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Engineering Foundation Year

2023-24 (also available for 2024-25)

It’s not too late to apply for September.
It’s not too late to apply for September.

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

Year 0 of a 4 or 5 year full-time degree

Entry requirements

A Level - CC

BTEC - MPP

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

80

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. Boost your educational prospects: You'll study for one year, with the course leading to a range of BEng degrees at the University of Huddersfield.
  2. Student support: Departmental technicians are on hand to advise and guide you throughout your studies. They are based in our labs with different specialisms and knowledge.
  3. Develop skills: During your studies you’ll have the chance to develop a range of transferable skills, including research, report writing and presentations.

Why Engineering Foundation Year?

Completing this programme will give you a number of degree level options and consequently a range of engineering and technology based careers in an extensive list of industries and occupations.

How You Could Impact The World

Being ready for a STEM degree will open a wealth of pathways into the professional world of high technology industries. From there you will have the opportunity to potentially address important issues, for example, the ever pressing issues of a sustainable future.

Career Goals and Employability

Completion of our foundation year will offer you a number of degree options and consequently prospects of employment in a range of careers that could be rewarding and satisfying with potential for progression and achieving your personal goals.

The Course

This Foundation Year has been designed to give you a solid basis in studying within the School of Computing and Engineering. Perhaps you’re fascinated by engineering, but have never formally studied the subject. Or you may have decided on a career change. It could also be ideal if you do not have the usual academic qualifications to study at degree level.

The Foundation Year isn’t a stand-alone course, but provides an introductory level study that leads to the following courses:

Computing:
Computing BSc(Hons), Computer Science BSc(Hons), Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc(Hons), Computer Science with Cyber Security BSc(Hons), Computer Science with Games Programming BSc(Hons), Information Technology BSc(Hons), Software Engineering BSc(Hons), Web Programming with Cyber Security BSc(Hons)

Engineering:
Automotive and Motorsport Engineering BEng(Hons), Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng(Hons), Electronic Engineering BEng(Hons), Electronic and Communication Engineering BEng(Hons), Electronic Engineering and Computer Systems BEng(Hons),
Energy Engineering BEng(Hons), Engineering Design BEng(Hons), Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons), Mechatronic Engineering BEng(Hons), Medical Engineering Technologies BEng(Hons)

Games Development: Games Development (Production) BSc(Hons)

Maths: Mathematics BSc(Hons)

Music Technology: Sound Engineering and Audio Technology BSc(Hons), Sound Engineering and Music Production BSc(Hons)

To progress onto a degree, you must gain an average mark of 40%, and have passed each component of your Foundation Year.

If you are a home student, on completion of the Engineering Foundation Year you will automatically be considered for a £1,000 scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees, subject to passing specified eligibility criteria. Read about the full eligibility criteria.

Course detail

Foundation Mathematics

This module provides you with an introduction to the mathematics necessary for entry to undergraduate engineering courses at the University. A broad experience of school mathematics up to GCSE level is expected on entry. Topics covered include algebra, graphs and sets, followed by trigonometry and calculus. These topics are approached from a practical point of view, and numerous applications are discussed.

Foundations of Engineering

This module has been designed to help to develop your intellectual, analytical and experimental skills and to introduce you to the scientific method of enquiry, which you'll need to employ throughout your studies. You'll be supported in using these methods in the study of mechanics and electrical engineering fundamentals and during experimental testing of mechanical and electrical systems. The combination of lectures and tutorials supported by laboratory work aims to help you gain confidence with this essential engineering science.

Communication and Research

This module introduces you to the most efficient ways of learning at this level including: how to research, how to take effective notes and use them to present material formally in both spoken and written form and how to organise and prioritise commitments. It also allows you to investigate and discuss the impact of engineering and technology on the modern world.

Engineering Investigative Studies

This may be your first introduction to some basic engineering skills. You will gain an appreciation of basic electronics and measurement and have the opportunity to build your skills in practical application of engineering skills through guided investigation and discovery learning. Aspects of computer aided design, mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering are introduced, including digital electronics, computer interfacing, control, design, manufacture and mechanical testing.

Entry requirements

CCat A Level .

64 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

Pass at T Level with D or E grade on core.

MPP in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
  • 64 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

Other suitable skills or experience will be considered.

In addition you must have GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered.  For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Study Mechanical Engineering


Meet Adam as he talks about his time at The University of Huddersfield as a Mechanical Engineering BEng(Hons) student. 

Our students

Your career


Successful completion of the Foundation Year* course allows you to progress onto Year 1 of your chosen degree.

Students from this course have gone on to successes including graduating with an MEng or first class BEng(Hons) degree. Our previous engineering graduates have been employed by companies such as BAE Systems, Schneider Electric, Bentley Motors Ltd and Cummins Inc.

*Successful completion means you must pass all 4 modules and attain an average mark of 40% or over, you can then progress onto a BEng or MEng degree on our Automotive, Electronic, Electrical, Engineering Design, Energy, Mechatronics, Medical Technologies, or Mechanical Engineering courses at Huddersfield. You can also progress to our Music Technology courses, our Mathematics BSc(Hons) and some of our Computer Science courses.

*90.1% of undergraduate graduates from the School of Computing and Engineering who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 19/20, UK domiciled graduates)

90.1%*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Computing and Engineering, which provides you with support in a variety of areas. These include:

Student Support Office: a one stop shop for students studying within the School. The team deal with every aspect of student life from enrolment, module queries, timetabling, exams, assessments, course-related committees and graduation. They are the first place to go with any query, and they can also signpost to other support networks.

Student Guidance Office: provides guidance about how students can develop their academic study skills and learning development. The team provide support with academic skills including research and project planning, referencing and paraphrasing, essay writing, critical thinking, understanding assessments and the presentation of academic work. Common learning development topics include, developing effective study habits, time management, how to manage deadlines, plan, structure and organise work and understanding the University regulations and systems.

Technical Support: technicians support our students across each department. Based in our labs with different specialisms and knowledge they are on hand to advise and guide, students can access our technician’s expertise during lectures and seminars as well as during self-study. A technical Helpdesk is also available to all students within the School of Computing and Engineering to help troubleshoot any computer issues or to borrow hardware and software.

Personal Academic Tutor (PAT): you will be allocated a PAT who will be an academic based in the School of Computing and Engineering. You will be offered the opportunity to meet with your PAT at various points throughout the year. PATs are there to help you get the most out of your time at University, to discuss academic progress so that you can achieve your best and to direct you towards appropriate support services such as wellbeing and finance.

Research excellence

Research plays an important role in informing all our teaching and learning activities. Through research our staff remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, and contribute to society, which means you develop knowledge and skills that are current and highly relevant to industry. For more information, find out more about our Research institutes and centres.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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