SEFS
Science and Engineering Foundation Studies programme
Loughborough University
Leics, UK, LE11 3TU
Tel: 01509 22 2566
Loughborough University

Science and Engineering Foundation Studies (SEFS) programme
 
   

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Entry requirements for foundation year

 

The foundation year is primarily for candidates who for some reason have not had the opportunity to study or achieve in the pre-requisite subjects needed for first year entry to their chosen degree programme. 

We also welcome applications from the following groups of students:

  • Mature students
  • Students offering alternative qualifications
  • Students who have suffered from adverse circumstances over the course of their most recent studies (eg bereavement, serious illness etc) (please contact us to discuss your particular situation). Please refer to note 3 below for further guidance.
  • International students with good year 12 qualifications and a minimum of IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each element)
  • OU students with a minimum of 60 credits with 30 credits in Mathematics/Physics and 30 credits in another subject(please contact us if this applies to you).

Please see the table below for guidance.  

Offers will be in the range of 200 UCAS points from 2 A levels - 360 UCAS points from 3 A levels, excluding General Studies A/AS level. Subjects are given where they are specifically required.   Please note that:

  1. All cases are considered on an individual basis and entry grades will be within the range given for each department, dependent on the applicant’s academic achievements, background and circumstances. Unless a higher requirement is stated in the table below, university minimum requirements are grade C in GCSE Mathematics and English. Offers will not normally be made to those who apply simply because their A level grades/predictions are below the requirements for direct entry to the degree programme.
  2. If you apply to a programme for direct entry, and you also apply for the same programme via the SEFS route, then a single offer will be made at the most appropriate level for you.  If your predictions are at the right level for direct entry, you should expect to be made a direct entry offer and you would be made an offer for SEFS only if there are extenuating circumstances as described above.
  3. ‘Adverse circumstances’ refers to serious circumstances over which an applicant has no control. The following circumstances would NOT normally considered to be sufficiently ‘adverse’ as to lead to concessions in entry requirements:
    • Multiple teachers
    • Educational support needs for  which allowances have already been made
    • Adverse circumstances of which examining bodies have been made aware, and which have already been taken into account in results.
    • Educational difficulties which arise from matters within the control of the applicant and/or their family, such as house moves resulting in a change of school at a critical time, cosmetic surgery etc.

Department (via foundation)

Minimum Science & Engineering Foundation Studies entry requirements (valid until August 2012)

UCAS code

A/AS Level (not including General Studies)

BTEC ND

IB

Aeronautical /
Automotive
Engineering
HF19
  • Aero: ABB - must include A/S Mathematics grade A minimum or equivalent
  • Auto: BBB or ABC - must include A/S Mathematics grade A minimum or equivalent

Accept two AS levels for the 3rd subject.
Do not consider students who lack both A2 Mathematics and Physics, and also lack A/S Mathematics.

DDM -DDD– with high mathematics attainment

  • Must include Distinction in Mathematics for Technicians

If further Mathematics for Technicians is missing, applications are considered individually.

30-32 overall from 6 subjects, with minimum of 5 in SL Mathematics.

Chemical
Engineering
H80A

320 points and above, from any 3 subjects (not including General Studies) with evidence of As and/or Bs in Science and Mathematics at GCSE

DDM–DDD with high Mathematics attainment

  • Must include Distinction in  Mathematics for Technicians

34 overall 

Chemistry
F104

Only applications from those in the categories described above are considered, on a case by case basis.
If Chemistry A level is taken, a minimum grade C is required.

DMM-DDD

28-32

Civil
Engineering
HF19

Minimum of ABB at A Levels (not counting General studies or key skills), but only those who have NOT taken Mathematics A level.

DDM-DDD

  • Must include Distinction in  Further Mathematics for Technicians

34 overall from 6 subjects, with either no Mathematics or 5 in SL Mathematics.

Computer
Science
G404

Only applications from those in the categories described above are considered, on a case by case basis.
In all cases, minimum grade B in Mathematics GCSE (or equivalent) is required.

DMM-DDD

28-32

Electronic &
Electrical Engineering
HF19

If a numerate A level and a science subject are offered, the requirement is CCC at A level.

If no numerate A level is offered, the requirement is BBB at A level and grade B in Mathematics GCSE (or equivalent).

MMM-DDD

28-32

Materials
Engineering
J504

Only applications from those in the categories described above are considered, on a case by case basis.

MMM-DMM

28-32

Mathematics
HF19

Only applications from those in the categories described above are considered, on a case by case basis.
In all cases, grade A in Mathematics GCSE (or equivalent) is required.

DMM-DDD

30-32 to include 4 in Mathematics.

Physics:
F305

Only applications from those in the categories described above are considered, on a case by case basis.

If Physics or Mathematics A level is taken, a minimum grade C is required in one subject or the other.

DMM-DDD

28-32

Wolfson School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering:

Manufacturing Engineering with FY: H700

Mechanical Engineering with FY: H304

Product Design Engineering with FY:HH17

 

For all programmes listed: 
3 A-levels at grades BBB or ABC

For all programmes, the university standard requirement of grade C minimum in GCSE Mathematics applies.

 

Minimum DMM for all programmes

 

28-32