Foundation Year in Engineering

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

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.

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.

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.

Choose your 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

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • The Aerospace Engineering BEng/MEng course received 100% for satisfaction for learning resources (National Student Survey 2018). 
  • The Civil Engineering BEng degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM). 
  • 100% of students from the Mechanical 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.

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

Foundation Mathematics

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).

Foundation Physics

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.

Core Engineering Skills

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.

Project Based Learning

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.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

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.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

  • 64 UCAS points from two Level 3 qualifications
  • A-levels: any subjects
  • BTEC National Diploma (grades MM) in any subject
  • BTEC National Extended Diploma (grades MPP) in any subject

Candidates for Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Engineering (Space Technology), Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) only are also required to hold a GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above or a recognised equivalent.

Typical offer 2024

  • 64 UCAS points from two Level 3 qualifications
  • A-levels: any subjects (General Studies and native language A-level not accepted)
  • BTEC Diploma (grades MM)
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (grades MPP) in any subject
  • Key Skills: points not accepted in tariff

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications or significant work experience that are equivalent to the standard offer.

Please note: This is not a stand-alone course but is an integrated foundation year. Successful completion of the foundation year will enable you to automatically progress onto the first year of your chosen degree. UCAS codes are included on the relevant webpage for the course you would like to study which offer the foundation year option.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

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).

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

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.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

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.

Your workload

  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 348 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 852 hours

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework: 100%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

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.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 130 students and lecture sizes are normally 25-130. However this can vary by module and academic year.

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

Fees for this course

Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which 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, 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, security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Text books

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free inter-site bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

Lab equipment

For this course you will need to purchase a lab coat and safety glasses at approximately £20. Students will also be required to purchase safety boots which cost a minimum of £27, a £10 voucher will be supplied by Kingston University to help cover this cost

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

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.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.

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
  • 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 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)

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. 

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting. For example, in the picture here students are practising their interview skills with real employers at a 'speed interviewing' event on campus.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.  

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include: 

  • placements
  • working or studying abroad
  • volunteering
  • peer mentoring roles
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University. 

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

 

 

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10% discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.  

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. 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.