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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our Engineering Foundation prepares you for degrees in Mechanical, Motorsport, Robotic and Automotive Engineering.
Our course combines technical expertise with creativity and imagination. We develop your technological knowledge before you enter industry. You can specialise in a range of areas, including:
 automotive
 electro-mechanical
 mechanical
 motorsport
 robotics.
You'll learn:
 the mathematical and scientific principles in engineering and technology
 basic principles in post-GCSE mathematics
 engineering
 engineering applications.
You will also gain hands-on experience of real engine components and have access to industry-standard workshops, laboratories and computers.
Our course usually leads to one of our BEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) engineering courses as well as excellent career prospects.
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Standard offer
UCAS Tariff Points: 56
A Level: CD
IB Points: 24
BTEC: MP or PPP
Further offer details
We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications, and from mature students.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
• Fundamentals and Applications of Technology
This is your introduction to the fundamental principles of physics for engineering and technology applications. What you’ll study and learn can be brought to life through a design project where you’ll be able to apply your theoretical knowledge to the project you will have designed and built such as a mediaeval siege engine or trebuchet.
• Engineering Applications
This is a practical module that will introduce to you aspects of the design and development of mechanical and electrical engineering components, devices and systems. You’ll use a case study approach and you will use typical engineering products that will aid and develop your understanding of technology in practice.
• Basic Data Analysis
You’ll study the fundamental concepts and basic techniques of statistical data analysis. To build your skills in interpretation and analysis, which will help to prepare you for more advanced study into data analysis.
• Basic Mechanical Engineering Principles
You will study the basic mechanical engineering principles to build your knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering. You’ll develop your knowledge to be able to apply these principles to typical engineering components, like devices and systems.
• Basic Electronic Engineering Principles
Study and learn the basic electronic engineering principles to start building your understanding and to develop your active knowledge of electronic engineering. You’ll be able to interpret and apply these principles to typical engineering components, like devices and systems.
• Foundation Engineering Mathematics
This is your introduction to Engineering Mathematics and its application to real-world problems. This is a post module, which provides you with the mathematics background of GCSE and A-level to support your further study in engineering.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: Maths at grade 5/B; English Language at grade 4/C minimum normally required.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
We will introduce you to key mathematical and scientific principles. You will need these for first-year undergraduate studies in engineering and technology.
Semester 1 covers the basic principles of post-GCSE mathematics and engineering.
In Semester 2 you will develop your knowledge of:
 mathematics
 mechanical and electrical engineering principles.
You will also take 2 modules in engineering applications. And consider the role of new technology in society, gaining hands-on experience of technological equipment.
Learning and teaching
Our teaching methods include:
 lectures with question-and-answer sessions
 demonstrations
 small-group tutorials
 practical work.
We also use tutorial sheets and assignments to develop your abilities and provide focused feedback. As well as encourage you to work on your own and extend your understanding.
Assessment
We assess you through a combination of examination and coursework. However, some modules are based wholly on coursework.
Our assessment methods include:
 assignments
 library exercises
 class tests
 online tests
 assessed practical work using innovative applications of IT and specialised equipment.
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
Students progressing to a degree subject at Brookes are often the most successful graduates and have even resulted in some becoming full-time members of staff for the department. Students who leave after the Foundation Diploma can use this qualification as an entry into degree studies at most Universities. Those who seek employment can access the University Career Service, which assists students in researching companies, careers and how to apply for a job.
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