| UCAS code | F314 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 year integrated degree programme: 1 year Foundation plus 3 year undergraduate degree programme |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Physics and Astronomy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: BBC
|
|---|---|
Overview
- You'll cover the core mathematics required to successfully complete a BSc Physics 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 a Physics undergraduate degree.
- Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria, you will progress into Year 1 of our BSc Physics degree programme.
- Depending on your qualifications, you may be able to transfer to an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering Mathematics or Natural Sciences after completing the Foundation year. See the list of degree pathways below.
Top 15 in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026; 11th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
We are passionate about training new physicists and believe that is done best via a supportive and inclusive student-staff environment
94% of graduates in or due to start employment/further study 15 months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK-domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
Top 15 in the UK for Physics and Astronomy
12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026; 11th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
We are passionate about training new physicists and believe that is done best via a supportive and inclusive student-staff environment
94% of graduates in or due to start employment/further study 15 months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK-domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
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 | BBC | B in Maths and B in Physics. We will also accept AS Maths at A or Core Maths at A in lieu of A-Level Maths. |
| IB | 28/554 | Maths HL 5 and Physics HL 5 |
| BTEC | DDM | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require at least grade B in GCE A-Level Maths and Physics. |
| 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 Merit Grade and 12 L3 credits in Physics at Merit Grade. |
| T-Levels | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Accreditation
Please note: As part of our ongoing commitment towards improving the student experience at Exeter, we are introducing a new foundation level year to our Mathematics degrees from September 2022. The foundation course covers the core maths skills needed to progress onto our Year 1 of the BSc Physics with Foundation Year programme, or have the opportunity to transfer to Year 1 of another programme with a foundation year provided you meet the entry requirements for that programme. As a result of introducing the foundation year we are currently going through a process to expand our accreditation to include this programme.
More about applying
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 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: £9,790 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 '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 BSc Physics course page for details of the Learning and Teaching methods for the subsequent years of your degree programme.
Private study and support
In addition to lectures and seminars, you should spend about 20 hours per week in private study. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics, and we advise you attempt all coursework problems, whether formally assessed or not. 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 mathematical problems or questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through lunchtime mathematics surgeries or our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.
A research and practice led culture
You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising 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.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of summative assessments. You must pass your foundation year and meet the progression criteria to progress to Year 1 of the BSc in Physics with a foundation year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.
Your future
Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum. The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist is appreciated by employers: they acknowledge the benefits of excellent problem solving skills, an educated scientific intuition, and the confidence to be able to grasp new concepts quickly.
