Engineering Foundation - 2013 entry
Foundation course
Typical A-level offer: grades CD or equivalent
Overview
This course is run by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
If you want to study engineering, but you don't have the right qualifications to enter a university degree course, then the Foundation Course in Engineering might be just what you need. This one-year course is designed to improve your skills in physical science and engineering and, if you complete it successfully, you can then progress onto a BSc, BEng or MEng degree course.
The foundation course covers core subjects in electronic and mechanical engineering principles, and also helps to develop your mathematical skills. In addition, modules are available in media technology and computing. The level of the material is of A-level standard and provides opportunities for you to improve your technological knowledge before entering industry as well as preparing students for higher degrees in technological subjects such as mechanical and automotive engineering.
You will have access to state-of-the-art workshops, laboratories and computers and study in an environment which combines technical expertise with creativity and imagination.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Various teaching and learning methods are used to stimulate the process by which you acquire knowledge. These include lectures with question-and-answer sessions or demonstrations, small-group tutorials and practical work. These are coupled with tutorial sheets and assignments intended to develop your abilities, and to encourage you to work on your own and extend your understanding.
Most modules are assessed using a combination of examination and coursework, although some are assessed totally by coursework. Assessment can take many forms, including assignments, library exercises, class tests and assessed practical work using innovative applications of information technology and specialised equipment.
Learning outcomes
This course will provide you with:
- the numerical and mathematical skills necessary to proceed on to the first year of an engineering degree course
- study skills for retrieving, selecting and processing information
- an appreciation of technology and basic engineering principles
- skills in computing, including a familiarity with the use of software packages
- an understanding of the behaviour, operating characteristics and design considerations of a range of simple engineering components
- a range of transferable skills including the ability to manage your time, undertake self-directed study, and communicate clearly.
In detail
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Course content
We will introduce you to the mathematical and scientific principles underpinning first-year undergraduate studies in engineering and technology.
Semester 1 covers basic principles in post-GCSE mathematics and engineering. In Semester 2 you will develop your understanding of mathematics, and mechanical and electrical engineering principles. You will also take two modules in engineering applications. In addition, you will develop an appreciation of the role of new technology in society and you will gain hands-on experience of technological equipment.
This is normally a one-year course and you will need to take 8 modules over two semesters. The modules on offer may vary from year to year and some will be compulsory.
Module list
- Fundamentals and Applications of Technology (double)
- Basic Mechanical Engineering Principles
- Basic Electronic Engineering Principles
- Basic Mathematical Methods I
- Basic Mathematical Methods II
- Introductory Mathematics
- Foundations of Computer Programming
- Engineering Applications
- Basic Survey Methods
- Basic Data Analysis
- Word-Processing and Spreadsheet IT Skills
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Department
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Course length
Full-time: 1 year foundation course leading to a 3 or 4-year degree course
Part-time: 2 years
Teaching location
Wheatley Campus
Start date
September 2013
UCAS code
H108 BEng/FEG
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
The fees shown are for the academic year 2012/13. The fees for 2013/14 have yet to be set, and are likely to increase.
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
Tuition fees
The fees shown are for the academic year 2012/13. The fees for 2013/14 have yet to be set, and are likely to increase.
International students
Full-time: £11,750
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: grades CD or equivalent
IB Diploma: 24 points
Advanced Diploma: grade D
BTEC National Diploma with 3 passes
Mature students with relevant experience, including a substantial period of suitable employment, are welcome to apply.
Specific entry requirements
A-level: grades CD or equivalent
GCSE: Maths at grade B and English Language at grade C minimum
This course is intended for students who are at least 18 years old and hold either:
- recognised non-science qualifications to A-level standard.
- recognised science qualifications to A-level standards, but with grades insufficient to qualify for an engineering degree or diploma course.
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Student experience
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Why Oxford is a great place to study Engineering Foundation
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which will provide you with a host of work placement and other learning opportunities.
Our location in the heart of the UK motorsports valley means you will benefit from our strong links with Lotus F1 Team, Red Bull, Mercedes GP, Williams, McLaren, Force India and AP Racing, including work placements and recruitment opportunities.
Oxford is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for its large student population, from theatres and cinemas to museums, art galleries and music venues. A bustling and stunning cosmopolitan city, Oxford has excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
Situated in the heart of rural England and home to around 150,000 people, Oxford offers students a clean and safe environment less than an hour from London and international airports.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Further study
Successful completion of the course enables you to progress onto one of our degree courses, subject to meeting any specific entry requirements. During the second semester you will choose which course you wish to join. The options include:
- BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering
- BEng/MEng Automotive Engineering
- BSc Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering
- BEng/MEng Motorsport Engineering
- BSc Motorsport Technology.
If you decide not to pursue an engineering degree, you can choose to progress onto one of our BSc degrees in computing or media, or a combined honours degree in mathematics or statistics, provided you have passed the relevant foundation modules.
As a foundation-year student, you will become familiar with our teaching methods, notations and approaches so you will be well prepared for degree-level studies.
