2024 entry (view 2023 entry)
Cert Foundation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Course overview

Course duration
1 year(s) full-time
Part-time study is not available for this course
Application method
Full-time: Apply direct to the University
Fees
£5,670 per year, home students
Fees quoted are for 2023 entry only. Fees for 2024 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2023.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Location
The Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Maths is a one-year introductory course, designed to prepare you to progress to undergraduate study in a non-clinical science, engineering or mathematics degree subject.
The course is for students returning to education without prior Level 3 qualifications (such as A-level or equivalent) and includes tailored support to help you to transition to degree-level study. You will meet with a personal tutor and have access to the library, peer mentoring and academic skills development, such as essay writing.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be guaranteed a place on a non-clinical undergraduate degree within the University’s Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Life Sciences. We offer degrees covering the full range of fundamental and applied science and engineering at Bristol, as well as interdisciplinary degree courses in subjects such as biomedical sciences, data science, engineering design, environmental science and palaeontology and evolution.
Choosing to study a science, engineering or life sciences degree allows you to develop knowledge and a range of transferable skills that employers value. Our graduates are highly employable, with skills in areas such as numeracy, teamworking, report writing and problem-solving. Bristol graduates are in demand and the University’s high academic standards and excellent teaching attract many recruiters.
Applications are made directly to the University. You can find information about making an application on our how to apply page. If you have questions about the foundation year or the application process, please contact fystem-info@bristol.ac.uk
Course structure
The course comprises five units: Core Chemistry or Core Physics, two maths units, a study skills unit and a group project.
You will choose either a chemistry or a physics pathway depending on the degree subject you aim to study after the course. You will also take core units in maths, building your confidence and ability in using maths to solve problems in science and engineering.
You will need to dedicate around ten hours each week to lectures and seminars and at least ten hours per week for independent study.
Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.
Go to programme catalogueEntry requirements
Qualifications
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Each application will be judged on its own merits. We are looking for applicants who are highly motivated to study on the Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Maths course and who have the potential to succeed in university study and beyond.
Applicants must also meet these requirements
GCSE profile requirements
Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels
Selection process
- We select successful candidates based on the application form, their written work and an interview.
- Full information about our selection processes for this course:
- The admissions statement above relates to 2023 entry. The statement for 2024 entry will be available in summer 2023.
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement: