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Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BEng (Hons) Engineering with Foundation Year (Streatham Stage 0 for Penryn entry in Stage 1)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBEng (Hons) Engineering with Foundation Year (Streatham Stage 0 for Penryn entry in Stage 1) Programme codeUFN4ENSENE01
Study mode(s)Level 1
Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This is a 4-year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded Foundation year. During the Foundation year, you will develop your academic skills and subject knowledge at Exeter’s Streatham campus. In the following year, you will join the first year of an Engineering degree programme at Exeter’s Penryn campus in Cornwall, subject to successful completion of the Foundation year.

The (General) Engineering programme is part of a wider family of Engineering programmes that have been developed around several core principles that distinguish them as innovative, forward looking and student centred. Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasis collaborative project based learning (PBL), contextualised teaching and an emphasis on skills development and practical application of knowledge. Our engineering programmes also equip students with an awareness of entrepreneurship and the skills and confidence to apply their engineering knowledge in entrepreneurial endeavours. This is achieved through our novel Entrepreneurship 1 & 2 modules.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

This programme aims to reinforce the basic knowledge and skills, during the Foundation Year (Stage 0), that will then allow you to successfully begin Stages 1, 2 and 3.  Stage 1 aims to provide the initial building blocks such as mathematics, physical mechanics and the science of materials.  And then once these elements are mastered, during stages 2 and 3, you will then apply them to solve increasingly complex complex challenges, which result in practical solutions for the real world.

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The BEng Engineering with Foundation Year (Penryn) programme is a 4 year programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four ‘stages’. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

The foundation year (stage 0) is studied at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. Once this foundation year is completed and the progression threshold is met, you will transfer to Penryn (the Cornwall Campus of the University of Exeter) for the remaining three years of your study.

On progression from the Foundation Year, you will have the opportunity to specialise on one of the following disciplines:

Environmental Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering
Systems Engineering

Stage 1


The first year of the Engineering programme is shared with all engineering disciplines and strikes a balance between providing core engineering and mathematical knowledge and making the learning experience engaging and exciting. A year-long multi-disciplinary group project provides an over-arching vehicle for PBL and a means of putting core knowledge into practice in a collaborative group setting. Project briefs are developed in response to the core module content. To support the students’ project work they undertake workshops in sketching, report / technical writing and study/research skills. Students develop essential knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing through a year-long module. By combining Mathematics and Programming, students develop both the mathematical knowledge that underpins engineering science and the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming The first also includes a 45 credit core module, ‘Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics’.

All modules are delivered using a PBL framework that encourages students to become independent learners.

Once you have completed the common first year, you will complete the final two years of your chosen degree programme:

BEng Environmental Engineering

BEng Renewable Energy Engineering

BEng Systems Engineering

Compulsory Modules

Please note:

The following modules are for STAGE 0 (foundation):

120 credits of compulsory modules.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
MTH0001 Principles of Pure Mathematics Stage 030Yes
MTH0003 Exploring Mathematics Stage 015No
MTH0004 Foundation Statistics Stage 015Yes
MTH0005 Science: Skills and Culture Stage 030No
MTH0006 Applied Mathematics Stage 015Yes
MTH0007 Programming Skills Stage 015Yes

Stage 2


Please note:

The following compulsory modules are STAGE 1:

120 credits of compulsory modules.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENE1011 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing Stage130No
ENE1012 Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project Stage130No
ENE1014 Fundamentals of Mechanics Stage115No
ENE1015 Fundamentals of Materials Stage115No
ENE1016 Fundamentals of Electronics Stage115No
ENE1017 Fundamentals of Engineering Stage115No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. a selection of topics in pure and applied mathematics, mathematical logic, probability and statistics, and the connections between them.
2. fundamental concepts and techniques in mathematics that can be used in a range of applicable areas.
3. how to perform research-based studies in sciences, engineering and mathematics.
4. how to implement theoretical concepts to describe and predict real-world problems.
5. the current research and pedagogical activities presented in sciences, mathematics and engineering disciplines at the university and beyond.

Knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups. Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given. Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

Most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts necessary for progression to further studies in mathematics or in other quantitative degree pathways.
2. develop skills to reason and solve problems using abstract ideas.
3. organise tasks into a structured form
4. critically assess and summarise research studies in mathematics, engineering and sciences.
5. demonstrate an ability to evaluate arguments, provide a sound justification, interpret, and communicate outcomes.

Knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups. Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given. Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

Most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations. 

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. formulate and solve problems and communicate reasoning and solutions effectively in writing.
2. communicate ideas and plans concisely, both orally, through presentations and in writing.
3. use the library and a range of online resources to research topics taught/a topic of interest.
4. operate effectively within a team.
5. exhibit self management and time management skills.

Knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups. Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given. Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

Most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations.

7. Programme Regulations

UG Programmes: Assessment at stages zero and one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Academic and personal tutors. It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with academic advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Computing and library facilities. Students have access to good computing and library facilities on the Penryn campus. Computer-based exercises and web-based learning materials are a feature of the programme, which can be accessed via the internet. IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis) within the Centre. Wireless network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site. On the Penryn campus in Cornwall, the Learning Resource Centre contains a library of 70,000 volumes and some specialist collections. In addition, students have full access to the central University of Exeter library, including the electronic library resources.

Online study resources available through the University’s virtual learning environment, ELE, provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through ELE (http://ele.exeter.ac.uk)

Engineering Teaching Laboratory (ETL). The ETL supports teaching in renewable energy-focused modules and is located on the top floor of the Du Maurier building at the Penryn campus. In addition to providing experimental rigs and demonstration space to support core Engineering modules, it also provides a suite of computers with specialist engineering software, space for group and project work, and a dedicated digital maker space shared with other STEM disciplines. Access to these facilities will be available to all Engineering students, including out of hours on request.

Renewable Energy Engineering Facility (REEF) / MakerSpace. In 2018, the department opened a new-build specialist engineering workshop, REEF. This facility, equipped with a wide range of prototyping and workshop tools and facilities, including 3D printing, provides the location for design and build practical-based project work. All students are fully inducted in the use of the workshop equipment, and a dedicated technician is available to support course-based and extra-curricular practical projects.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

Not applicable to this programme.

18. Final Award

BEng (Hons) Engineering with Foundation Year (Streatham Stage 0 for Penryn entry in Stage 1)

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Engineering

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision

01/10/2025