Engineering with
Foundation Year

You will require 48 UCAS points, including Grade 4/C in GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths.

The entry requirements listed on this course page provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study this course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis. If you lack the traditional entry requirements, but have relevant experience, alternative qualifications or mitigating circumstances, then please contact our admissions team to discuss your suitability.

You'll spend a foundation year gaining all the knowledge you need to progress to the first year of any of the University of Hertfordshire's BEng engineering degrees or technology-based BSc degrees.

You will study four days a week at West Herts College Hemel Hempstead campus. On the fifth day, you will attend the University of Hertfordshire School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science for laboratory sessions, where you will carry out practical engineering work, including project labs in three key engineering areas. This blended approach is aimed to enhance your learning and prepare you for your future studies.

On this programme, you will study the following modules:

Engineering Studies & Skills

In Engineering studies, you will be introduced to some of the major engineering disciplines by means of guided laboratory work in the Engineering departments of the University. The role of the engineer in industry and society will be introduced through lectures, films, videos, seminars about and visits to, industry and/or engineering companies; you will also attend and prepare reports on presentations by guest speakers.

You will learn key study and learning skills aimed to develop their motivation, self-discipline and time management, effective study and learning methods. This includes note making, using learning resources and IT to obtain, interpret, organise and present information effectively, writing essays and reports.

This module holds 15 credits.

Foundation Year Project

This module introduces you to the engineering design process, from brief through to manufacture, to devise a solution to a posed engineering problem. Design activities are accomplished in small teams, thereby developing skills in teamwork, communication and leadership. Project management techniques are addressed and employed with the purpose of effective time and resource management. You will be exposed to the workshop environment, with the aim of constructing your solution. You will be required to test your build to ensure performance meets the specified design brief.

This module holds 15 credits.

Foundation Year Mathematics 1

The module will help develop confidence in mathematics and allow you to study and learn the basic mathematical skills required to solve basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry problems in an engineering context.

This module holds 15 credits.

Foundation Year Mathematics 2

This module will help further develop confidence in mathematics and inculcate the fundamental mathematical skills required to solve arithmetic, algebra, calculus, geometry and trigonometry problems in an engineering context.

This module holds 15 credits.

Digital and Software Applications in Engineering

This module will enable you to become familiar with Digital and Software Applications commonly used in Engineering and Industrial environments. You will study different forms of PC Hardware and undertake a CAD workshop and be introduced to Digital Technology and its applications.

This module holds 15 credits.

Electrical Science and Digital Technology

The primary aim of this module is to enable students to gain knowledge and proficiency in the application of electrical science and digital technology. You will experience applications of basic electronics, measuring systems and computers in a range of engineering scenarios.

This module holds 15 credits.

Mechanical Science and Structures

This module will develop appropriate knowledge of the fundamentals of mechanical motion, both linear and in rotation, and of vibrations and mechanics of structures, at a level suited to preparing you for entry to an engineering degree.

This module holds 15 credits.

Engineering Science

An introduction to engineering science and the fundamentals of electricity and mechanics. The aims of the module are to enable students to develop understanding of the fundamentals of Mechanical Science. The module also aims to enable students to develop knowledge of basic electricity and applications, as well as develop an awareness of the mechanics of materials. Finally, this module aims to enable students to develop skills in measurement, observation and analysis in a laboratory.

This module holds 15 credits.

Programme Specification

View the full Engineering with Foundation Year Programme Specification

How will I be taught and assessed?

Throughout the course, you will be taught through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials, lab project work, course work and in-class assignments under the supervision of the college and university staff. You are encouraged to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Students will be assessed via tests (44%), coursework (51%) and practical assessments (5%).

This engineering foundation degree programme is an ideal alternative route to higher education as it prepares you for progression to an engineering related honours degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

On completion of your engineering foundation year, and providing you meet the requirements set by the University of Hertfordshire, you will progress to your selected degree course in engineering. You will not need to reapply through UCAS for this.

You don’t need to decide which course you will progress to at this point. This general foundation year provides an overview of many types of engineering, giving you greater flexibility and more choices when you decide to progress on to an undergraduate engineering programme. Your tutor will assist you in making a decision and support you through the progression application process. Progression is dependent on your achievement. Some courses have specific academic and non-academic requirements to progress, such as an interview and/or satisfactory DBS check.

On completing the engineering foundation degree, you may choose to progress on to one of the following bachelor's courses.

BEng degrees
• BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Space Technology
• BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Automotive Engineering with Motorsport
• BEng (Hons) Civil engineering
• BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

BSc degrees
• BSc (Hons) Motorsport Technology