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Physics with Foundation Year

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time including foundation year
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
University of Exeter - Exeter campuses
More about University of Exeter

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

We believe that fair access to higher education is a fundamental enabler for social mobility and are committed to delivering this through our education. We aim to widen participation and raise attainment - bridging gaps in retention, progression and success - to ensure our students enjoy the best possible outcome.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria, or are classed as Mature Students, and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.

  • It covers the core mathematics required to successfully complete the Physics degree programme at Exeter

  • You’ll be learning in a friendly and structured environment and will be supported academically and personally as you prepare to study the Physics undergraduate degree

  • Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress into Year 1 of our BSc Physics programme which has a Foundation Year

  • Depending upon the qualifications you’ve gained prior to beginning the Foundation programme it may be possible to transfer to an undergraduate programme in Mathematics, Natural Sciences or Engineering which have a foundation year and provided you meet the entry requirements for that programme

  • International students looking for a foundation course, please visit our INTO page.

To learn more about modules, assessment methods, facilities and our staff research expertise please visit our course page.

Modules

For a full list of modules please visit our course page.

Assessment method

Please visit our course page for current assessment methods.

This course has restrictions on who can apply.

This course is only for UK students who meet our contextual offer criteria. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/entryrequirements/contextual/

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University of Exeter - Exeter campuses

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time including foundation year • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F314
Institution code:
E84
Campus name:
University of Exeter - Exeter campuses
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

University of Exeter has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

This course has restrictions on who can apply.

This course is only for UK students who meet our contextual offer criteria. https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/entryrequirements/contextual/

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F314
Institution code:
E84
Campus name:
University of Exeter - Exeter campuses
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

Our International Student Support can help you with what you need to do before you arrive and when you get here as a new international student. They offer ongoing support throughout your studies whether that be setting up a bank account or arranging healthcare. Our Global Chums Buddy Scheme and our Intercultural Cafe provide opportunities to meet staff and connect with students. ISC University of Exeter provide pre-sessional English courses for international students as well as free insessional support.
For more information about entry requirements, bursaries and scholarships please visit our course page.

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
BBC

Including B in Maths and B in Physics. Excluding General Studies

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require at least one grade B and a grade B in GCE AL Maths and Physics

Access to HE Diploma
D: 18 credits M: 27 credits

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 18 L3 credits at Distinction grade and 27 L3 credits at Merit Grade. This must include 12 L3 credits in Maths at Pass Grade and 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade or above in another Physics subject. Please also see our GCSE requirements.

Scottish Higher
BBBBB

Including B in Maths and B In Physics

Scottish Advanced Higher
BBC

including B in maths and B in Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28 points

Applicants will be considered with IB 28 OR 554 in three Higher Level subjects. All applicants will be required to have Grade 5 in HL Maths and Physics

In support of the university’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Students can check their eligibility on our contextual offer website https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/entryrequirements/contextual/

English language requirements

GCSE English Language with a minimum pass of Grade C or 4.

For further details on our English Language requirements please visit our website.http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/applications/entry/#english-language

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Fair access to Higher Education is important to the University of Exeter. It enables equality, diversity and social mobility and helps improve opportunities and life-chances for individuals and their communities. When reviewing an application, we consider the context in which applicants have achieved their academic qualifications. If candidates meet certain eligibility criteria, we may make an offer which is typically two grades but possibly three grades below our typical entry requirements.

Learn more on the University of Exeter website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For full details regarding tuition fee and other costings, see: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/money/fees/

Sponsorship information

We understand the financial pressures that undergraduate students can face when arriving at university for the first time and that is why we offer bursaries to complement government loans for low household income families, scholarships for exceptional students, sportspeople and those meeting other criteria as well as expert funding advice and guidance.

For more information, please visit our course page.

Related courses

At University of Exeter

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