Foundation Year in Engineering
Subject and course type
- Foundation
- Undergraduate
This Engineering Foundation Year is part of an integrated degree programme in mechanical, aerospace, aviation, electrical, electronic, and robotic engineering. It will give you the essential study skills, mathematical knowledge, and technical understanding needed to succeed in a bachelors or integrated masters degree in engineering.
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Take your first step towards a full engineering degree.
In this integrated degree, you’ll get a taste of academic life in a supportive university environment. Through a blend of practical and theoretical learning, you’ll develop your technical and communication skills and apply your knowledge to real-life problems.
With highly experienced staff on hand to hone your skills, you’ll complete the course ready to progress to Year 1 of your chosen MEng or BEng course.
During the year, you’ll access a wide range of modern, industry-standard facilities at our Roehampton Vale campus. From a 3D design studio and mechanical engineering workshop to rolling roads, automotive testing facilities, a Lotus Exige and more, it’s got everything you need to refine your skills.
You’ll also have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge further with specialist books and journals in our library, as well as in our £4m Hawker Wing.
Engineering at Kingston University
Follow along as our students talk through the skills they're developing to design their future careers.
So why do a degree in astronautics? Well, apart from being able to call yourself a rocket scientist you get to work closely with industry on amazing projects. For example, rocket engines, orbit calculations, satellites and interplanetary missions. The course is fundamental if you want to pursue a career in space, with many companies having close links with Kingston. I now have the opportunity to take my research further by pursuing a PhD in rocket engine systems, something that would have been unrealistic if not for this course.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, our staff are leading practitioners and researchers with strong professional networks to help you grow.
If your dream is to study an honours degree in Engineering but you’re not expecting to meet our standard entry requirements, this Foundation Year will prepare you for an exciting future.
Select your chosen degree programme and apply for the ‘including foundation year’ course. The corresponding UCAS codes are listed below.
- Aerospace Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H408 - Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) MEng/BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H405 - Aviation Engineering BEng
UCAS code H45F - Aviation Operations BSc (Hons)
UCAS code N85F - Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training BSc
UCAS code H46F - Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng
UCAS code: H60F - Electronic Design Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H69F - Electronic Products Engineering BEng
UCAS code H69F - Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H308 - Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) MEng/BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H322 - Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence BEng
UCAS code H90F
Course content
Each module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and specific transferable skills appropriate for entry to Year 1 of your chosen engineering degree course.
Please note: for student funding purposes, this is not a separate, stand-alone course, but is designed to form an integral part of a BEng (Hons) or MEng (Hons) degree.
Modules
You will study introductory modules in applied mathematics, engineering mechanics and science required for the later years of your engineering degree. You will begin to learn to conduct and analyse engineering experimental work and to use relevant computing software. You will also be introduced to fundamental communication and study skills.
Core Modules
30 credits
This is a core module for the Foundation in Engineering course, designed to introduce students to essential mathematical techniques applicable to engineering and technology. The module begins with basic arithmetic, such as averages, percentages, and fractions, before progressing to algebraic concepts, including the solution of linear, quadratic, and simultaneous equations, as well as trigonometry. As the module advances, students will explore functions (exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric) alongside the foundational principles of differentiation and integration. The latter part of the module introduces complex numbers and matrices, equipping students with the skills needed to tackle engineering problems. The module is delivered primarily through lectures, supported by tutorials, and complemented with additional resources available on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
30 credits
The module provides a fundamental understanding of key concepts in physics, designed to prepare students for more advanced studies in Engineering. It covers a broad range of topics that lay the groundwork for comprehending physical principles, with a focus on classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. The module will introduce essential concepts such as vectors, forces, and motion, exploring Newton’s Laws and their applications to real-world problems. This is followed by an exploration of energy, work, and power, helping students grasp the conservation of energy and its implications in various systems. The module will also cover thermodynamics, exploring heat transfer, temperature, and the laws governing thermal processes, providing a foundation for understanding energy in the context of matter. Additionally, topics on electrical circuits, charge, and electromagnetism, will focus on key laws including Ohm's Law and Faraday’s Law. By the end of the module, students will have gained essential tools and concepts needed for further studies in engineering.
30 credits
This is a module for all students on the Foundation Year in Engineering course and is designed to enable students to develop core engineering skills focusing on hands-on experience and practical application of theoretical knowledge. It includes practical experimentation, problem-solving, technical proficiency, computing skills, collaboration and communication, safety and continuous learning.
The module is primarily delivered through laboratory sessions and computer workshops. Additional support material will be made available on Canvas.
30 credits
This is a core module for all students on the Foundation Year in Engineering course and is designed to allow students to develop several engineering skills particularly those relating to critical thinking, problem solving and group work. The focus of the module is on project-based learning as applied to real-world scenarios and/or problems related to students’ degree subject area. The module will be delivered across two teaching blocks, the first block will focus on team building, research methods, and presentation skills to equip students with essential tools for academic success. Whereas teaching block two will focus on engaging students with hands-on projects to apply their skills on practical applications related to their subject area. This core module provides a foundation for students through active, project-driven learning experiences.
What career opportunities does this course offer?
You’ll complete this year with the foundational knowledge and key academic skills you need to join a BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) engineering degree of your choice at Kingston University. Possible fields of study include aerospace engineering, civil engineering, construction management, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and motorsport engineering.
Tap into high-quality careers and recruitment guidance from our specialist employability team. From job-seeking tips to help with CV prep, application forms, interview techniques and finding work as an international student, it’s here to get you started after studying. The team even runs regular events to help you network with employers in an informal setting.
Future Skills
Our Future Skills programme is embedded within all our undergraduate courses and throughout the whole Kingston experience. These skills will help you to become a future-proof graduate by equipping you with the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills. You’ll also understand how to demonstrate and articulate to employers how these future skills give you the edge.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Assessment comprises exams and coursework (e.g. reports, computer and numerical exercises, laboratories and essays).
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 348 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 852 hours
- Coursework: 100%
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
Fees and funding
Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H408 - Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H405 - Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H45F - Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: H46F - Aviation Operations BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: N85F - Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H69F - Electronic Design Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H69F - Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H308 - Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H322 - Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H90F
Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H408 - Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H405 - Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H45F - Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: H46F - Aviation Operations BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: N85F - Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H69F - Electronic Design Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H69F - Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H308 - Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H322 - Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H90F
Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H408 - Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology) BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H405 - Aviation Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H45F - Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: H46F - Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H69F - Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H308 - Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H322 - Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence BEng (Hons)
UCAS code: H90F
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. You’ll also get a £10 voucher to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier, Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can cost between £25 and £100.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
