Apply for a foundation year in Science, Engineering and Mathematics

How to apply

Applications for CertHE Foundation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics (2026 entry) open from Monday 1 December 2025 and will close on Monday 16 March (closing at 23:50 GMT).

Please complete our online application form:

This programme is only open to applicants who qualify for Home fees. If you are unsure whether you are classed as a Home or Overseas student, or you are an EU student, visit the University's fee status page for more information. The University runs a separate foundation programme for Overseas students.

We can also consider applications from refugees and asylum seekers who are also applying for our Sanctuary Scholarship award. Applicants should declare this in their application so that we can match your application for the foundation course with your Sanctuary Scholarship application. 'Overseas' fee status students should refer to our International Foundation Programmes

Admissions requirements and eligibility

The prospectus page for this course includes more information on the eligibility criteria and selection process. Please read the admission statement carefully before applying:

CertHE Foundation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics admissions statement

There are no formal entry requirements for our foundation courses. Applicants are welcome to apply with no prior qualifications.

Applicants for our CertHE Foundation in Science, Engineering and Technology may not be eligible if they already have other science qualifications.

Each application will be judged on its own merits, and we welcome applications from people from a wide range of ages and educational, ethnic, and social backgrounds. We are looking for applicants who are highly motivated to study and who have the potential to succeed in further university study afterwards.

Maths Proficiency

Applicants for our CertHE Foundation in Science, Engineering and Technology who are invited to interview will be asked to discuss a maths-based activity to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding, but we do not ask for any prior qualifications. We expect candidates to be proficient in maths to GCSE level in advance of applying, but we do not require you to have a Maths qualification. The interview day will also include a separate maths test to assess candidates’ maths abilities.

To prepare for the maths test we would suggest that you concentrate on improving your skills in the GCSE topics algebra, number, and geometry. If you plan to undertake independent maths revision we recommend that you look at GCSE Higher Tier revision resources and old GCSE exam questions.

Qualification Questionnaire

When applying, applicants are required to complete and upload the FY Qualification Questionnaire 2026 (Office document, 63kB) instead of listing any qualifications in their application form. Although qualifications are not required for entry to our CertHE Foundation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics, we do need to know about any you have taken or are taking at Level 3 (for example, A-level or equivalent). This is to provide context for your application but does not prejudice our decision.

Personal statement

On the application form, you’ll be asked to provide a personal statement which addresses the following questions:

What are your experiences of study in the past (positive or negative) and why do you want to return to study?

Why do you want to study this particular course and what would you like to achieve by the end of it?

What subject area are you most interested in and how has this developed?

Would you like to go on to study for a degree?

What aspects of maths do you enjoy and how you use it in your daily life?
What hobbies, interests and experiences do you have that will help you complete your studies?

For more information, please read the Admissions Statement.

Selection process

We select candidates for interviews based on their application form and Personal Statement. We then make offers to successful candidates based on their interview alongside their maths activity for CertHE Foundation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics. Find out more information about the interview process or read our admissions statements above for more guidance on the admissions process overall.