Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year

Are you a student from the UK interested in studying Mechanical Engineering, but your personal or educational circumstances have meant you are unlikely to achieve the grades typically required for Oxford? If so, choosing to apply for Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year might be the right option for you.

The Engineering Science with Foundation Year pathways provide a strong grounding in the scientific and mathematical principles that underpin engineering. You will study core topics in physics and mathematics, alongside subject-specific modules, developing the knowledge needed to approach engineering problems with confidence.

All pathways share the same syllabus on the Foundation Year. This reflects the unified approach of the Engineering Science course at Oxford: all students study the same core content, building a broad foundation before specialising later in their undergraduate degree.

About the Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science
The Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) provides a strong grounding in core scientific and mathematical principles. The course places particular emphasis on building your confidence in applying knowledge, rather than simply acquiring it. Through problem-solving, laboratory work and an independent mini project, you will develop the skills needed to approach unfamiliar questions and work with increasing independence.

You will apply for a specific subject pathway, linked to the undergraduate degree you intend to study. These are:

• Chemistry with Foundation Year, the use of chemical and mathematical principles to explain the behaviour of atoms and molecules, and their physical and chemical properties.

• Engineering Science options*, with Foundation Year, applying mathematics and science to solve real-world problems

• Materials Science with Foundation Year, exploring how materials are structured, how they behave, and how they can be designed for different applications

Teaching during the Foundation Year is tailored to support your chosen pathway and prepare you for undergraduate study in that subject. All CEMS students follow a shared mathematics programme during the Foundation Year.  

* For Engineering Science, the options on UCAS include: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Engineering, Information or Mechanical Engineering, but all options share the same syllabus on the Foundation Year. This reflects the unified approach of the Engineering Science course at Oxford: all students study the same core content, building a broad foundation before specialising later in their undergraduate degree.

Preparation for Undergraduate Studies
Alongside your subject studies, you will take the Preparation for Undergraduate Studies course. This will help you develop core academic skills, including academic writing and communication skills, and opportunities for reflective practice, to support your progression to undergraduate level.

About the Astrophoria Foundation Year
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is a free, one-year intensive academic programme designed to bridge the gap between school and Oxford’s undergraduate courses. It will help you develop the study skills, subject knowledge and academic confidence needed to succeed at university.

Eligibility
This course is for UK state school students who meet the eligibility criteria for the Astrophoria Foundation Year. International students are not eligible to apply. Please visit the Astrophoria Foundation Year website for more information.

Fees
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is fully-funded, including tuition fees, college accommodation and a bursary for living costs.

Admissions Test
All applicants for Engineering Science options with Foundation Year must take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). This must be taken before submitting your UCAS application.