Program Overview

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Year BEng

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Year BEng is a one-year program designed to prepare students for undergraduate study in engineering and physical sciences. This program is ideal for students who do not meet the standard entry requirements for the University of Birmingham's undergraduate programs.

Course Overview

The program provides a broad and balanced introduction to the skills and knowledge required for undergraduate study in engineering and physical sciences. Students will develop their key skills and knowledge across various engineering and physical science subjects, preparing them for exciting careers.

Course Structure

The program consists of 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules worth 20 credits. Students will complete 60 credits of core modules in maths, skills, and cross-disciplinary scientific ideas, with 60 credits to be taken from a range of optional modules across chemistry, computer science, maths, physical sciences, and projects.

Core Modules

• Experimental and Investigative Skills (20 credits)
• Foundations of Engineering and Physical Sciences (20 credits)
• Interdisciplinary Projects (20 credits)
• Mathematics I (20 credits)

Optional Modules

Students can select 40 credits from the following list, depending on their destination degree:

• Mathematics 2 (20 credits)
• Chemistry (20 credits)
• Physical Sciences (20 credits)
• Computer Science (20 credits)

Teaching Staff

The program is taught by a team of specialists in university transition, who will help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful progression to their chosen destination degree.

Entry Requirements

To secure a place at Birmingham, students must meet the general entry requirements as well as those specific to their course. The entry requirements include:

• A Level: BBB, with A-level Mathematics and General Studies not considered
• IB: 5,5,5, 32 points overall with 555 at Higher Level, HL Mathematics not considered
• T Level: Merit overall, with core grade B from one of the listed courses
• BTEC: DDD in any of the accepted subjects
• CTEC: DDD in Engineering or IT
• Access to Higher Education: 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3, out of which 30 are at Distinction

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, examination, and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students. The fee for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27 is £9,535 per year.

Application Process

Applications for the program are made online through UCAS. The UCAS code for this course is HFJ0. The application deadline for September 2026 entry is January 14, 2026.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Year will lead to studying one of the University's transformative engineering degree courses. These degrees have exciting career prospects, and students will develop technical and transferable skills that will set them up for success when job hunting.

Student Experience

The University of Birmingham offers a range of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, and all the support and advice students need. The campus is a beautiful and vibrant place to study, with a unique history and plenty to see and do. The University is committed to providing the best possible support to its students, both before they start and throughout their time on campus.