BSc/MEng Materials Science with an Integrated Foundation Year

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
BSc/MEng
Duration
1 (as part of 4/5 yr integrated degree programme)
Typical A-level offer

BBC where a student has 3 relevant subjects

BBB where a student has 2 relevant subjects

ABB where a student has 1 relevant subject

The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Computer Science. If you have any qualification queries, please contact us before making an application.

Typical contextual A-level offer

This course does not participate in the contextual offer scheme.

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer
32 points overall with 5,5,5 at Higher Level, including at least one from Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable), Physics or Chemistry.

If Mathematics is not studied at Higher Level, then we would require Standard Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) with Grade 6 or higher.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Apply through UCAS
UCAS course code
F013
UCAS institution code
M20

Course overview

  • Complete the Integrated Foundation Year and meet the specific progression criteria to guarantee a place on one of our materials science degrees.
  • Take the next step in your education - on the Integrated Foundation Year you are an undergraduate at The University of Manchester.
  • Improve your mathematical and scientific understanding to a level where you're able to progress to a materials science degree.
  • You'll be taught at The University, by academics from The University.

Open days

The University holds undergraduate open days regularly where you have the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer and see our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .

You can view the recent undergraduate virtual open week recorded sessions here .

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £24,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

The Foundation Year Bursary  is available to UK students who are registered on an undergraduate foundation year here and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance.

Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our  International country profiles .

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages  and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

    Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

    Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

    Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Materials
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 543 4019
Email
Website
http://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty overview
See: About Us

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

BBC where a student has 3 relevant subjects

BBB where a student has 2 relevant subjects

ABB where a student has 1 relevant subject

The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Computer Science. If you have any qualification queries, please contact us before making an application.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Duration of A-level study

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:

a) sat your examinations early;

or

b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

AS-level

Acceptable only in combination with other qualifications.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade B/6 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics if not studied at A-level and at least Grade B/6 from one of GCSE/iGCSE Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science if not studied at A-level.

GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 5,5,5 at Higher Level, including at least one from Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable), Physics or Chemistry.

If Mathematics is not studied at Higher Level, then we would require Standard Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) with Grade 6 or higher.

Other international entry requirements

The University of Manchester has a rich academic heritage and is one of the world's leading research-intensive universities. It also has a long history of welcoming international students and seeks to continue this tradition by admitting excellent students from across the world. You can find details of country specific entry requirements on our website.

Scottish requirements

Student are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact us for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A-levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.

European Baccalaureate

Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications. Applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all such applicants will be considered on an individual basis. Contact the University for further information.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Students are accepted from a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact us for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Students are accepted from a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the Integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact us for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

Access to HE Diploma

Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.

We normally require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 (10 hour) credits) with at least 45 at level 3 and the remainder at level 2.

Specific grades in specific subjects will be part of the offer.

Cambridge Pre-U

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year. Please contact us for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

T Level

We will consider the following T Levels:

Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

These T Levels will be considered on a case by case basis depending on the units taken, applicants presenting with these T Levels will be required to complete an academic assessment prior to receiving an offer. We strongly encourage students to contact the department before submitting an application via UCAS.

Students will be expected to achieve a Distinction overall with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism. GCSE Minimum grade C/4 in English and B/6 in Mathematics if not studied at A level and B/6 in one from Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science if not studied at A level.

Contextual offers do not currently apply to applicants offering T-Level qualifications. Applicants meeting our contextual admissions criteria will not be made a reduced offer.  T Level applicants who meet our contextual admissions criteria, and who have been predicted a Merit, may be made an aspirational offer at the standard entry requirements of the course e.g., an offer subject to them achieving an overall grade of Distinction. Further information on contextual admissions can be found here .

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.

We may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core Mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element. We advise students to contact us so we can clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.

We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines .

If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact us.

Non-standard educational routes

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact us directly. Further information for mature students can be found here .

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.

 The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:  

  • GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C
  • IELTS 6.0 overall with no sub-skill below 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT 80 overall with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other subscores. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition.
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification

Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the iGCSE English Language (first or second language) qualification.  

Please note international students would require a UKVI IELTS, if the Foundation Year is taken as a stand-alone qualification.

Further information can be found here .

English language test validity

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

Factors contributing to a successful application include:
  • past academic performance;
  • predicted academic performance;
  • enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
  • evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .

Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board, we cannot make further allowances.

We look for recent relevant study. Please feel free to contact the Admissions Office to discuss your particular circumstances.

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Candidates may be interviewed online or in person / complete an academic assessment. Strong examination results and interview performance are the main factor in admitting students to our courses. We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This is assessed within a structured framework and includes prior and predicted grades. Your referee should give realistic grade predictions for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during any interview with an academic member of staff.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, or applicants who have not studied Mathematics or Sciences at A-level (or equivalent) may be asked to complete an academic assessment as part of the application process. The assessment takes the form of an online, invigilated, multiple-choice test.

We do not suggest that applicants prepare specially for the assessment, and it's important to note that it is not an entrance exam. The assessment is designed to test an applicant's aptitude and give us a picture of your current level of understanding and knowledge in key areas of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

An applicant's performance in the test is assessed in the context of your individual educational background and will form just one element of your application, alongside your qualifications, personal statement and the referee's statement.

If you are invited to complete an academic assessment, please sign up to Zoom if you haven't already done so, and familiarise yourself with the service. If this is your first-time using Zoom, you may wish to have a trial 'meeting' with a friend or family member ahead of your academic assessment. We will send you all the instructions you will need via email. Please also remember to check your email for the Zoom links in order to attend.

