Engineering and Technology with Foundation Year BEng (Hons)
This Engineering and Technology with Foundation Year course is ideal if you want a career in engineering, but don't meet the entry requirements for a degree programme.
Key information
UCAS code:
H108
Typical offer:
56-64 UCAS points to include 1 A level, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
This foundation year course sets you up for success if you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for one of our Bachelor's degrees in computing, engineering, surveying, maths or physics.
There’s more than one route to a degree, and missing out on the right grades first time round or beginning your studies as a mature student shouldn’t stop you realising your potential. On this BEng (Hons) Engineering and Technology degree with foundation year, you’ll develop the maths, science and technology skills vital for studying at degree level.
You’ll then move onto the first year of one of our Bachelor’s degrees.
Course highlights
- Develop the knowledge to go onto your Bachelor's degree course with confidence
- Study alongside other students working towards achieving a full degree, just like you
- Experience hands-on practical work in our technology laboratories such as the Microcontroller and Digital lab, Energy Lab and the Future Technology Centre Computing Lab
- Benefit from remote access to our simulation software, including Google App Scripting and LTSpice – supporting your studies even when you're off campus
- Discover how to learn engineering concepts using everyday materials at home
- Get student membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), paid for by the University
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
After your foundation year
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, the topics and modules you go on to study will depend on the degree course you choose to take.
Bachelor's degrees you could progress onto:
- Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
- Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)/MEng
- Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)/MEng
- Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)/MEng
- Product Design and Innovation BSc (Hons)
- Property Development BSc (Hons)
- Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)
- Renewable Energy Engineering BEng (Hons)/MEng
Quick guide to foundation year courses
A foundation year course allows you to:
- Explore your options before choosing your Bachelor's degree course
- Experience university life and get a taste for the way you'll be taught
- Develop the study skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed in your chosen Bachelor's degree
Find out more about how this course works in our foundation year guide.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BEng (Hons) Engineering and Technology degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 56-64 points to include 1 A level, or equivalent. Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE), BTECs and Access courses will also be considered. (calculate your UCAS points)
- A levels - DDE-DEE
- T-levels - Pass (D or E in the core)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - MPP
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
A foundation year course opened doors for Holly
When she didn't get the A Level results she'd hoped for, a foundation year helped Holly to get on to the degree course she really wanted.
Facilities and specialist software
Microcontroller and Digital Laboratory
Access to equipment including oscilloscopes, network analysers and other electronic equipment for measurement purposes, as well as hardware and software development tools for design, development and implementation of microcontroller systems.
Future Technology Centre
Learn and interact with other students in our Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) environment. Create dynamic team-based learning environments with the use of presentation software to share your simulation software or code, while working alongside others.
Specialist engineering software
Get experience in essential engineering software such as Google App Scripting, within the context of solving engineering problems, and LTSpice, a SPICE-based analog electronic circuit simulator computer software. Use the software on campus, or connect to our lab computers remotely from home.
Careers and opportunities
Studying engineering, technology, maths or physics gives you in-depth knowledge of the parts that make the modern world work.
This foundation year, and the Bachelor's degree you move onto, will give you the skills employers need to implement innovative technologies and designs that could influence our healthcare system, aviation, transport, communication and so much more.
Depending on the degree you move onto after your foundation year, it's likely there will be a high demand for your profession in the industry sector you graduate into. And you'll get ongoing careers support from our Careers and Employability Service for up to 5 years after you graduate from your full Bachelor's degree.
Placement year opportunities
Between your third and fourth year, or after your final year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Taking an optional placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Previous students on our engineering and technology courses have gone on to work in fields such as:
- manufacturing and installation
- digital forensics
- civil engineering
- construction and transportation
- teaching
Previous graduates on our engineering and technology courses have gone on to work in roles including:
- research and development science
- information security analyst
- artificial intelligence and machine learning engineer
- digital forensic examiner
- cyber intelligence analyst
I enjoyed my course, particularly the project based learning, which allowed practical work to be carried out alongside the theory.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Through hands-on programming, you'll learn modern computing techniques for storing, manipulating and analysing engineering data. You'll extract insights that help predict system performance or guide professional decision-making, and develop clear communication skills to present your analyses in print and in person.
Through practical lab investigations and group projects, you'll model electronic behaviour using concepts like voltage, current, resistance and reactive components. You'll also examine signals, logic gates, and the fundamental concepts of digital electronics, ready for your ongoing study in electronic engineering.
You'll link microstructural properties to the real-world behaviour of materials, and use this understanding to select optimal materials for different applications. You'll also cover the communication skills to convey your understanding to colleagues and stakeholders, using reports and industry-standard engineering drawings.
In this comprehensive module, you'll consolidate your core skills in arithmetic and algebra, then advance to more complex concepts like calculus, matrices and complex numbers. On completion, you'll have confident abilities to apply powerful mathematical tools across your studies and future career.
In this introductory module, you'll learn about Newton's laws of mechanics, dynamics, thermal physics, thermodynamics, and fluids. You'll blend your conceptual understanding with practical problem solving, using the standard calculations employed in engineering contexts, ready for your ongoing studies.
In this module, you'll study how innovations in materials, sensors, AI, and connectivity are transforming systems from smart grids to self-driving vehicles. You'll draft professional reports on renewable energy systems and sources, identify ways that modern systems are evolving to meet the world's growing energy needs, and gain valuable skills for careers in smarter, cleaner energy.
The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 will depend on which degree you move onto at the end of year 1.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- laboratory work
- project work
- Computed aided design and simulation activity
- open access study
There's an emphasis on building practical skills, working with the latest technology and learning practices.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- coursework
- practical tests
- project work
- presentations
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying and memory sticks.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to pay additional costs of £50–£1000 to cover travel, accommodation or subsistence if you take a placement abroad. The amount you’ll pay will vary, depending on the location and length of your stay.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – H108
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.