Overview
Brunel’s Engineering Foundation Year is a one-year, full-time course that prepares you for the study of engineering at degree level. Foundation year students can progress to any of our accredited Engineering degree programmes having improved their maths and physics.
It’s an ideal choice if you don’t have the required qualifications to begin an engineering degree straight away or if you want to see if an engineering degree is for you. This engineering foundation course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to join the first year of your chosen engineering degree.
You will learn about basic engineering principles and study subjects including engineering mathematics, physics, mechanics, and materials science. You’ll be introduced to concepts of electronic engineering and develop your verbal, graphic and written communication skills.
During your studies, you will benefit from well-equipped technical facilities including the structures and materials laboratory where you’ll use industry standard equipment for the testing of materials. The latest computing software is available for you to use in purpose-built computer laboratories.
There are two one-week project breaks during which you’ll work in a team to gain practical knowledge of control systems, designing models, analysing design, and calculating physical parameters.
After successfully completing your engineering foundation year – with the progression grades needed for your chosen engineering course – you will start the first year of one of Brunel’s engineering degree courses with the added benefit of an optional placement year:
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Computer Systems Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
As an engineering with an integrated foundation year student you will be entitled to funding throughout your studies. We recommend that you apply and secure funding for the full five-year, MEng programme. This can be reduced if you decide not to take a placement year. You can also benefit from living on Brunel’s one London campus with direct access to all the University’s fantastic sporting and social facilities.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
Course delivery is a combination of theory, hands-on practical sessions and project work. You will gain solid knowledge and understanding of engineering science and will be introduced to materials science. You’ll also develop skills in the use of computer software for communication of engineering data.
Compulsory
- Mathematical MethodsThis module covers the core topics of A-level pure mathematics. The aims of this module are to establish a solid foundation in the basic concepts from algebra, and trigonometry, to introduce the idea of a function and develop this theme from polynomials through to exponential and logarithmic functions, and to provide an introduction to elementary calculus emphasising its geometric significance.
- Material ScienceThis module aims to introduce students to materials engineering theory through looking at a range of materials topics. The laboratories will reinforce the theory introduced to students in Semester 1 through structured laboratory experiments. It aims to allow students to gain experience in materials characterisation techniques, and to give students experience in report writing and develop written technical skills.
- Mechanics and Structures
The aims of this module are to establish a solid foundation in the basic concepts of mechanics, from the definition of the basic units of mass, length and time, through to the derived units of velocity, acceleration, force, moment of a force. Then to extend these concepts of mechanics to the principles of equilibrium and motion of solid bodies and thence to the analysis of static and dynamic systems.
- Projects and Study Skills
This will introduce and give practice in the study skills required to be a successful university student studying engineering. To introduce and practice elements of the formal analysis and graphical communication of engineering data. To provide opportunities for the application of aspects of engineering science to practical problem solving. To exercise and develop verbal and written communication skills in the presentation of results. To practice in working in groups, managing time and resources, and cooperation with others to achieve a common goal. Development of initiative in dealing with open-ended problems.
- Work and Energy
This module aims to introduce concepts and underlying theories of relevant topics in work and energy at A-level standard. The techniques will be developed and applied to practical problem solving. Students will develop their mathematical skills including interpretation of slope and areas; dimensional analysis; decimals and scientific notation.
- Electricity and Electronics
A module that introduces concepts and underlying theories of relevant topics in electricity, magnetism, and electronics at A-level standard. The techniques will be developed and applied to practical problem solving for designing electrical and electronic circuits.
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This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Careers and your future
Qualified, skilled engineers are in demand - but in short supply - throughout the world. Brunel’s engineering foundation year is the first step on your journey to an exciting career in the engineering industry.
Many students progress from Brunel’s engineering foundation course to our accredited engineering degrees. They take up positions as highly capable engineers working for leading companies including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GE Energy, Intel, Jaguar Land Rover and British Airways, to name a few.
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspiration of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
A minimum of five GCSEs are required, including GCSE Mathematics grade C or grade 4 and GCSE English Language grade C or grade 4 or GCSE English Literature grade B or grade 5.
Standard offer: CCD to including grade C or above in Maths or Physics
Contextual offer: CDD to including grade C or above in Maths or Physics
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: MMM in an Engineering related subject to include Merit in Engineering Principles and Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
Contextual offer: MMP in an Engineering related subject to include Merit in Engineering Principles and Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: MM in Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Science with an A level at grade C in Maths/Chemistry/Physics/Biology
Contextual Offer: MP in Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Science with an A level at grade C in Maths/Chemistry/Physics/Biology
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Merit in any subject with A-Levels grade CC to include grade C in Maths or Physics.
Contextual Offer: Merit in any subject with A-Levels grade CD to include grade C in Maths or Physics.
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 26 Points including Higher Level Maths (A&A) or Physics at Grade 4. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4
Contextual Offer: International Baccalaureate Diploma 25 Points including Higher Level Maths (A&A) or Physics at Grade 4. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Standard Offer: Obtain a minimum of 88 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Engineering & Science or Electronics & Software Engineering with 45 credits at Level 3.
Contextual Offer: Obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Engineering & Science or Electronics & Software Engineering with 45 credits at Level 3.
We apply a contextual admissions process for UK undergraduate applicants who meet one or more of our contextual markers – please see our contextual admissions page for more information.
Pass (C or above on the core) . Subjects accepted : Design & Development for Engineering and Manufacturing or Engineering, Manufacturing, Process and Control
If your qualification isn't listed above, please contact the Admissions Office by emailing admissions@brunel.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1895 265265 to check whether it's accepted and to find out what a typical offer might be.
Brunel's committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We'll fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants, as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
- BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2026/27 entry
UK
£9,790 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£21,795 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,535 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy.
For the 2026/27 academic year, tuition fees for home students will be £9,790, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28 (subject to Parliamentary approval).
From 2028 onwards, the fee cap is expected to rise annually in line with inflation. This means your tuition fees in future years may increase to reflect these changes.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Our engineering foundation year is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of academic staff. This means you’ll be learning from a teaching team with expertise in different subject areas of engineering. Two weeks will be allocated to supervised hands-on project work.
Study will combine lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, laboratory and workshop sessions, and group project work.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
Your progress will be assessed via assignments, coursework portfolios, laboratory reports, presentations, project reports, computer-based testing, and written exams.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.