Please inform us of any disability or special requirements prior to taking the academic assessment. You can do this by emailing: ug-materials@manchester.ac.uk

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We normally also guarantee a place in the current year should the applicant's gap year plans change, subject to availability of places.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in more than one sitting, provided they are taken over the standard two-year period.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through Clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

Begin your journey to a materials science degree with our one-year Integrated Foundation Year programme, which aims to improve your mathematical and scientific understanding and skills to a level where you are able to start a degree with us in the Department of Materials.

By completing the course and meeting the specific progression criteria, you can continue to a degree in one of the following subject areas:

Materials Science and Engineering, BSc

Materials Science and Engineering,MEng

Materials Science and Engineering with Biomaterials, MEng

Materials Science and Engineering with Corrosion, MEng

Materials Science and Engineering with Metallurgy, MEng

Materials Science and Engineering with Nanomaterials, MEng

Materials Science and Engineering with Polymers, MEng

Materials Science and Engineering with Textiles Technology, MEng

On the Foundation Year you will study mathematics, physics and chemistry. You will also take modules in Academic Skills and ICT (Information and Communications Technology), and complete a group project related to your intended degree programme and supervised by an academic from the Department of Materials.

You will be part of The University of Manchester and have the best possible preparation for first year on one our materials science degrees.

Aims

  • We aim to help you improve your mathematical and scientific understanding to a level where you are able to start a materials science degree.
  • You will be taught mathematics, physics and chemistry, and will take modules in Academic Skills and ICT (Information and Communications Technology).
  • You will be an undergraduate at The University of Manchester, benefitting from full access to the University's facilities.

Special features

Welcoming environment

We accept students from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds, and foster a welcoming, collegiate atmosphere.

Teaching and support

You will be taught by highly experienced university academics, with a proven track record in their field. We also provide high levels of both academic and pastoral support.

Being part of the University

On the Materials Science with an Integrated Foundation Year you are an undergraduate at The University of Manchester, with access to all University facilities. Successful completion then guarantees you a place on the first year of your chosen materials science degree.

Teaching and learning

The programme embraces a variety of approaches to teaching and learning, including lectures, small group tutorials, seminars and project work. Particular strengths are the high level of staff contact and individual learning support, individual pastoral support, project work in natural science-based Departments and associated disciplines within the Faculty.

Your focus is the Foundation Studies Office, where staff provide day to day support. The dedicated Common Room offers you a place to study, prepare coursework, carry out work using the computers, or simply socialise. There is a strong sense of community within the student body and excellent tutorial support. Materials Science with an Integrated Foundation Year is delivered on the University campus by University staff.

With strong links with the Department of Materials, the environment for study is essentially the same as for undergraduate study on degree programmes in natural science and associated disciplines. You will find that this assists greatly in easing your move into first year of your chosen degree programme on successful completion of the foundation year.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is based primarily on formal examinations at the end of each semester, in January and May/June. A smaller proportion (typically 20%) of your overall assessment is based on coursework carried out throughout the academic year.

Course unit details

Students take a total of 12 units (120 credits) from the list below. Students will take either Mathematics 0B1 and 0B2 or Mathematics 0C1 and 0C2, according to the outcome of a diagnostic assessment at the start of the course. Students choose either Matter and Energy (Phys 1) or World of the Electron (Phys 2).

Course units for foundation year

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Chemistry 1 FOUN10001 10 Mandatory
Information and Communications Technology FOUN10011 10 Mandatory
Foundation Year Project FOUN10022 10 Mandatory
Academic Skills FOUN10031 10 Mandatory
Chemistry 2 FOUN10042 10 Mandatory
Chemistry 3 FOUN10052 10 Mandatory
Matter and Energy Phys 1 FOUN10061 10 Mandatory
Waves and Particles Phys 3 FOUN10072 10 Mandatory
World of the Electron Phys 2 FOUN10111 10 Mandatory
Mathematics 0B1 MATH19801 10 Mandatory
Mathematics 0B2 MATH19812 10 Mandatory
Mathematics 0C1 MATH19821 10 Mandatory
Mathematics 0C2 MATH19832 10 Mandatory
Mathematics 0F2 MATH19842 10 Mandatory
Mathematics 0N1 MATH19861 10 Mandatory
Matter and Energy Phys 1 FOUN10061 10 Optional
World of the Electron Phys 2 FOUN10111 10 Optional
Mathematics 0B1 MATH19801 10 Optional
Mathematics 0B2 MATH19812 10 Optional
Mathematics 0C1 MATH19821 10 Optional
Mathematics 0C2 MATH19832 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 21 course units for foundation year

Scholarships and bursaries

The Foundation Year Bursary  is available to UK students who are registered on an undergraduate foundation year here and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance.

Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our  International country profiles .

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages  and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.

What our students say

Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting the Department of Materials blog .

Facilities

As an Integrated Foundation Year student you will have full access to all University facilities.

The Department of Materials is home to an extensive array of facilities and equipment, across both its materials science and engineering, and fashion business and technology arms.

We also benefit from close ties to a long list of leading centres, institutes and research hubs, including but not limited to, the National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, Henry Royce Institute, Dalton Cumbrian Facility and BP International Centre for Advanced Materials.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

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Science alumni panel

The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the UK for top graduate employers. Graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in high demand, according to The Graduate Market in 2021 - High Fliers Research .

Our popular integrated foundation route has produced outstanding graduates across all of our science and engineering courses. Employers will recognise your determination to succeed, adaptability, analytical skills and independent thought. Our Materials Science with an Integrated Foundation Year gives you the preparation you need to proceed to degree-level programmes in the subject area of materials science. A materials science and engineering degree can open up a world of possibility - and our Integrated Foundation Year option could be your first step.

Careers Service

We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.