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Course overview

Do you want to study engineering, computer science, mathematical sciences, or physics and astonomy in the UK, but need English language support? Or do your current qualifications prevent you from studying at undergraduate level?

Nottingham's foundation certificate is for international and EU students from outside the UK. It will give you the opportunity to improve your English and bring your engineering and physical sciences knowledge up to the required level.

This course is taught in exactly the same way as the H100 course for UK students, and all students are taught together.

You will study a range of modules in maths, computer methods, electricity and magnetism, mechanics and physics. The degree you choose will depend on the modules you select to study, but you won’t have to make this decision until your second term.

Students who successfully complete this course will have the opportunity to progress onto one of a number of BEng/MEng/BSc degrees in the following departments/schools.

Engineering

Physical sciences

* Progression onto K100 and K230 courses is subject to submission of a successful portfolio in addition to meeting the normal foundation progression criteria

** Progression to degrees in the School of Mathematical Sciences is subject to additional requirements in mathematics modules.

All students receive tutorial support and international students also have the opportunity to improve their written and spoken English skills at the University's Centre for English Language Education.

Read more about our foundation year programmes. 

Why choose this course?

  • Study alongside students from the UK and around the world
  • English language support 
  • Learn the study skills necessary to succeed at a UK university
  • Over 80 degrees to choose from
  • Receive one-to-one support with a personal tutor and mentor
  • You can get involved with the student community from the start

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level BCC in Clearing

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Required subjects

Clearing

BCC or equivalent at A level. Minimum D in maths or physics if taken.

 

 
IB score 26 in Clearing

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Teaching methods

  • Group study
  • Lectures
  • Practical classes
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Examinations

Contact time and study hours

On average, you will have around 20 contact hours a week. Combined with coursework and self-study, you may spend over 40 hours a week on your studies.

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

What is it like studying Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences at UoN?

Hear what Feroz and Jolene have to say about studying Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences at UoN.

Modules

You will experience a wide range of teaching and learning styles with some core (compulsory) modules such as computing and mathematics that all students study. There are also optional modules which vary from year to year.

Semsester one

Foundation Mathematics 1

On this module, you will cover algebra and calculus. There is no expectation that you will have studied mathematics past GCSE.

Topics include:

Algebra:

  • Equations and Inequalities, including Linear, Quadratic and Simultaneous Equations.
  • Geometry, including Trigonometry and Circles
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Logarithms and Exponentials
  • Linear Programming
  • Sequences and Series
  • Vectors
  • Statistics

Calculus:

  • Functions and Graphs and Transformations
  • Differentiation from first principles, including analysis of turning points of functions
  • MacLaurin Expansions
  • Integration
Engineering and Science

The aim of the module is to develop your awareness of and ability to solve basic problems in the field of engineering and physical sciences principles.

The curriculum is broken down into topics from

Mechanics:

  • Vectors, Forces and Free-body Diagrams
  • Newton’s Laws
  • Work, Energy and Power
  • Elastic Properties of Materials
  • Equations of Motion with Constant Acceleration, Motion under Gravity, Projectile Motion
  • Moments and Equilibrium

Electromagnetism:

  • Electric Charge, Current, Resistance, Energy, Power and Voltage
  • Resistivity and Mean Drift Velocity of Charge-Carriers
  • Power-Supplies and Internal Resistance
  • Capacitors and RC Circuits
  • Applying Kirchhoff’s Laws in general circuit problems
  • Electric Fields
Professional, Experimental and Academic Competencies (PEAC)

The aim of this module is to develop your skills in, and awareness of, effective learning strategies, time management, written and oral communications and appropriate use of Information Technology.

Topics include:

  • information gathering
  • effective use of the Library
  • time management
  • effective technical writing through reports
  • laboratory reports and posters
  • plagiarism, the consequences and how to avoid it
  • error analysis in experimentation
  • giving a technical presentation
  • using electronic resources (WORD, EXCEL)
  • working as a member of a team and group project work
  • preparing for exams
  • employability skills
Computer Methods (10 credits – core)

The aim of this module is to develop your skills in, and awareness of, the use of programming techniques and basic computer modelling methods. The module aims to reinforce mathematic skills and techniques.

Topics covered are:

  • data structures and formats
  • plotting of graphical data
  • programming structure and style
  • relational and logical operators
  • conditional statements and loops
  • user I/O and data import/export
  • simple file handling

Semester two

Foundation Mathematics 2

This builds on the work completed in Foundation Mathematics 1. Topics covered will include:

Algebra:

  • Partial Fractions and Factor Formulae
  • Complex Numbers
  • Cubic and Quartic Equations
  • Further Vectors
  • Wave Functions
  • Matrices
  • Arrangements, Combinations and Permutations
  • Probability Distributions

 

Calculus:

  • Further Integration, including integration by substitution, by parts and volume of revolution
  • Trapezium Rule, Simpson’s Rule and the Newton-Raphson Method
  • Differential Equations
  • Exponential Growth and Decay
  • Parametrically Defined Curves
  • Implicit Differentiation
  • Polar Co-ordinates
  • Conic Sections
Applied Engineering and Science

This builds on the work completed in Engineering and Science in Semester-1. Topics covered on this module will include:

  • Instrumentation, Amplifiers and Signal Conditioning
  • Thermodynamics, Heat and Temperature Sensing
  • Strain Gauges and Pressure Measurement
  • Measuring Flow and Gas Laws
  • Heat Engines
Further Applied Engineering

This is a largely practical module during which you will become proficient in skills such as designing and building circuits. The aim of the module is to further develop your ability to solve Engineering problems and gain a deeper understanding of engineering principles. 

Engineering Project

The aim of this module is to develop your ability to solve problems and gain a deeper understand of engineering and physical science research projects. Within the module you will undertake an individual project aligned with the department you will move to once you have completed your foundation year

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 09 August 2021.
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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

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Where you will learn

Jubilee Campus

Jubilee Campus has eco-friendly buildings, alongside green spaces, wildlife and a lake. 

This campus is home to our business, education and computer science schools, as well as a sports centre and student accommodation.

You can walk to University Park Campus in around 20 minutes or catch a free hopper bus. Nottingham city centre is 20 minutes away by public bus.

Fees and funding

UK students

N/A
Per year

International students

£20,000*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Scholarships and bursaries

There are bursaries and scholarships available to students which can contribute towards the cost of studying at the University of Nottingham.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

Average starting salary and career progression

The average starting salaries for undergraduates in the departments you will join are:

  • £23,150 in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment
  • £31,426 in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
  • £26,595 in the Department of Civil Engineering
  • £30,810 in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • £29,073 in the Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering

Known destinations of full-time home undergraduates who were available for employment, 2020. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

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" My foundation year has made me feel more confident and more prepared to tackle my first year at university. "
Marie Ribeiro, Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate

Related courses

Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Programme

One year course for students with good qualifications in subjects that wouldn't usually lead to; engineering, computer science, mathematical sciences, or physics and astronomy.
View course

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.