Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Physical Sciences & Engineering
Whether you want to pursue engineering or mathematics, computing or chemistry, you can gain the skills to succeed at an institution famed for its teaching and research excellence.
Learn from expert, research-active staff
The University of Aberdeen has a long history in the sciences and the Undergraduate Foundation Programme is the best way for international students to benefit from this. Equivalent to the first year of your undergraduate degree, you will still graduate in the typical four years it takes to complete a degree in Scotland.
- Course length: Three terms
- Start date: September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January
- Term dates: Check the term dates
- Fees: Check your programme fees
- Scholarships: Learn more about available scholarships
- Age: 17+
- Check our academic and English language entry requirements.
What will I study?
Programmes at the International Study Centre are specially designed to prepare you for undergraduate success. On this pathway, you will study core academic modules based on developing your English language and career skills, as well as studying subject-specific modules in the subject route you choose to follow.
The University of Aberdeen prepares students for their chosen engineering specialism by designing the first two years of their engineering degrees around a general engineering curriculum. This introduces you to chemical, civil, electrical and electronic, mechanical and petroleum engineering and ensures you have the flexibility and choice to decide on the right degree for you in the third year of your studies.
Term 1
This module covers:
- algebra
- functions and solving equations
- trigonometry
- basic integration
- probabilities and statistics
This module covers:
- atomic theory and properties
- calculations using the mole
- periodic table
- introduction to organic chemistry
- enthalpy changes
- acid/base equilibria
This module covers:
- Python
- Algorithms
- functions
- propositional logic & predicate logic
- data representations
- instruction set architectures (ISAs)
- microarchitecture
Term 2
This module covers:
- complex numbers
- differential calculus
- approximation & Taylor series
- use of numerical software for approximation of functions and Taylor series
- applications of integration
This module covers:
- materials processes
- sustainability and the environment
- mechanical properties of materials
- manufacturing processes
- crystallographic structures
- thermal properties of materials
Term 3
This module covers:
- coordinate systems
- Newton’s second and third laws
- static equilibrium and equations of motion free body diagrams
- truss structures
- shear force diagrams
- bending moment diagrams
- work-energy methods
- impulse momentum methods
This module covers:
- RAE Statement of Ethical Principles
- atomic theory
- basic electrical theory
- introduction to AC principles
- electromagnetic waves
- basic analogue electronics
This module covers:
- structures and shapes of polyatomic molecules
- thermodynamics
- equilibrium and kinetics
- analytical chemistry and spectroscopy
- reactivity of organic molecules
Top 100 in the world
for Petroleum Engineering
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Why study Engineering at Aberdeen?
We spoke to Euan Bain, Director of Undergraduate Teaching in Engineering at the University, along with international Engineering student Simba to find out exactly what makes studying Engineering at Aberdeen so unique.
Progress to your degree
The Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Physical Sciences & Engineering has a wide selection or progression degrees based on your chosen subject route. Depending on your career ambitions and interests, you could progress to either a BEng, BSc or MA degree. In Scotland, an MA (or Masters of Arts) degree is an undergraduate degree equivalent to a BA degree. After completing this pathway and achieving the required grades, you can progress to one of the following degrees:
| Degree Programme Name | Award | Overall Grade | English Grade | Grade Module |
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