| UCAS code | H121 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 year integrated degree programme: 1 year Foundation year plus 3 year undergraduate degree programme |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Engineering |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: BCC
|
|---|---|
Overview
- You'll cover the core mathematics required to successfully complete an Engineering degree at the University of Exeter.
- Learn in a friendly, structured environment where you'll be supported academically and personally as you prepare to study an Engineering undergraduate degree.
- Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress into Year 1 of the BEng Biomedical Engineering programme.
- Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to transfer to an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, or Physics after completing the Foundation year. See the list of degree pathways below.
Top 15 in the UK for General Engineering
13th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Hands-on course with an emphasis on practical project work
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
92% of our Engineering research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Top 15 in the UK for General Engineering
13th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Hands-on course with an emphasis on practical project work
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
92% of our Engineering research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Accreditation information
This course launches in 2025 and has been developed in close partnership with industry and in consultation with our accrediting bodies. We have already successfully gained accreditation from industry professional bodies for established programmes across the Engineering Department.
As this is a new programme, we aim to seek accreditation from the relevant professional bodies; however, this cannot be guaranteed at this stage.
Accreditation status will be updated when new information is available. If you require any further information, please contact the University directly.
Eligibility criteria
Who this course is for
This course is open to UK-domiciled students who:
- meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria, or are classed as Mature Students,
- pay 'Home' tuition fees
- and who have not met the entry requirements for first year entry, or have not been able to take A-Level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma.
If you are an international student looking for a Foundation course, please visit our International Study Centre.
Typical offer
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | BCC |
C in Maths and B in a Science* (see 'Read more' below) We will also accept AS Maths at A or Core Maths at A, in lieu of A-Level Maths. |
| IB | 26/544 | Maths HL 4 and Science HL 5 |
| BTEC | DMM | Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE A-Level maths and science subjects: Construction and the Built Environment, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
| GCSE | 4/C | Grade C or 4 in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 18 L3 credits at Distinction grade and 27 L3 credits at Merit grade | 12 L3 credits in Maths at Pass Grade and 12 L3 credits at Merit Grade or above in another Science subject |
| T-Levels | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
*Accepted GCE A-Level/AS sciences include: Biology/Human Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.
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. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply.
Course content
The Foundation Year is part of an integrated 4 year undergraduate degree programme. The information below relates to the Foundation Year only. Please see our 'pathways' below for further information and details of the modules available on the degree programmes you can progress to from the Foundation Year.
The course comprises of 90 credits of core maths, to elevate students’ knowledge to A-Level grade A standard, plus some aspects of the further maths curriculum, but concentrating on developing core mathematical skills.
The other 30 credits comprise a project that includes key skills for university study.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Degree progression pathways
In term 1 of your Foundation Year, it is sometimes possible to transfer to a different degree pathway, depending on your attainment and previous qualifications. In the second term, you will specialise in your chosen course.
The courses listed below are the pathway options available for these integrated 4-year undergraduate degree programmes.
Taught at Streatham Campus, Devon:
- Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year BSc
- Biomedical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Civil Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc
- Data Science with Foundation Year BSc
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc
- Natural Sciences with Foundation Year BSc
- Physics with Foundation Year BSc
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year BEng
Taught at Penryn Campus, Cornwall:
- Environmental Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Mining Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Renewable Energy Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
- Systems Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
Please note: The foundation year takes place at our Streatham Campus in Devon. For degree pathways based at our Penryn Campus, Cornwall, you will move campuses after completing your Foundation Year.
We’re really proud of our foundation programme pathways which demonstrate our commitment to widening access to our computer science, data science, engineering, maths, physics and natural science programmes.
For any student who has not had the opportunity to demonstrate their true ability in A-Level maths, whether through educational disadvantage, exceptional circumstances or a change in ambition, this programme offers an alternative route into STEM at Exeter.
Professor Nicola King
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Education
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
The way you learn at university may be different from what you have experienced before. Depending on your course, you may encounter a variety of teaching methods.
In the Foundation year of this programme, you will experience a range of teaching and learning activities including lectures, workshops, tutorials, group projects/presentations and/or seminars. The mathematics modules at this stage comprise of 90 credits in total, while the 'Science: Skills and Culture' module is 30 credits. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time including guided independent study hours.
Visit the course page for BEng Biomedical Engineering for more details about the learning and teaching methods for the subsequent years of your degree programme.
A research and practice led culture
You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising of internationally-recognised experts active across a wide range of topics in your chosen degree programme. As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become involved in a research project yourself.
Private study and support
You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services, and you are encouraged to discuss subject related questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of summative assessments. You must pass your foundation year and meet the progression criteria to progress, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.
Your future
Biomedical engineering is a rapidly growing field, driven by the global ageing population and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, as well as the need to manage and treat emerging health challenges.
Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to leverage your expertise in healthcare-related science and technology, alongside your skills in engineering processes, problem-solving and design. This expertise will open doors to careers in various sectors, including medical device design and development, healthcare technology implementation and biomedical research.
The comprehensive knowledge and skills you acquire during this course are also highly transferable, making you a valuable asset in other industries such as wider engineering disciplines, finance, professional services, management consultancy and teaching.
