The Foundation Year is the first year of a four- or five-year programme leading to a degree in any of our engineering, computer science, physics or geophysics disciplines. Successful completion of the year guarantees progression to our degree programmes.
This programme may suit you if you are studying for GCE A levels in subjects different from those normally required for an engineering or physical science degree, or for a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma. It may also interest you if you are a mature applicant, with skills and experience from employment, or if you come from part of the world where the education system is different to the British A level system. We may also consider your application if you have taken mathematics and physics at A level, but circumstances beyond your control (e g serious illness or personal problems) have led to lower grades than your high predictions.
What to do next
Contact Dr A Barney, the Admissions Tutor, for more information. A course leaflet is available.
Engineering/Physics/Geophysics Foundation Year
t: +44 (0)23 8059 3113
e: foundyr@soton.ac.uk
www.esm.soton.ac.uk/foundation
BEng/MEng Engineering/Physics/Geophysics with Foundation Year
Foundation year students in the lab
This full-time programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, laboratory sessions and private study. Assessment is mainly by unseen written examination and a variety of coursework assignments. There is a strong emphasis on problem solving and the application of mathematics.
Key facts
A route to a degree in engineering, computer science, physics or geophysics for students without the traditional entry qualifications
All students taught on our Highfield Campus
Mature and international students welcome
Supportive learning environment
Excellent dedicated facilities
Career opportunities
- Successful completion of the year guarantees progression to our degree programmes.
Sandra Conway, Foundation Year Student Support Manager“The most rewarding part of my job is supporting the students as they develop their academic skills, and watching them grow in confidence at the same time.”
Typical entry requirements
- A levels: BBB
- BTEC National Diploma: DDM
- IB: 30 points, 16 at higher level
- Intake: 80
- Average applicants per place: 8
- Selection process: UCAS application (additional information may also be required, such as a mathematics test)
Typical course content
- Mathematics
- Academic and communication skills
- Computer applications
- Electricity and electronics
- Engineering principles
- Laboratory work
- Mechanical science
| Programmes | UCAS Code | Programme length |
|---|---|---|
| BEng/MEng Acoustical Engineering | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BSc Acoustics and Music | H008 | 4 years |
| BEng/MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BSc/MEng Computer Science | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BEng/MEng Civil Engineering | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BEng/MEng Electrical Engineering | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BEng/MEng Electromechanical Engineering | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BEng/MEng Electronic Engineering | H008 | 4/5 years |
| MEng Environmental Engineering | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BSc Geophysical Sciences/MGeophys Geophysics | F662 | 4/5 years |
| BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering | H008 | 4/5 years |
| BSc/MPhys Physics | F301 | 4/5 years |
| BEng/MEng Ship Science | H008 | 4/5 years |
For information on scholarships visit www.southampton.ac.uk/scholarships.