International Foundation Programme in Science & Engineering

The Science & Engineering pathway prepares students with the technical, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills needed to succeed in STEM and life-science degrees. You’ll benefit from small classes, hands-on laboratories, fieldwork, and research-led teaching, ensuring a strong foundation for undergraduate study.

Aberystwyth University consistently ranks highly in national and international assessments:

• Biological Sciences: Top 10 in the UK for Student Experience and Teaching Quality (Good University Guide).
• Geography and Earth Science: QS World Top 250, Top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience.
• Psychology: Top 5 in the UK for Teaching Quality (Good University Guide).  

These strengths are supported by world-class research — for example, 84% of life-sciences research at Aberystwyth was judged “world leading” or “internationally excellent” in REF 2021 — ensuring that your learning is informed by the latest discoveries and real-world applications.

The Aberystwyth University Science and Engineering Foundation Pathway is integrated into our Bachelors programmes giving students a seamless, four-year degree with the following options: 

• BSc Environmental Science
• BSc Mathematics
• BSc Psychology 
• BSc Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)  
• BSc Sport and Exercise Science
• BSc Genetics
• BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Science core modules

• Communication Skills
• Molecules and Cells
• Organisms and the Environment
• Practcal Skills for Biologists 

Engineering core modules

• Energy and the Environment
• Introduction to fundamentals of Physics I
• Introduction to fundamentals of Physics II
• Introduction to Lanoratory for Physicists and Engineers
• Introduction to Mathematical Methods 1
• Introduction to Mathematical Methods 2
• Spreadsheets for University Students

Qualifications: You must have completed high school to a level that indicates likely success on the Foundation programme.

A good grasp of Mathematics (GCSE 'C' or equivalent) is required to continue your studies onto the following courses:

• BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• BSc Environmental Science
• BSc Mathematics
• BSc Psychology 

A good grasp of Mathematics and a Science subject (GCSE 'C' or equivalent) is required to continue your studies onto the following courses:

• BSc Genetics
• BSc Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)  
• BSc Sport and Exercise Science

Entry requirements for specific countries can be found on the relevant Country Page. 

Age

You must be at least 17 years old before the course start date. 

English language 

If you have a minimum IELTS overall score of 5.5 (with no component with less than 5.5), you can join the 12-Week Pre-Sessional English course.

Further information about the acceptable English language qualifications to apply for this programme can be found on the undergraduate English requirements webpage.

The course starts in September each year. Please visit the dates of term webpage for start dates, semester end dates, and vacation breaks. 

Fees:    £21,875

Scholarships:  All self-funded international fee-paying students are eligible for the International Accommodation Award, which gives students the option of free housing in our on-campus Cwrt Mawr halls for the duration of their studies on the International Foundation Programme and with 50% reduction to live in Pentre Jane Morgan halls during their first year of study on their degree programme.  

Students from certain countries may be also be eligible for our £2,000 Regional Scholarship.