Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The Product Design and Technology with a Foundation Year is a program designed for candidates who have not studied the prerequisite subjects needed for first-year entry or have not met their expected entrance requirements due to adverse situations. This program is also suitable for mature students returning to education, care leavers, and students who meet the contextual offer criteria.

Program Structure

The Foundation Studies program at Loughborough University is designed to help students realize their university ambitions. The program has a streamed approach, enabling students to progress onto one of multiple courses within their chosen stream, giving them further time to decide which course is right for them.

Foundation Course Pathways

Upon successful completion of this foundation course, students can progress onto the following courses:

• Product Design and Technology BSc

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for each course should be read alongside the University's general entry requirements, which give further details on acceptable subjects, alternative UK and international qualifications, and minimum English language requirements.

General Entry Requirements

• The University's admissions process uses contextual information to provide insights into the context in which academic qualifications have been achieved.
• This may influence the typical offers listed below.

Contextual Admissions

• The University's admissions process uses contextual information to provide insights into the context in which academic qualifications have been achieved.
• This may influence the typical offers listed below.

United Kingdom

• Typical A-level offer: BBB
• Typical IB offer: 32 points overall
• Typical BTEC offer: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD
• GCSE: A minimum of 5 GCSE grades 9-4 (A*-C) including Maths and Science grade 6/B and English Language grade 4/C

International Requirements

The program has specific requirements for international students, including:

