Engineering with a Foundation Year (BEng)
- Subject area: Engineering
- UCAS code: H101
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Alternative route to study
Successful completion of the foundation year will allow you to progress onto the first year of one of our bachelor's or integrated master's degree programmes in any discipline.
Industry-standard facilities
You will have access to designated design studio space, specialist laboratories, workshops, and computer suites.
Industry-led content
Our course content is informed by industrial collaboration and delivered by leading academic staff, many of whom are Chartered Engineers or have worked in industry.
The Engineering Foundation Year course is specially designed to give you the necessary knowledge you will need for an engineering degree.
Although the Foundation scheme lasts for one year, it must be considered as an entry route to one of our degree courses. It is not a stand-alone year, but the initial part of a programme of study leading towards a BEng or MEng degree. Once you successfully complete the Foundation Year you will progress to the first year of your chosen degree course, as long as you achieve an average of at least 50%.
The course is designed to expose you to the broad spectrum of engineering disciplines through lectures, tutorials and case studies. These include aspects of mathematics, physics and information technology that are relevant to engineering. The practical nature of the course contrasts with the way such subjects may have been presented at school. Assessment is by project work, continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations.
When you have successfully passed the foundation year you can choose which engineering specialism you are most interested in and you will join the first year of that course.
There is a great deal of choice available to you at the Cardiff School of Engineering as it is one of only a few schools to offer full-time MEng and BEng degree courses in various branches of engineering, such as architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, medical and integrated engineering. Many of these offer a sandwich year option working in industry.
Subject area: Engineering
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAB-BBB. Must not include A-level Maths (unless at grade C or below).
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must not include HL Maths (unless at grade 5 or below).
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
- GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). If you are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DDD-DDM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in any subject
T level
D-M in a T Level in any subject.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Interview or selection process
The course is aimed at a wide range of potential applicants. For instance, if you have a GCSE pass in Mathematics and good A-level passes in subjects not recognised for direct entry to our degree schemes (such as no Maths A-level), the Foundation Year would be an ideal route for you to enter engineering.
Likewise, if you have a BTEC or a similar vocational qualification in a non-engineering subject, an overseas Baccalaureate or School Leaving Certificate that is not recognised for direct entry, then why not consider the Foundation Year?
Special consideration is given to students with alternative experience who show the drive, commitment and potential necessary to complete the course and continue further to gain a degree. In these cases, formal qualifications may be waived after consideration of vocational experience, although some evidence of mathematical and scientific ability would need to be provided.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary year | £9,250 | None |
| Preliminary year | £9,250 | None |
| Year one | £9,250 | None |
| Year two | £9,250 | None |
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary year | £29,450 | None |
| Preliminary year | £29,450 | None |
| Year one | £29,450 | None |
| Year two | £29,450 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
No specific equipment is needed. The University will provide resources such as computers and associated software, laboratory equipment (including any safety equipment) and any required learning resources.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is at least a four-year full-time degree including a preliminary year. The course includes a carefully chosen balance of core modules and optional modules. Most modules are worth 10 credits, a few are worth 20 and the final-year project is worth 30. You need to earn 120 credits a year.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Preliminary year
The preliminary year consists of a series of lectures underpinned by practical laboratory sessions. Core modules include aspects of physics, engineering and information technology plus mathematics subjects such as calculus, trigonometry and algebra.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology and Experimentation | EN0002 | 10 credits |
| Electrical Circuits and Analysis | EN0012 | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Mechanics | EN0016 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Algebra | EN0017 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Trigonometry | EN0018 | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Calculus | EN0019 | 20 credits |
| Engineering Principles | EN0020 | 20 credits |
| Engineering Applications | EN0021 | 10 credits |
Year one
Year one consists of a series of lectures underpinned by practical laboratory sessions. Core modules depend on which degree course you choose to follow.
Year two
Year two again consists of a series of lectures underpinned by practical laboratory sessions. Core modules depend on which degree course you choose to follow.
Year three
Year three includes a major project, with a value of a quarter of the overall year. For this you will work individually, alongside a supervising staff member.
Core modules depend on which degree course you choose to follow.
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Teaching is through lectures, examples classes and extensive laboratory, IT and practical work. The taught modules in the first two years are largely compulsory, but options are usually available in year three. All students must complete a 30-credit individual project in year three, for which they are allocated a supervisor from among the teaching staff. There are opportunities for interactions with potential employers.
How will I be supported?
You will be assigned a personal tutor who is a member of the academic staff associated with your degree course. Your tutor will be there to advise you on academic, non-academic and personal matters in a confidential and informal manner when you need some guidance. We aim to help you overcome any problem, however big or small, as smoothly and quickly as possible.
For the 30-credit project in year three, you will be allocated a supervisor in the broad area of research specialism and meet regularly.
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion circles. Opportunities for you to reflect on your abilities and performance are available through the Learning Central ‘Personal Development Planning’ module.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
We’ll provide you with frequent feedback on your work. This comes in a variety of formats including oral feedback in classes like design and project work and via return of marked coursework.
The opportunity to test your knowledge and understanding will be provided throughout the semester via class tests in Years 1 and 2, plus feedback on written assessments. Occasionally, peer assessment of an individual’s contribution to a group may be used, and you may also receive oral feedback on presentations and contributions to group activities.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress in each module is usually assessed at various stages through each semester (through a short test) to give you feedback on your progress, then finally at the end of the appropriate semester. Assessment is undertaken using methods including formal written examinations, case studies, assignments and project work.
Examinations count for 60% to 70% of all assessment throughout the course, depending on the options chosen. The remainder is mainly project work and larger pieces of coursework, plus performance in laboratories.
The opportunity to test knowledge and understanding is given through class tests throughout years one and two, plus feedback on written assessments. Occasionally, peer assessment of an individual’s contribution to a group may be used, and students may also receive oral feedback on presentations and contributions to group activities.
What skills will I practise and develop?
All of the School’s BEng and MEng courses are accredited via the Engineering Council, meaning the core competencies of UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence) are integrated throughout the taught years of the course.
You will develop some practical skills during the laboratory-based sessions, while there is a consistent core of management skills and personal development.
Written skills are reinforced through a series of reports and assignments, while communication skills are encouraged during module assessments.
Careers
Career prospects
Our engineering graduates hold key positions in leading firms where engineering skills are required, such as Halcrow, Atkins, BP, BAE Systems, RWE npower, Mott McDonald, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, Ford, Tata Steel, Nokia, Bosch and beyond.
Our graduates also work within local government, UK and international utility companies and organisations such as Climate Energy and GlaxoSmithKline.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
