Engineering Foundation with pathways in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical Engineering
Why choose this course?
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.
Once you have completed this course, you can join a BEng(Hons)/MEng(Hons) engineering degree of your choice, dependent on satisfactory grades.
To apply for the foundation course, please use the application link on the course page of your chosen pathway.
Choose your pathway
- Aerospace Engineering MEng/BEng(Hons)
UCAS code: H408 - Civil and Infrastructure Engineering BEng(Hons)
UCAS code: H218 - Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng(Hons)
UCAS code: H308
| 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 | 2020 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road and Roehampton Vale |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- The Aerospace Engineering BEng/MEng course received 100 per cent for satisfaction for learning resources (National Student Survey 2018).
- The Civil and Infrastructure Engineering BEng degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM).
- 100 per cent of students from the MEchnical Engineering BEng/MEng course are in highly-skilled employment or further study six months after graduating (DHLE 2016/17).
What you will study
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.
Year 1
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
Engineering Mechanics
30 credits
This module offers an introduction to engineering mechanics and a framework to areas of engineering including: civil, mechanical and astro/aeronautical. The module develops the capacity to predict the effects of force and motion while carrying out engineering design, where you will be encouraged to visualise and sketch physical configurations and to formulate and solve basic mathematical models.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Use SI units confidently and correctly.
- Derive and use the equations of statics.
- Determine stress and strain for basic engineering problems.
- Resolve forces acting at a point using equilibrium equations and graphical methods.
- Apply Newton's laws of motion to basic practical engineering problems.
- Calculate work, energy and power for practical engineering problems.
Engineering Science
30 credits
This module provides a firm foundation in the appropriate scientific concepts and laboratory skills to enable the student to progress to their chosen programme of study. The module introduces a range of scientific areas including electricity, waves and oscillations, heat and thermodynamics, pressure and fluid flow ensures that the students studying either mechanical, civil or aerospace engineering benefit from recognising how scientific concepts find universal application.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Apply the electrical concepts of resistance, resistivity, electromagnetism and electrostatics to solve contextualised problems.
- Apply the concepts of oscillations, waves and circular motion to solve engineering problems.
- Apply the basic concepts of heat and thermodynamics through the use of the laws of thermodynamics to simple engineering problems.
- Apply the concepts of fluid pressure and fluid flow to engineering problems.
- Analyse data obtained from practical laboratory work to write concise and accurate laboratory reports.
- Draw valid conclusions from experimental data with an appreciation of the limitations of the experimental work undertaken.
Business, Laboratory and Study Skills
30 credits
This module includes an introduction to business, economic theories, study and communication skills with an emphasis on professional aspects of engineering. The module enables students to gain confidence in the use of computer and engineering associated programmes and be able to conduct experimental work and furthering the knowledge of principles of statistics and dynamics.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Plan and complete written technical investigations and deliver them either as an individual or group technical presentation.
- Describe basic business and economic theories and identify their processes and systems.
- Successfully conduct experimental work following health and safety regulations.
- Analyse data obtained from experimental work and prepare standard laboratory reports of their findings and results.
- Competently use computers and standard software relative to problem solving (e.g. spreadsheets, graphics and simple computer programming).
- Demonstrate a transition to independent learning and have a competent use of library and electronic resources as well as the use of the University's ICT systems (e.g. email, Canvas and online referencing software).
Technology Mathematics
30 credits
This module introduces the basic mathematical techniques used in engineering and technology studies. The module commences with manipulating numbers (arithmetic) e.g. averages, percentages and fractions, progressing to algebra were solving equations is introduced (linear, quadratic and simultaneous) and trigonometry.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Manipulate algebraic expressions.
- Solve linear, quadratic and simultaneous equations using a wide range of methods including matrices.
- Solve problems involving trigonometric ratios and functions.
- Use logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions.
- Apply techniques of differentiation and integration to standard and complex functions.
- Use complex numbers.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
Extended degree with a Foundation year
If you would like to study one of our engineering degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready for Year 1 of an undergraduate course, a foundation year is ideal. Please see the engineering foundation year course page for details.
Entry requirements
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).
Who teaches this course?
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.
Course fees and funding
Facilities
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:
- 3D design studio and workshop;
- mechanical engineering workshop;
- rolling roads;
- automotive testing facilities;
- a Lotus Exige; and
- cars and motorcycles built by engineering students.
The recently enlarged library at Roehampton Vale provides collections of specialist engineering books and journals.
The £4 million Hawker Wing, which opened in December 2007, provides three floors of extra space for students and staff at Roehampton Vale, including improved learning and teaching facilities.
What our students say
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 very wide in scope as you cover many engineering disciplines, allowing you much flexibility when you are job hunting.
The course is fundamental if you want to pursue a career in space, with many companies having close links with Kingston and recruit periodically. 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."
Jack James, Aerospace Engineering Foundation Year and Aerospace Engineering, Astronautics & Space Technology BEng(Hons)
After you graduate
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.