Foundation Studies
Science and Engineering Foundation Studies (SEFS)
There are many reasons why people may not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to a science or engineering degree at Loughborough University. If you are in this situation, the SEFS programme may be your gateway to success.
By achievement of the relevant criteria, this one-year programme can allow progression to degree programmes in the following subject areas:
- Aeronautical and Automotive
- Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Design
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Product Design Engineering
- Physics
- Systems Engineering
In addition, there are also opportunities to enter some programmes offered by other departments by agreement with the appropriate departmental admissions tutor.
Unlike many foundation programmes at other universities, our foundation programme is taught in-house by University staff, and the students on the programme are full members of both their departments and the University, with the same access to the Students’ Union, sports facilities and support departments.
Entry Requirements
The entrance requirements are specific to each department. A-Level requirements range from 200-320 points. Candidates with alternative qualifications including mature students with professional qualifications are actively encouraged and discussed on an individual basis.Please see the Minimum Entry Requirements section on the SEFS website.
Background
The Science and Engineering Foundation Studies (SEFS) programme was originally designed for students who wanted to embark upon a challenging career in science, engineering or technology, but whose choice of subject at A-Level (or equivalent) was not usually considered appropriate for direct entry to degree programmes in these disciplines.
Many who continue to join us through this route have good qualifications, but not in Mathematics, or not in Physics, or occasionally not in any science subject.
The SEFS programme also provides a second chance for those who have not quite achieved the qualifications they had hoped for, perhaps through illness, family issues or lack of opportunity to find degree programmes that suit them. Finally, students may be referred to the SEFS programme by their choice of department, both at application or results time, if their predicted or actual grades are not quite at the required level for their desired programme.
International students with acceptable qualifications and an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) continue to be welcomed on to the SEFS programme. For international students with an IELTS less than 6.5, the Loughborough University International Foundation Programme is taught in partnership with Loughborough College.
By the end of the SEFS programme, you will be eligible to integrate smoothly into your chosen mainstream engineering or science degree programmes provided you have achieved the standards set by that department.
Flexibility
The programme consists of a core of modules centred in mathematics and physics together with a number of optional modules. In some cases, the optional modules are restricted due to progression requirements of destination departments. For example, intending chemists or chemical engineers must do chemistry modules that are optional for other programmes.
In all cases, your destination department under the auspices of your personal tutor, will give advice on which optional modules are most suitable for your needs.
The nature of the foundation programme means that students receive a flavour of other degree programmes during their year of study. This means that while students are originally registered with a particular department, they occasionally request to change their desired degree programme during the course of the year.
Changes in course and destination department can be discussed with the SEFS team tutor after the first semester examinations and at the end of the academic year.
Course Content
The first semester consists of a core of mathematics (Applicable Mathematics I) and physics (Basic Physics and Materials), together with a module in learning and communication skills.
In addition there are optional modules in chemistry (foundation of Physical Chemistry and foundations of Inorganic Chemistry), programming (Programming I), engineering science (Engineering Sciences: Applied Mechanics) and business studies (Business Skills in Engineering and Science).
The second semester offers more choice and five or six modules will be normally taken from Applicable Mathematics II, Physics II, Foundation of Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Methods, Materials and Materials Processing, Science: Energy and Power, Design and Manufacture of Consumer Products, Introduction to Programming II and a project. Some of these modules have a prerequisite derived from a first semester option.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of written examination and/or coursework assignments. Some modules are continuously assessed. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, poster presentations, assessed tutorials, workshops, peer review and dissertations.
What happens after the Foundation Year?
If you have passed the SEFS programme you will automatically progress to Year 1 of your chosen degree programme, provided that you have achieved a satisfactory standard in the modules prescribed for that programme. At this point, students may request and/or be offered a transfer to other science or engineering departments with which they have become familiar.
How to Apply?
Application will be through the UCAS scheme quoting code HF19 BSc/SEF. In some cases, departments have separate course codes for the SEFS programme and this should be inserted in section 3(c) of your application form (see the relevant departmental entry).
For those programmes under HF19, the application form should make clear reference to the departmental programme to which you wish to progress after the application process. You may be invited to interview, either directly by your department of interest or by the SEFS programme director.
Selection
We are looking for students with a minimum of 5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grades A*-C or equivalent. We normally require a minimum of grade C in Mathematics and English Language plus at least grade C in chemistry, physics or integrated science. The level of achievement post-GCSE is degree dependent. In some cases, an interview including a Mathematics and English assessment may be required.
Candidates are strongly advised to consult the guidance given on SEFS Minimum Entry Requirements for each department who offer a foundation route before making an application.
For the latest information visit the SEFS website.