Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
This course is ideal if you would like to join one of our engineering honours degrees but need a preparatory period of study. It provides an alternative entry route if you do not meet our standard entry requirements but have the ability to succeed at degree-level study.
The foundation year in engineering will develop your practical, technical and communication skills, and you'll apply your knowledge to real-life problems. It's taught at the University and you'll have access to all its facilities.
To apply for the foundation course, please use the application link on the course page of your chosen pathway.
Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
---|---|---|
1 year full time | UCAS codes are included on the relevant webpage for the course you would like to study | 2025 |
Main Location | Penrhyn Road and Roehampton Vale |
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.
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.
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.
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing 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, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Assessment comprises exams and coursework (e.g. reports, computer and numerical exercises, laboratories and essays).
The course is taught at the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing. Faculty staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.
Staff will use their experience and professional networks to hone your skills and shape you into the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
The recently enlarged library at Roehampton Vale provides collections of specialist engineering books and journals.
The £4 million Hawker Wing provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities.
Once you have completed this course, you can join a BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) engineering degree of your choice at Kingston University in the fields of aerospace engineering, civil engineering, construction management, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering or motorsport engineering, dependent on satisfactory grades.
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. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.