Overview
If you've got ambitions for a career in engineering, but don’t meet the entry requirements for one of our Bachelor's degree programmes, then this BEng (Hons) Engineering and Technology degree with foundation year is ideal.
In your first year, you’ll develop your skills in maths, science and technology. You can then take your skills and knowledge onto one of our engineering and technology degree courses.
With a degree in engineering, you can start a career as a professional engineer in areas such as civil engineering, manufacturing engineering, electronic and energy engineering, and aerospace.
What you'll experience
On this course you'll:
- Get a grounding in the maths, science and technology skills that are vital for studying engineering at degree level
- Choose the degree route to follow after your foundation year – subjects we offer include civil, mechanical and electronic engineering
- Apply your engineering skills in practical settings, working with our local charity and business partners on projects
- Spend time in our tech labs, such as the Analogue Electronics Laboratory
- Get student membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), paid for by the University.
What you'll study
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
Modules currently being studied
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Materials and Design
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Principles
- Computing for Engineers
- Sustainability and Energy Studies
The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 will depend on which degree you choose at the end of year 1.
Placement year
After your third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Previous students have secured placements at organisations such as:
- Airbus Defence
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
- GE Aviation
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- laboratory work
- project work
- Computed aided design and simulation activity
- open access study
There's an emphasis on building practical skills, working with the latest technology and learning practices.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- coursework
- practical tests
- project work
- presentations
The way you’re assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 60% by written exams, 23% by practical exams and 17% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 54% by written exams, 6% by practical exams and 40% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 42% by written exams, 2% by practical exams and 56% by coursework
- Year 4 students: 45% by written exams, 5% by practical exams and 50% by coursework
Careers and opportunities
When you finish your degree course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry.
What jobs can you do with an Engineering and Technology with Foundation Year degree?
Previous engineering graduates have gone on to enjoy successful careers in roles such as manufacturing engineer, product design engineer, aerospace engineer and project manager.
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.