Overview:
The Astrophoria Foundation Year offers a unique opportunity for UK students interested in fields like Materials Science, Chemistry, or Engineering Science. These students may not meet the typical Oxford course entry requirements.
This free, intensive one-year academic programme aims to bridge the gap between school and Oxford’s demanding undergraduate courses. It focuses on enhancing study skills and subject knowledge, as well as academic confidence. Finally, successful programme completion earns students a nationally recognised Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) qualification.
Furthermore, upon passing the Foundation Year at the required level, students gain automatic admission to Oxford as undergraduates. The Foundation Year’s curriculum is tailored to subjects like Chemistry, Engineering, and Materials Science. It also emphasises fundamental concepts applicable to real-world problem-solving.
Moreover, in addition to subject-specific modules, students engage in essential math courses and undertake an independent mini-project. The programme also includes a Preparation for Undergraduate Studies course. Society and culture courses and academic mentoring help students develop core academic skills. These include academic writing, communication, as well as broader personal development.
This foundation year also acts as a vital stepping stone for those aspiring to excel in challenging academic fields at prestigious institutions like Oxford.
| UCAS Code | See course options |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – AAB Advanced Highers – BB/BBC IB – 37 (including core points) with 665 at Higher Level, with at least a 6 at Higher Level in the most relevant subject(s) to chosen course. BTECs: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus A at A level. BTEC Level 3 National Subsidiary Diploma: D plus AB at A level. Access to HE Diploma: Completion of Access to HE Diploma with all the level 3 credits taken at Merit, and A grades in any A levels taken. |
| Application Deadline | 31 January 2024 |
| Interviews for Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science at Oxford | March 2024 |
| Subject Requirements | As in your most relevant science subject/s, i.e., Chemistry, Engineering, and Material Sciences. |
| Admission Steps for Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science at Oxford | Now: Check you are on track to meet the academic entry requirements above September 2023: Check if you are eligible to apply Jan 2024: Submit your UCAS application. Apply for your chosen degree course with a foundation year (e.g.Material Science with Foundation Year) February 2024: Submit the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ) March 2024: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview April 2024: Offers sent to candidates May 2024: Respond to offers |
| Duration | 5 years (MChem or MEng) |
| Admissions Statistics | Places for Astrophoria Foundation Year: Up to 50 Places for Science Foundation: Up to 12 |
| What is Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science at Oxford? | The Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering, and Materials Science at Oxford is a one-year programme for UK students. It bridges educational gaps, enhances study skills, and builds subject knowledge. Finally, successful completion leads to a Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) qualification and automatic admission to Oxford’s undergraduate programmes. The course also equips students with foundational concepts, problem-solving skills, and academic abilities while also offering preparation for success at the university level. |
| Oxford Colleges that offer Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science | Exeter College Jesus College Keble College Lady Margaret Hall Mansfield College St Anne’s College St Hugh’s College Trinity College Wadham College |
| Structure of the course | Term 1 & 2: Courses depend on the degree chosen with an option to learn a language. There is also a written examination Term 3: Two courses are taken: Subject specific problem-solving and a Mini project Examination: Written papers Coursework: Mini project – Written project of 15-20 pages – Presentation on the project |