• Australia: Typical offers for students from Australia are based on the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). Typically, we would require a score between 85.00 and 94.00.
• Austria: For students taking the Austrian Reifeprüfung (Matura), we typically require an average score between 2.2 and 1.2 from 6 written or spoken exams.
• Bahrain: Students who have studied the Tawjihiyah/Thanawiya amma (General Secondary Education Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Bangladesh: Students taking the Higher Secondary Certificate will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Belgium: The Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) and Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs (DSO) are both acceptable qualifications for direct entry into first-year undergraduate courses.
• Brazil: Students taking the Brazilian High School Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) and Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio – ENEM will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Brunei: Students with A Level or IB qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses.
• Bulgaria: For students taking the Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie, we would typically ask for an overall score ranging from 5.3-6.0 overall with specific subject marks required for some courses.
• Canada: Typical offers for students from Canada are based on having completed Grade 12.
• China: Students taking the Senior Middle Examinations will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Croatia: For students taking the Croatian Matura (Svjedodžba o Maturi), we typically require an average score between 4.0 and 5.0.
• Cyprus: The Apolytirion is not accepted for direct entry to the University when studied on its own.
• Czech Republic: For students taking the Czech Maturita (Vysvědčení o Maturitní Zkoušce), we typically require an average ranging from 2.00-1.00 from best 4 subjects which must include at least 2 higher level exams.
• Denmark: For students taking the Bevis for Studentereksamen (STX), typical offers range from 8.0-10.5 in the weighted average mark from the STX.
• Egypt: Students who have studied the Thanaweya A'ama (Certificate of General Secondary Education) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Estonia: For students taking the Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus, we typically require a high average grade between 4.3 and 4.8 as well as an average between 87%-95% from best 4 state exams.
• European Baccalaureate: For students taking the European Baccalaureate, we typically require an overall average mark between 78%-88% with specific subject marks (normally 8.0 or higher from a 4 or 5 period subject) required for some courses.
• Faroe Islands: Students taking the Studentsprógv would normally be required to achieve a score between 8.0-10.5 with specific subject marks (either 10 or 12) required for some courses.
• Finland: For students taking the Ylioppilastutkinto / Studentexamen, typical offer requirements would normally be based on achievement in best 4 subjects. Offers will typically be expressed as four letter grades ranging from MMMM (achieve Magna cum laude approbatur or higher in four subjects) to LEEE (achieve Eximia cum laude approbatur or higher in four subjects with at least one subject at Laudatur).
• France: For students taking the new French Baccalauréat Général (assessed from 2021 onwards), we typically require an overall result between 13.0-15.5 with results of 14-15 in two speciality subjects.
• Germany: Students taking the Abitur will typically require an overall score ranging from 1.3-2.0 with specific subject marks required for some courses (normally between 12 and 15).
• Ghana: Students taking the WASSCE will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Greece: Students taking the Greek Apolyterion are normally required to also take the Panhellenic Exams. Typical offers are based on the General Access Grade in the Panhellenics and range from 16.5-19.0 depending on the course applied for.
• Hong Kong: Typical offers for students taking the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) vary by course and range from '5, 4, 4' – '5*, 5, 5' from best 3 subjects, of which 2 must be electives and excluding Liberal Studies and Chinese.
• Hungary: For students taking the Hungarian Matura (Érettségi Bizonyítvány), we typically require an average ranging from 70%-83% from best 5 subjects which must include at least 2 higher level exams.
• Iceland: For students taking the Stúdentspróf, we typically require an overall grade between 8.0-9.3 with specific subject marks (between 8 and 10) required for some courses.
• India: Typical offers are based on the Standard XII school leaving qualifications. When awarded by CBSE, ISCE or West Bengal Exam Boards, we typically ask for results in the region of 78%-88% average performance from best 4 subjects.
• Indonesia: Students who have studied the Ijazah: Sekolah Menengah Atas/Madrasah Aliyah (SMA/MA) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Ireland: Students who have taken the Leaving Certificate under the new grading system (post-2016) would normally be required to achieve 5 higher level passes with grades ranging from H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 to H1 H1 H2 H2 H2.
• Israel: For students taking the Bagrut, we would require students to have studied at least 21 study units. Typical offers will be based on average percentage from 3 best 5-unit level subjects with requirements ranging from 78%-92% depending on the course.
• Italy: For students taking the Diploma di Esamo di Stato, we typically require an overall score ranging from 85%-98% overall. Where courses require specific subjects, we would be looking for marks between 8 and 10 in school assessment.
• Japan: Students taking the Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Jordan: Students taking the Tawjihiyah/Thanawiya amma (General Secondary Education Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Kazakhstan: Typical offers for students from Kazakhstan are based on the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate. Typically, we would require a score between AAA and BBB from Advanced level subjects.
• Kenya: Students taking the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Kuwait: Students who have studied the Tawjihiyah/Thanawiya amma (General Secondary Education Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Latvia: For students taking the Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību, we typically require a high average grade between 9.2 and 10.0 as well as an average between 87%-95% from best 4 state exams.
• Lebanon: Students taking the Baccalauréat Général will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Lithuania: For students taking the Brandos Atestatas, typical offers generally range from 9.0-10.0 overall. We would also typically ask for an average percentage from the best 3 state exams between 80%-94%.
• Malaysia: For students taking either the Matrikulasi (Matriculation Certificate) or the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysian (STPM), we would typically require grades ranging from AAA-BBB from best 3 (core) subjects excluding general studies.
• Malta: For students taking the Advanced Matriculation Exam, typical offers would normally be based on achievement in 2 advanced level subjects (typically between BB and AA) and 3 intermediate level subjects excluding Systems of Knowledge (typically between BCC and AAA).
• Netherlands: For students taking the Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), typical offers range from 6.6-7.4 average from the VWO with specific subject marks (between 7 and 9) required for some courses.
• New Zealand: For students taking the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3, typical offers will be based on overall achievement in the NCEA plus a required number of credits achieved at the next level up.
• Nigeria: Students taking the WASSCE will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Norway: For students taking the Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring, typical offers are normally based on an average score from 2500 credits with an 'A' counting as 20 points, a 'B' counting as 17.5 points, a 'C' counting as 15 points etc. Typical offers range from 16.0-18.8 average from 2500 credits.
• Oman: Students who have studied the Tawjihiyah/Thanawiya amma (General Secondary Education Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Pakistan: Students taking the Intermediate/Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Poland: For students taking the new Matura, typical offers are based on average achievement from 3 extended level exams and offers normally range from 75%-85% overall. Where courses require specific subjects, these should be taken as extended level exams and we would normally look for marks between 75%-90%.
• Portugal: Students taking the Diploma de Ensino Secundário would normally be required to achieve a score between 16 and 18 with specific subject marks (between 17 and 19) required for some courses.
• Qatar: Students taking the Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama (Senior School Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Romania: For students taking the Diploma de Bacalaureat, typical offers range from 8.6-9.4 overall. Where courses require a specific subject, we would be looking for this to be studied as the optional subject within the Diploma de Bacalaureat with marks between 8.6 and 9.8.
• Russia: Students taking the Certificate of Unified State Examination will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Saudi Arabia: Students who have studied the Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Singapore: For students with Singapore A Levels, typical offers normally range from BBC to AAA from three H2 Level subjects and offers are typically one grade lower than the typical A Level requirement as stated in the undergraduate prospectus due to the comparative difficulty.
• Slovakia: For students taking the Slovakian Matura (Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške), typical offers range from 2.00-1.00 average from best 4 subjects with specific subject marks (either 1 or 2) required for some courses.
• Slovenia: For students taking the Maturitetno Spričevalo, we typically require an overall total score of between 22 and 30 out of 34.
• South Africa: For students taking the National Senior Certificate (NSC), typical offers range from 6,6,6,6,6 to 7,7,7,7,7 from the best 5 subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
• South Korea: Students taking the High School Diploma will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Spain: For students taking the Titulo de Bachillerato, we typically require an overall score of 7.50-9.50.
• Sri Lanka: Students with A Level or IB qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses.
• Sweden: For students tasking the Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola, typical offers are normally based on an average score from 2500 credits with an 'A' counting as 20 points, a 'B' counting as 17.5 points, a 'C' counting as 15 points etc. Typical offers range from 16.0-18.8 average from 2500 credits.
• Switzerland: Students taking the following qualifications would be considered for direct entry to undergraduate courses: Certificat de Maturité, Attestato di Maturità. Typical offer requirements are based on average achievement from best 12 subjects and offers typically range from 4.8-5.5.
• Taiwan: Students taking the Senior High School Diploma will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Tanzania: The Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) is acceptable for entry into the first year of undergraduate courses. Typical offers are the same as for UK A Levels as stated in the Undergraduate Prospectus.
• Thailand: Students taking the Certificate of Secondary Education/Maw 6 will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• The Caribbean: For students taking the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), we typically require a range from '2, 2, 2' – '1, 1, 1' achieved from three 2-unit exams with specific subject marks of '1' or '2' required by some courses.
• The Gulf: Students who have studied the Tawjihiyah/Thanawiya amma (General Secondary Education Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Turkey: For students taking the Anadolu Lisesi (Anatolian High School Diploma) or Fen Lisesi (Science High School Diploma), will typically require a pass mark of higher than 80%.
• Uganda: Students with A Level or IB qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses.
• Ukraine: Students taking the Atestat pro Povnu Zagal'nu Sersdniu Osvitu/Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• United Arab Emirates: Students who have studied the Tawjihiyah/Thanawiya amma (General Secondary Education Certificate) will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• United States of America: For students studying in the USA, typical offers for entry onto undergraduate level courses are based on obtaining 3.2/4.0 GPA in the High School Graduation Diploma, in addition to a combination of any three of the following: Advanced Placement (AP) Exam, IB Higher Levels, College level class credit, Honors classes.
• Vietnam: Students who have studied the Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học will need to complete an appropriate Foundation Year.
• Zambia: Students who have studied the General Certificate of Education will need to complete a suitable Foundation Year.
• Zimbabwe: Students with A Level or IB qualifications will be considered for direct entry to undergraduate degree courses.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

