Exeter is one of only a very small number of Russell Group universities to offer courses of this type, which provide a supportive route into higher education. 

New University of Exeter foundation programmes to widen participation in maths, engineering and physical sciences

New University of Exeter foundation programmes will boost the numbers of young people from the South West and beyond studying maths, science and engineering so they are equipped to take on the jobs of the future.

It is hoped the courses will widen STEM participation at university from those living in areas of the country where fewer people go on to higher education.

The foundation courses cover the core maths skills needed to progress onto maths, engineering and physical science degree courses. They are designed for those who might not have considered a Russell Group university and may not meet Exeter’s typical entry criteria.

Exeter is one of only a very small number of Russell Group universities to offer courses of this type, which provide a supportive route into higher education. As well as accepting A-levels these courses will provide a clear pathway to a degree for students who have taken BTEC courses or other qualifications. They will allow students to spend a year improving their maths skills before progressing on to their chosen undergraduate degree.

A number of scholarships will also be available to support students undertaking degrees with foundation years in programmes across our College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences programmes in the 2022/23 academic year.

Professor Nicky King, Associate Dean for Education, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, said: “We’re really proud to launch our foundation programme pathway which demonstrate the University of Exeter’s commitment to widening access to our engineering, maths and physical sciences programmes. For any student who has not had the opportunity to demonstrate their true ability in A-level maths, whether through educational disadvantage, exceptional circumstances or making the wrong choices, this programme offers an alternative route into STEM at Exeter.”

Dr Houry Melkonian, Foundation Year Programme Director, said: “Exeter’s foundation has been created to support and prepare students for the challenges of an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physics or Engineering. The programme has been designed for students with the passion and aptitude for a degree, but who may have missed our standard entry criteria for various reasons, and is a call to widen participation and increase access to higher education. “ 

For more information see:

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/engineering/eng-foundation/   

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/natural-sciences/nat-foundation/

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/mathematics/maths-foundation/

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/engineering/civil-foundation/

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/engineering/electronic-foundation/

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/engineering/mechanical-foundation/

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/physics/physics-foundation/

Date: 18 October 2021