Southampton Solent University
Mechanical Engineering with Science and Engineering Foundation Year BEng (Hons)
Southampton Solent University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 35 graduates of Mechanical Engineering with Science and Engineering Foundation Year BEng (Hons) and other courses in Engineering at Southampton Solent University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Engineering.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Engineering

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Engineering at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25000 £26000 £30500
25-75 percentile range £24000 - £30000 £19000 - £32000 £22000 - £40500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Engineering

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £29750 £31542 £37045
25-75 percentile range £25540 - £33016 £25315 - £38559 £29562 - £45197

Course Description

Not got the UCAS points required to start an undergraduate engineering degree? Returning to education or changing your career? This one-year course is the ideal way to prepare for degree study, with successful completion granting direct access to undergraduate engineering, manufacture, yacht design or electronics courses.

By the time you start your course you will have acquired an essential portfolio of academic and subject specific skills, giving you the very best chance of achieving a high-level degree.

Modules of study include a group technology project; an exploration of information and analysis; a theoretical and applied look at concepts and processes within technology; and a project relating directly to your chosen degree path. The degree related project is undertaken with the support of academics who will be teaching on the degree programme you have chosen. This ensures that the skills and knowledge which you develop during the foundation year will be directly applicable to your degree studies.

Throughout your time at foundation level you will benefit from a supportive and student focused approach to learning. The course team have significant experience of working with students from a diverse range of academic and professional backgrounds. Foundation courses are taught in relatively small groups with a focus on individual development and 'learning by doing'. This teaching style develops through the year, gently putting the emphasis on the learner in preparation for further study at degree level.

Collaborative working is another key element of the course. From the start of the year you’ll work on both individual and group work, helping you to meet fellow students and develop group working skills. These are essential in the science and engineering industries, where cross-discipline working and teamwork are vital parts of delivering successful projects.

If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years.

A programme of study specifically designed to help students with unconventional qualifications to access degree programmes.

What does this course lead to?

This Foundation Year offers the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge you need to begin on one of our degree programmes. These can lead to challenging careers in the STEM industries, where graduate salaries and employment prospects are good and the work undertaken is critical to the economy.

Who is this course for?

This course is intended for students without the UCAS points for direct entry. This could be mature students returning to education, younger students without the required qualifications, or students looking to change career path after completing further education qualifications.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Mechanical Engineering with Science and Engineering Foundation Year BEng (Hons) at Southampton Solent University

30% Teaching and Childcare Associate Professionals
20% Customer service occupations
10% Sales occupations
10% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Animal care and control services
10% Managers, directors and senior officials
10% Welfare and housing associate professionals

Students experience a wide variety of assessment methods in preparation for their parent degrees. Coursework projects make up the majority of the final grade (83%). Practical exams will also take place (17%). There are no formal written examinations.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

with a minimum of 55 in each of the four components

For information about applying to Solent as an International applicant, please visit https://www.solent.ac.uk/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/help-for-international-students

Solent University offers a number of bursaries, grants and scholarships. For more information, please visit https://www.solent.ac.uk/finance/grants-bursaries-scholarships/bursaries
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Mechanical Engineering with Science and Engineering Foundation Year, BEng (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Mechanical Engineering with Science and Engineering Foundation Year BEng (Hons)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
EU £13020 year 1
International £13020 year 1
EU £14000 year 1
International £14000 year 1

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of Southampton Solent University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Southampton Solent University in related subject specific rankings.

Engineering

    • #49 
    • #63 
    Mechanical Engineering
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]

See all 11 university rankings of Southampton Solent University

About Southampton Solent University

Solent University was established in 1855 in the City Centre of Southampton, South East England. This institution started out as a private Art school in 1856 and has since evolved into one of the most important HEIs in Southampton. Being so centrally located, students are within walking distance of most amenities in the city. Even so, the university provides more than sufficient facilities for students to find anything they need on-site. The Solent campus has a particularly active Student Union office, a great Student Hub for career or even personal advice, as well as a variety of popular restaurants.

List of 203 Bachelor and Master Courses from Southampton Solent University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Southampton Solent University

undergraduates:
8110
postgraduates:
625
Total:
8735
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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