What you will learn

The Engineering Foundation Year will give you a solid grounding in all the skills you need to continue onto an engineering undergraduate programme at UCL.

The purpose of the Engineering Foundation programme is for you to develop academic and study skills, subject-specific knowledge and confidence in your ability to gain an undergraduate degree in engineering in the future. That’s why this programme helps to nurture the range of skills it takes to become a future engineer.

A holistic approach to your future

The varied modules on this programme range from theory to practical activities, and cover all the knowledge you need to go on to do an engineering degree. The subject-specific knowledge is mostly focused on mathematics and science, and includes lab work using UCL’s world-renowned facilities, at the modern, purpose-built Marshgate building at UCL East.

We recognise that it takes more than knowledge to thrive during an engineering degree, which is why we include sessions on developing your academic and professional skills. This covers everything from essay writing techniques and help with English, to time management skills, how to use the library and revision study tips.

And finally, you will also work on hands-on projects that run throughout the Engineering Foundation Year. You’ll work in a number of different teams with other students to solve real world problems, putting all your learning into practice. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop good team working skills and to see engineering come to life.

Find out what you'll learn on the UCL Engineering Foundation Year prospectus

Read the Engineering Foundation Year prospectus

An archive of the 2024 prospectus is linked to from the 2025 prospectus. An archive of this page for those who entered the programme in 2023 is visible here on this website. 

Sections of the prospectus that relate to teaching and learning

Section heading	Section subtitle	Subsection	Topics covered
Course overview			Overview of the Engineering Foundation Year programme.
Teaching and learning	Modules	Full-time (drop-down)	Overview of our approach to teaching, structure of the programme, how to pass the programme, and learning outcomes.
Teaching and learning	Modules	Year 0	List of modules you'll take during the Engineering Foundation Year. Each module is linked to a full description incluing topics, how the module will support your development as an engineer, its assessment methods, teaching format, mark scheme, module lead and learning outcomes.
Teaching and learning	Modules	Years 1-3/4	These are the prospectuses of programmes that accept entry via the Engineering Foundation Year. You apply for one of these programes 'with Integrated Foundation Year' on UCAS. After successful completion of the foundation year, you continue onto the programme you picked, without needing to reapply.
Teaching and learning	Your learning		Overview of teaching methods and contact/study hours per module.
Teaching and learning	Assessment		Overview of assessment methods used on the programme.

A package of bespoke wraparound support is integrated into the Engineering Foundation Year. Find out more about the available support.