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Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Engineering (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Engineering (with Foundation Year) at Northampton. From there, you move into a four-year honours programme covering core theory, research methods, applied practice and specialist options, alongside an independent project and professional skills development.
About this course
Engineering Degree BSc | University of Northampton --> --> Explore our campus, including our modern accommodation and innovative course facilities on our virtual tour. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Engineering (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Engineering (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 1,075. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Introduction to Engineering DesignCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The module introduces students to engineering drawing and the production of engineering models and drawings using computer technology. The selection of materials, engineering components, and the operating principles of simple machines will also be features of the module.
- Electrical PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of the module is to provide students an overview of fundamental scientific principles which underpin the design and operation of electrical engineering systems which will provide a basis for further study in specialist areas of electrical and electronic engineering.
- Mechanical PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop understanding of basic mechanical principles to enable students to participate in the design, development and operation of mechanical engineering systems. This module aims to provide a firm foundation for work in these fields and also a basis for more advanced study.
- Materials ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide Engineering students with a sound background knowledge and understanding of structure, properties, testing and application of engineering materials. Students will gain a broad knowledge of the range of manufacturing processes that can be applied to materials for a variety of manufacturing applications.
- Analytical Methods for TechnologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Applied mathematics underpins the understanding of many principles in all engineering disciplines. This module aims to provide Engineering students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study related engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of mathematics.
- Engineering Industry PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to examine key factors which complement technical elements of engineering, understanding of which is regarded essential in todays industrial environment. Analysis of the key areas of quality, standards sustainability, project management and ethics form strong themes throughout the module.
Year 2 7 modules
- Engineering DesignCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The module is about the creation and development of an economically viable product that meets defined requirements. The module involves significant intellectual challenges as it requires you to integrate and augment your engineering knowledge and apply it to the solution of design problems.
- Analogue and Digital ElectronicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces electronic devices, circuits and circuit theory which form the building blocks of a practical electronic system. In understanding the limitations and performances of such devices and techniques students will appreciate how a system may be degraded or enhanced by their selection and application.
- Advanced Mechanical PrinciplesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module enables students to build on the basic Mechanical Principles studied in the first year. This module will also give students a broader perception of the theory behind engineering practice. Students will experience practical applications in the laboratory environment and be involved in the use of computer aided processes.
- Manufacturing and Manufacturing Systems TechnologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides underpinning knowledge of conventional techniques and processes required for the manufacturing products. It further covers manufacturing systems. It enables students to synthesize known factors in existing product manufacture at a level that will enable them to suggest or recommend changes for improvement through advanced and computer-based techniques.
- Innovation and Management for EngineersCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to consider factors which assist in the development and management of engineering activities. It has a strong industry focus key themes are the innovation process, considering where inspiration is gained, sustainability, legal considerations and management techniques relating to projects and research and development.
- Engineering ProjectOptional20 credits
Module details
This module provides the opportunity for the student to undertake a major problem-solving exercise or an in-depth study of a particular topic of interest and permits the integration of the main areas of study in the programme. This module could form the assessment for any University-approved industrial placement opportunity.
- Work-Based Case StudyOptional20 credits
Module details
This module gives students opportunity to consolidate their learning and produce a report and logbook on a particular piece of work that they have been involved with in their workplace. They will identify a suitable case study topic, which will be industrial and based on working practice or work-placement activities.
Year 3 4 modules
- Computer Simulation and ModellingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Computer simulation modelling techniques offer savings in time and money in many company activities and are a valuable aid to management decision making. This module introduces students to computer modelling techniques and software and gives them the opportunity to practice the technique in the solution of problems.
- Lean Manufacturing and Quality ApplicationsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module has four key themes, which are vital in supporting technological industries. Focusing on the application of Quality Principles, Manufacturing improvement techniques, project management and personal performance and leadership. Many of the topics are discussed and evaluated using relevant industrial scenarios, applying knowledge gained to solve problems.
- Advanced Electro-Mechanical System DesignCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module teaches the design of electromechanical systems which integrate mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. Laboratories form the core of the module. These cover topics such as transducers, signal conditioning, filters, closed loop control, digital logic, embedded systems and PLCs. Labs involve Arduino and PLC software such as Codesys.
- Machines and MechanismsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides students with instruction in the fundamentals of theory of machines. The theory of machines and mechanisms provides the foundation for the study of displacements, velocities, accelerations, and static and dynamic forces required for the proper design of mechanical linkages, cams, and geared systems.
Foundation Year 3 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Foundations in TechnologyCompulsory40 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This Foundation Year programme prepares you for engineering study before progressing to the main BSc. You'll usually start with core engineering fundamentals: mathematics including calculus and linear algebra; mechanics and materials science covering statics, dynamics and material behaviour; and design and practical skills such as CAD and workshop practice. In the second year, you'll move into discipline-specific streams, such as thermodynamics and fluids, or circuits and systems, alongside engineering analysis, computing and simulation. You'll also undertake a team-based design project assessed against real-world specifications. By year three, you'll choose specialist options such as mechanical, electrical and electronic, civil and structural, robotics and mechatronics, or energy and sustainability. You'll complete professional engineering practice covering safety, ethics and sustainability, culminating in a substantial individual project that forms the centrepiece of your degree.
Who it's for
You're analytically minded and curious about how things work, from infrastructure to renewable energy systems. This course suits you if you want time to build your technical confidence before diving into specialised engineering topics. You'll thrive if you're willing to work through complex problems methodically and apply what you've learned to real-world scenarios. The foundation year makes space for those whose previous education didn't follow a traditional A-level pathway, or who want a gentler entry into degree-level study.
Careers & job market
Across engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Eight in ten working graduates move into highly skilled roles or continue their studies. Starting salaries typically fall between £29,000 and £35,000; after five years, graduates earn £33,150 to £46,800. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and the Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset, not university-specific guarantees. The field remains substantially active in the UK labour market.
University & format
The University of Northampton is a university based at Waterside Campus in Northampton. This is a 4-year full-time BSc (Hons) degree taught in English, leading to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree award. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Optional industrial placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 60% |
| another higher-education qualification | 35% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £32,500 | £29,000 – £38,000 | 1075 |
| 3 years after | £35,000 | £30,500 – £43,000 | 55 |
| 5 years after | £42,500 | £36,000 – £52,500 | 50 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 1,075. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 1,075. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Business and Financial Project Management ProfessionalsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Engineering (with Foundation Year) worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, BSc (Hons) Engineering (with Foundation Year) is worth about +£145,840 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 11.6. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.1 out of 10: NSS 68.7% · in work or study 100% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Northampton’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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