UK Fees

• Full-time course per annum: £9,535

International Fees

• See ON CAMPUS Loughborough

Additional Costs

While the cost of your tuition covers lots of things, it doesn’t cover everything. For instance, this course doesn’t cover the cost of any stationary, printing, books, or re-assessments which you might need.

Course Stats

• 56% say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
• 83% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 93% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

What You'll Study

The Foundation Programme is integrated into your degree and prepares you for degree-level study in a supportive learning environment. Our modules are taught by University academics who have significant experience of teaching in Higher or Further Education, pursue research in innovation in e-learning, and help to shape the National Foundation Year Network policies.

Semester 1 & 2

Compulsory Modules

• Sustainability in Practice
• Applicable Mathematics 1
• Physics
• Fundamentals of Material Chemistry
• Applicable Mathematics 2
• Engineering Science
• Programming Applications

How You'll Study

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Independent study
• Group work
• Workshops
• Laboratory work
• Practical sessions

How You'll Be Assessed

Foundation modules are assessed by written exams and/or coursework assignments. Typical coursework assignments include: laboratory reports, essays, presentations, assessed tutorials, workshops, and peer review (review fellow students' performance). It is expected that for every hour you are in a structured class, you should spend two hours of your own time researching, writing up, learning work, or doing set questions etc.

Elite Athlete Pathway Available

Our foundation programme now also offers the opportunity for students performing at a very high sporting level who are looking to join one of our performance programmes and study at Loughborough, but do not have the required qualifications due to sporting commitments.

Where You'll Study

All our Design courses are housed in the £21M, purpose-built design building, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. These include interconnecting workshops, studios, specialist technology, and prototyping laboratories, display areas, and high specification Mac and PC computer facilities. Our specialist CAD/CAM facility includes 3-axis CNC milling machines, industry-standard 3D printers, laser cutters, and water jet cutting. We are also proud to offer cutting-edge research facilities and expertise in 3D Printing, 3D scanning, motion capture, eye-tracking, and driving simulation.