Bachelor of Engineering / Master of Engineering (BEng/MEng)

BEng/MEng Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year

Take the next steps to becoming fully prepared for degree-level study in mechanical engineering.
  • Duration: 1 (as part of 4/5 yr integrated degree programme)
  • Year of entry: 2026
  • UCAS course code: H109 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Scholarships available

Full entry requirementsHow to apply

Overview

Course overview

On the Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year you are an undergraduate at The University of Manchester. The course is taught at The University, by academics from The University. Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria for your chosen degree, completion of the Integrated Foundation Year guarantees you a place on first year of your chosen degree.

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A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

  • Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
  • Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
  • Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your course:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13: Climate action

Exciting changes in the School of Engineering

The School of Engineering has reorganised into five departments: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Management, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. This change will not impact on the delivery of your programme of study. However, during this transition, you may still see references to the former Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. We appreciate your patience as we update our systems to reflect the new structure.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Telephone
+44 (0)161 275 8200
Email
Website
www.mace.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.

Entry requirements

A-level

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all applications are considered on their individual merits. Decisions are based on the application as a whole - including the qualifications, the personal statement, and the referee's comments. The following must therefore be viewed only as general guide.

Our entry requirements vary depending on the subjects being taken at A level. Typically, we would be looking for:

  • Grades BBB where a student has 3 relevant subjects
  • Grades ABB where a student has 2 relevant subjects
  • Grades AAB where a student has 1 relevant subject

The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Engineering. If you are unsure whether you would be considered with your qualifications/predictions, we would encourage you to contact us before making an application.

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 help us make our decision, applicants may be asked to attend an Academic Assessment.

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.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

If you meet the criteria, you may be made a reduced offer. This will typically be at one grade below the standard offer.

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall with 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects, including Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) or Physics.

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.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

GCSE/IGCSE

We require Grade B/6 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics (if not studied at A-level) and B/6 from one of Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science (if not studied at A-level)

We require at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country .

Detailed requirements relating to this course can be found here: Country-specific information - Integrated Foundation Year .

English language requirements

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 Academic/IELTS for UKVI (Academic) 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 an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) if the Foundation Year is taken as a stand-alone qualification.

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.

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

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.

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.

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 the academic Department for your chosen course who will be able to help you.

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 the Department Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering directly. Further information for mature students can be found here .

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Candidates may be required to complete an academic assessment. Strong examination results and academic assessments 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 your 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 .

Interview requirements

Academic assessment

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 their current level of understanding and knowledge in key areas of mathematics and physics.

If you are invited to complete an academic assessment, we will send you all the instructions you will need via email.

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.

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

Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year is a one year programme designed to improve your mathematical and scientific understanding and skills to a level where you will be able to start a degree in one of the following subject areas:

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

Special features

  • Students accepted from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds.
  • High levels of academic and pastoral support.
  • Successful completion guarantees a place on first year of your chosen degree.
  • Teaching by highly experienced University academics, with a proven track record.
  • Integrated Foundation Year students have full access to all University facilities.

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 engineering-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.

Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year is delivered on the University campus by University staff. With strong links with the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, the environment for study is essentially the same as for undergraduate study on degree programmes in engineering 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 June). A smaller proportion of the 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.

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
FOUN10011 10 Mandatory
FOUN10022 10 Mandatory
FOUN10031 10 Mandatory
FOUN10061 10 Mandatory
FOUN10072 10 Mandatory
FOUN10111 10 Mandatory
FOUN11022 10 Mandatory
FOUN12022 10 Mandatory
FOUN13022 10 Mandatory
FOUN14022 10 Mandatory
FOUN15022 10 Mandatory
FOUN16022 10 Mandatory
FOUN17022 10 Mandatory
FOUN18022 10 Mandatory
MATH19801 10 Mandatory
MATH19812 10 Mandatory
MATH19821 10 Mandatory
MATH19832 10 Mandatory
MATH19842 10 Mandatory
MATH19852 10 Mandatory
MATH19861 10 Mandatory
MATH19872 10 Mandatory
MATH19801 10 Optional
MATH19812 10 Optional
MATH19821 10 Optional
MATH19832 10 Optional
Displaying 10 of 26 course units for foundation year

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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Engineering alumni panel

The University of Manchester is the most targeted university 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 2023 .

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. Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year gives you the preparation you need to proceed to degree level programmes in the subject area of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

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.

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