University of Surrey International Study Centre

Engineering and Physical Sciences International Foundation Year

About this route

The Engineering and Physical Sciences International Foundation Year leads to a wide range of degrees in engineering, science and mathematics-related subjects at the University of Surrey.

During the International Foundation Year you will study a core unit of general subject skills, subject-specific units and elective units, which are carefully designed for your academic development.

If you need to improve your English language to reach the required level for your International Foundation Year, you can take our English Language Preparation programme.

Academic English Skills

Academic English Skills aims to provide you with thorough training in language and related academic skills, enabling you to best achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Applied Mathematics 1 & 2

During these units you will study the relationship between real life situations and mathematical models. You will learn about friction, energy and power, while working to deepen your understanding of the role of mathematics in the world.

Pure Mathematics 1 & 2

In these units you will develop your knowledge of algebra and calculus while learning about functions, derivatives and integrals, sketching graphs and applying mathematical facts to real world problems.

To complete your International Foundation Year programme you will also study one of the following elective units:

Chemistry 1 & 2

These units introduce you to formulae, equations and moles, atomic structure, introduction to redox systems, thermodynamics and bonding. You will also cover equilibria, acid-based equilibria, kinetics and organic chemistry.

Physics 1 & 2

In these units you will study the fundamentals of physics by looking at sound, electromagnetic waves and the structure of the atom. You will also cover electrical currents and magnetic fields.

Study plans

September intake

IELTS requirement Length Sept-Dec Feb-Jun Jul-Aug Sept
5.0 2 semesters     Progress to your undergraduate degree

  International Foundation Year   Vacation

February intake

IELTS requirements Length Feb-May May-Aug Sept
5.0 2 semesters   Progress to your undergraduate degree

  International Foundation Year

Progression degrees 

This programme can lead to one of the undergraduate degrees in the table below. Grades and progression degrees are guidelines and subject to change.

All degrees listed include the option to complete a Professional Training Year as part of your degree. The Professional Training Year takes place in year two of a four year sandwich degree. If you would like to take a Professional Training Year you will be able to select this option while at the International Study Centre before you progress to the University. The University of Surrey will provide guidance and support in year one and two in helping you to secure a suitable placement. Please note the Placement Year is optional and is not guaranteed.
Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade
Aerospace Engineering MEng (Hons) 70% 50% with 40% in each skill
Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons) 65% 50% with 40% in each skill
Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons) 65% 50% with 40% in each skill
Automotive Engineering MEng (Hons) 70% 50% with 40% in each skill
Biomedical Engineering MEng (Hons) 70% 50% with 40% in each skill
Biomedical Engineering BEng 65% 50% with 40% in each skill
Chemical and Petroleum Engineering BEng (Hons) 65% 50% with 40% in each skill
Chemical and Petroleum Engineering MEng (Hons) 70% 50% with 40% in each skill
Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons) 65% 50% with 40% in each skill
Chemical Engineering MEng (Hons) 70% 50% with 40% in each skill
Chemistry MChem 70% 50% with 40% in each skill
Chemistry BSc (Hons) 65% 50% with 40% in each skill

Please note there may be additional entry criteria and an interview may be required for entry onto Music and Sound recording (Tonmeister) BSc.

Key facts

Course length:
Two semesters

Entry points:
February and September 

Term dates:

September 2019

Semester 1: 30/09/2019 – 07/02/2020

Semester 2: 17/02/2020 - 12/06/2020

February 2020

Semester 1: 10/02/2020- 12/06/2020

Semester 2: 15/06/2020-25/09/2020

Age: you must be at least 17 years old to study at the International Study Centre and progress to the University.

Visit our entry requirements page for a list of academic, English language and country-specific entry requirements.

Student success

Shahad from Kuwait

Download prospectus

Surrey prospectus image section

Our prospectus is now available.

Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences

Business students from Surrey University

A two-semester pathway to a wide range of undergraduate degrees in areas such as accounting, business management, law and politics. Find out what you will study and progression degrees.

Life Sciences

Surrey ISC students in the chemical engineering lab at the university

A two-semester pathway to a range of undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry and food science-related subjects. Find out what you will study and progression degrees.