Program Overview

Chemical Engineering Foundation Programme

The Chemical Engineering Foundation Programme at Aston University is designed to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge to transition onto the BEng or MEng Chemical Engineering degree. This programme is ideal for students who do not currently have the grades or subjects to progress straight onto an undergraduate degree programme within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

Course Overview

The foundation programme is a one-year full-time course that equips students with the fundamental skills and knowledge required for progression into Stage 1 of study. The programme includes a range of academic modules, specific subject knowledge, and project-based learning, which mimics the real-life working world.

Course Description

The programme provides first-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by experienced and passionate faculty members. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern computer labs, and will utilize advanced software packages to create drawings for industrial-scale processes and simulate the operation of chemical and biochemical plants.

Course Objectives

The programme aims to:

1. Provide the necessary fundamental skills and knowledge for progression into Stage 1 of study.
2. Develop transferable and communication skills required to be successful in further study.
3. Develop ethical and inclusive, problem solvers and critical thinkers.
4. Begin to develop the global awareness, sustainability, and inclusive practice required in modern professional practice.

Modules

The foundation year modules include:

• Undergraduate Professional Skills
• Mathematics 1
• Introduction to Scientific Principles
• Industries of the Future
• Global Engineering Project
• Chemical Foundations
• Applied Physics Foundations
• Mathematics 2

Entry Requirements

The standard offer for the programme is CCD at A-Level, with alternative offers available for students with EPQ, Core Maths, or BTEC qualifications. International students can also apply, with requirements including 26 points in the IB Diploma, including 3, 3, 3 in Higher Level subjects.

Fees and Scholarships

The annual tuition fee for UK students is ｣9,535, with scholarships available to support talented and hardworking students.

Career Prospects

Chemical engineering graduates have a strong track record in securing graduate roles, with recent graduates moving on to roles including Material and Process Graduate, Technical Support Engineer, and Business Development Representative. They are working for high-profile companies and organizations such as Procter and Gamble, BP, and ExxonMobil.

Assessment

The programme employs a range of authentic assessment methods, including presentations, coursework, quizzes, and some exams. The assessment methods reflect the most effective and relevant way to review student performance for each module.

Facilities

Students progressing onto the BEng or MEng Chemical Engineering programme will have access to high-quality laboratories where they will learn the skills to design and build a process rig, work safely and effectively in a chemical laboratory, and operate different units for reaction, separation, fluid flow, and heat exchange.

Aston Power Skills

The programme also includes the development of Aston Power Skills, which are built into every undergraduate degree. These skills include:

• AI & Digital
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Inclusive Leadership
• Environmental Sustainability

These skills are designed to provide students with the expertise that employers look for worldwide, and to help them make a positive impact in their chosen career.