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 and Top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality and Student Experience (Good University Guide 2024).
  • Mathematics: Top 3 in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • 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.

Progression Routes (Degree Programmes)

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: 

Modules September 2026

Foundation year modules will vary depending on the chosen 4-year foundation programme.

Example Year 1 modules include:

  • Organisms and the Environment
  • Practical Skills for Biologists 
  • Information in a Post-Truth World
  • Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Foundation of Mathematics

For more specific information about the modules, please visit the relevant 4-year foundation degree webpage:

Academic and English Entry Requirements

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 for all Science degree programmes.

Additionally, a good grasp of a Science subject (GCSE "C" or equivalent) is required to enter onto the following courses:

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 

Students are required to have an IELTS score of 6.0, or an equivalent English qualification accepted by Aberystwyth University. 

Students with an IELTS score of 5.5 or an equivalent English qualifiation accepted by Aberystwyth University can join the 12-Week Pre-Sessional English course before progressing onto the 4-year Foundation programme. 

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

Dates, Fees and Scholarships

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.

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