of A-level study

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:
a) sat your examinations early; or
b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

A-level contextual offer

If you meet the criteria, you may be made a reduced offer. This will typically be at one grade below the standard offer.

For further information and to check eligibility visit our contextual admissions page.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

• live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
• live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
• have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

If you meet the criteria, you may be made a reduced offer. This will typically be at one grade below the standard offer.

For further information and to check eligibility visit our contextual admissions page.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

• have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
• have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall, with 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including one of Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) or Physics.

If Mathematics is not studied at Higher Level, then we would require Standard Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) with Grade 6 or higher.

GCSE/IGCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics, if not taken at A-level.

GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

GCSE/IGCSE grade 6/B in one of Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science is also required, if not taken at A-level.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Select other entry requirements Scottish requirements Welsh Baccalaureate Pearson BTEC qualifications OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications Access to HE Diploma Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Scottish requirements

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the Integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate/ WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification and usually requires two A-levels or equivalent to be taken alongside this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Students are accepted from a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Students are accepted from a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

Access to HE Diploma

Applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.

We normally require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma in an Engineering-related subject with 60 credits overall, including 45 graded credits at Level 3. Applicants will also be required to pass an Academic Assessment.

Specific grades in specific subjects will be part of the offer.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Country-specific entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For general requirements for your country, including English language, see: Country-specific information.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.

Home students are required to achieve a GCSE in English Language at grade C/4, or an acceptable equivalent qualification .

International/EU students are required to evidence an IELTS for UKVI with an overall score of 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in each component.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Route visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

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.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

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 .

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .

Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances.

We look for recent relevant study. Please feel free to contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss your particular circumstances.

Home-schooled applicants

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines

If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact us.

Non-standard educational routes

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact us directly. Further information for mature students can be found here .

How your application is considered

All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may be required to complete an academic assessment.

Your referee should give realistic grade predictions for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .

Interview requirements

Academic assessment

Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, or applicants who have not studied mathematics or sciences at A-level (or equivalent) may be asked to complete an academic assessment as part of the application process. The assessment takes the form of an online, invigilated, multiple-choice test.

We do not suggest that applicants prepare specially for the assessment, and it's important to note that it is not an entrance exam. The assessment is designed to test an applicant's aptitude and give us a picture of their current level of understanding and knowledge in key areas of mathematics and physics.

If you are invited to complete an academic assessment, please sign up to Zoom if you haven't already done so, and familiarise yourself with the service. If this is your first-time using Zoom, you may wish to have a trial 'meeting' with a friend or family member ahead of your academic assessment. We will send you all the instructions you will need via email. Please also remember to check your email for the Zoom links in order to attend.

Please inform us of any disability or special requirements prior to taking the academic assessment. You can do this by emailing .

Aptitude test requirement

Academic assessment

Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, or applicants who have not studied mathematics or sciences at A-level (or equivalent) may be asked to complete an academic assessment as part of the application process. The assessment takes the form of an online, invigilated, multiple-choice test.

We do not suggest that applicants prepare specially for the assessment, and it's important to note that it is not an entrance exam. The assessment is designed to test an applicant's aptitude and give us a picture of their current level of understanding and knowledge in key areas of mathematics and physics.

If you are invited to complete an academic assessment, please sign up to Zoom if you haven't already done so, and familiarise yourself with the service. If this is your first-time using Zoom, you may wish to have a trial 'meeting' with a friend or family member ahead of your academic assessment. We will send you all the instructions you will need via email. Please also remember to check your email for the Zoom links in order to attend.

Please inform us of any disability or special requirements prior to taking the academic assessment. You can do this by emailing

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in more than one sitting, provided they are taken over the standard two-year period.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing, places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

Physics with an Integrated Foundation Year is a one year programme designed to improve your mathematical and scientific understanding and skills to a level where you will be able to start a degree in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in one of the following subject areas:

• Physics, BSc
• Physics, MPhys
• Physics with Astrophysics, BSc
• Physics with Astrophysics, MPhys
• Physics with Study in Europe, MPhys
• Physics with Theoretical Physics, BSc
• Physics with Theoretical Physics, MPhys
• Mathematics and Physics, BSc

On the Foundation Year you will study mathematics and physics. In addition, you will take modules in Academic Skills and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). You will also complete a group project, related to your intended degree programme and supervised by an academic from your future Department.

Special features

• Students accepted from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds.
• High levels of academic and pastoral support.
• Successful completion guarantees a place on first year of your chosen degree in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
• Teaching by highly experienced University academics, with a proven track record.
• Integrated Foundation Year students have full access to all University facilities.

Teaching and learning

The programme embraces a variety of approaches to teaching and learning, including lectures, small group tutorials, seminars and project work. Particular strengths are the high level of staff contact and individual learning support, individual pastoral support, project work in natural science-based Departments and associated disciplines within the Faculty.

Your focus is the Foundation Studies Office, where staff provide day to day support. The dedicated Common Room offers you a place to study, prepare coursework, carry out work using the computers, or simply socialise. There is a strong sense of community within the student body and excellent tutorial support. Physics with an Integrated Foundation Year is delivered on the University campus by University staff.

With strong links with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the environment for study is essentially the same as for undergraduate study on degree programmes in natural science and associated disciplines. You will find that this assists greatly in easing your move into first year of your chosen degree programme on successful completion of the foundation year.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is based primarily on formal examinations at the end of each semester (in January and June). A smaller proportion of the overall assessment is based on coursework carried out throughout the academic year.

Course units for foundation year

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Title| Code| Credit rating| Mandatory/optional
---|---|---|---
Information and Communications Technology | FOUN10011 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project- Chemical Engineering | FOUN10022 | 10 | Mandatory
Academic Skills | FOUN10031 | 10 | Mandatory
Matter and Energy Phys 1 | FOUN10061 | 10 | Mandatory
Waves and Particles Phys 3 | FOUN10072 | 10 | Mandatory
World of the Electron Phys 2 | FOUN10111 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project-Chemistry | FOUN11022 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project-MACE | FOUN12022 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project-Materials | FOUN13022 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project- Maths | FOUN14022 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project- Earth & Environmental Science | FOUN15022 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project- Computer Science | FOUN16022 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project-EEE (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) | FOUN17022 | 10 | Mandatory
Foundation Year Project- Physics | FOUN18022 | 10 | Mandatory
Mathematics 0B1 | MATH19801 | 10 | Mandatory
Mathematics 0B2 | MATH19812 | 10 | Mandatory
Mathematics 0F2 | MATH19842 | 10 | Mandatory
Mathematics 0J2 | MATH19852 | 10 | Mandatory
Mathematics 0N1 | MATH19861 | 10 | Mandatory
Mathematics 0D2 | MATH19872 | 10 | Mandatory
Displaying 10 of 20 course units for foundation year
Display all course units for foundation year

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email:

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 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. Physics with an Integrated Foundation Year gives you the preparation you need to proceed to degree level programmes in the subject area of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

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.