Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions
Email:ugadmissions@southampton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Software Engineering with Foundation Year
- Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 20 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
Summary
This foundation year is designed to introduce you to degree-level study in engineering, physics or mathematics. It gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress onto courses such as the BEng Software Engineering. It is ideal if you do not have the required A level subjects, are studying a BTEC, are returning to education as a mature or are an international student. You will build a strong grounding in mathematics and topics in physics and engineering science, and on successful completion you will progress to the next level of your chosen degree.
Key features of the course
• Prepare for degree study. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to progress onto the three-year BEng in Software Engineering.
• Build core knowledge. Study essential topics in mathematics, mechanical and physical science, computer programming, and electricity and electronics.
• Learn in different ways. Teaching combines lectures, workshops, tutorials and independent study to support your development.
• Gain practical experience. Take part in regular laboratory sessions, applying your knowledge through hands-on experiments.
• Develop key skills. Strengthen your critical thinking and problem solving through assignments and practical work.
Student support
You’ll receive support from subject tutors throughout your studies, with regular feedback to help you develop your academic skills and confidence. Small group teaching and structured learning will help you adjust to university study and prepare for your degree.
Further information
• This is a full-time, one-year course that on successful completion leads directly onto your chosen undergraduate degree for a further three years.
• It provides a clear route into engineering, mathematics or physics, helping you build the foundation needed for future study and career progression.
Modules
Course Modules
Whichever degree you are aiming for you will take these core modules: Electricity and Electronics, Engineering Principles, Coursework (including computer applications), Mathematics A and B, Mechanical Science, and Routes to Success.
Specialist Science and Engineering English language module available.
Assessment method
You will be assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework activities such as formal reports and laboratory reports – all of which you will encounter as typical assessment methods throughout your degree.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Engineering and Technology, Institution of
- British Computer Society
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 20 September 2027
Apply by
13 January 2027
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:
- I300
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Points of Entry:
- Foundation
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Southampton 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
Apply by
13 January 2027
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:
- I300
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelABB
ABB*
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year. If you have studied all the subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will not normally be eligible for the Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects (i.e. not maths or physics) e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year. If you have studied all the subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will not normally be eligible for the Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects (i.e. not maths or physics) e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
T LevelD
A Distinction, including a Core A grade, in either of the following T-levels: Digital Production, Design and Development or Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE DiplomaDistinction: 30 Merit: 15
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which at least 30 credits, including all credits from graded maths modules, must be graded Distinction and the remainder must be graded Merit. We accept Engineering, Computer Science or Science Level 3 Access courses only. Applicants should offer at least one maths module.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 6/B)
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD
A typical offer is DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A-level subject*.
Additionally, applicants are required to achieve a Distinction in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics, where these modules have been studied. If you are not sure if your qualifications meet the requirements of this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
*To be eligible for the Foundation Year, you must not have studied the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course. Please refer to our website for full details.
For example, if you want to study BSc Computer Science, you must not have already studied or be studying an A-level in maths.
Additionally, applicants are required to achieve a Distinction in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics, where these modules have been studied. If you are not sure if your qualifications meet the requirements of this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
*To be eligible for the Foundation Year, you must not have studied the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course. Please refer to our website for full details.
For example, if you want to study BSc Computer Science, you must not have already studied or be studying an A-level in maths.
OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaDD
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve grade B in one A level subject (excluding Maths) plus Cambridge Technical Diploma in Engineering (Level 3) with an overall double grade of Distinction, Distinction.
All applicants will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Applied Mathematics for Engineering where applicants have studied this unit.
All applicants will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Applied Mathematics for Engineering where applicants have studied this unit.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 32
A typical offer for the IB is Pass with 32 points overall, with 16 points required at Higher Level including a minimum of 5 points in Standard Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation. Where Higher Level Mathematics has been studied as part of the diploma, we will require a minimum of 5 points.
To be eligible for the Foundation Year, you must not have studied all the Higher-Level IB subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course. Please refer to our website for full details.
For example, if you want to study BSc Computer Science, you must not have already studied or be studying Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.
To be eligible for the Foundation Year, you must not have studied all the Higher-Level IB subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course. Please refer to our website for full details.
For example, if you want to study BSc Computer Science, you must not have already studied or be studying Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD
For the BTEC National Extended Diploma, the subject must be one of:
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical/ Electronic Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Civil Engineering
All applicants will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Further Engineering Mathematics where applicants have studied this unit.
We do not accept any other BTEC subjects.
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical/ Electronic Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Civil Engineering
All applicants will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Further Engineering Mathematics where applicants have studied this unit.
We do not accept any other BTEC subjects.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H2H3H3H3H3H3
A typical offer is H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 H3
If you have not taken the subjects required for direct entry to your chosen course e.g. maths, applied maths and physics, then you will usually need a Foundation Year. Please refer to our website for details about subject restrictions.
If you have not taken the subjects required for direct entry to your chosen course e.g. maths, applied maths and physics, then you will usually need a Foundation Year. Please refer to our website for details about subject restrictions.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaDDD
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering (Level 3) with an overall triple grade of Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.
All applicants will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Applied Mathematics for Engineering where applicants have studied this unit.
All applicants will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Applied Mathematics for Engineering where applicants have studied this unit.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D
A typical offer is D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB in two A-levels*.
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects (i.e. not maths or physics) e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects (i.e. not maths or physics) e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended CertificateD
Typical entry criteria will be to achieve AB in two A-Levels* plus a Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate graded Distinction.
All applicants taking the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Engineering will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Applied Mathematics for Engineering where applicants have studied this unit.
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
All applicants taking the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Engineering will be required to have achieved a Distinction in Mathematics for Engineering. Additionally, a Distinction is required in Applied Mathematics for Engineering where applicants have studied this unit.
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)A-B
ABB from three A levels* or AB from two A levels* and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or BB from two A levels* and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects (i.e. not maths or physics) e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
*If you have not taken the A-Level subjects required for first year entry to your chosen course, then you will usually need a Foundation Year.
For example, if you want to study BEng Mechanical Engineering, you must not have already studied or be studying A-levels in both maths and physics. If you are studying maths but not physics or if you are studying physics but not maths, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year. If you are studying three other subjects (i.e. not maths or physics) e.g. sociology, biology and geography, then you would normally be eligible to study BEng Mechanical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year.
For further information please to refer our webpage, which lists the subject combinations that are not acceptable for entry to our Foundation Year. If you still need any help determining your eligibility for this course, please contact our Admissions Team.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate an aptitude for mathematics and may be required to take our own mathematics test. Some applicants may also be invited to attend an interview.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Team. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/foundation-years/engineering-physics-maths-geophysics.page#entry_requirements
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
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.
We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £10050 | |
| EU & International | TBC |
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
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.
We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.
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