Mathematics, Physics, and Electrical Engineering Foundation Year

How will I learn on this Foundation Year course?

From the initial induction, you will be introduced to the modules, learning strategies and the formal teaching and assessment of the foundation year programme. With staff guidance, you will develop practical and computer skills within the individual subjects by use of laboratory work.

The five core modules cover core aspects of mathematics and physics, which lie at the foundation of all STEM disciplines, including algebra and linear algebra, calculus, statistics, statics and dynamics, waves and particles, materials, computer skills and problem solving. The Mathematics pathway module will cover modelling skills, where you will start learning how to use mathematics to model real-world phenomena and dynamics, as well as to make model- and data-based predictions. The Physics and Electrical Engineering pathway module will cover basic principles of electricity and electromagnetism.

Teaching is delivered through a mixture of live lectures, seminars and applied practical laboratory work which will support your curiosity and exploration of the different areas of the programme. You will be assessed by various methods including assignments, examinations, scientific reports, presentations and group work that will be completed throughout both semesters.

Who will teach me during my course?

This foundation year course is taught by a specialist team of academics with extensive knowledge of mathematics, physics and electrical engineering. Our teaching team are research-active and regularly incorporate their findings into the course’s curriculum to ensure that all content is up-to-date and relevant to today’s industry. All our staff are approachable, enthusiastic, and committed to your learning experience, supporting you through every step of your course.

Throughout the duration of this course, you will have access to ongoing support through a dedicated personal tutor who will be on-hand to provide any guidance you may require, ensuring you leave confident and ready to progress to your subsequent undergraduate degree course. Each module will also have a designated Module Tutor who will guide you in your general learning in the subject area, discuss and share idea with you and the group, recommend learning resources and provide regular feedback on your assessments.

View all staff profiles.

Where will I learn during my degree?

Northumbria University has excellent facilities in its undergraduate physics and IT laboratories.

Throughout the duration of your course, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as our labs, recently refurbished through an HEFC STEM £7.2M investment, our University library, which has been recognised as third best in the UK, and our well-equipped working space, The Zone, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Technology enhanced learning is embedded throughout this course and materials such as module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists will be available via our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard.

You can also access student support and other key University systems through your personal account.

How is research applied to teaching throughout my degree?

All of the modules on this course are research informed and have been developed by our specialist academic team’s industrial experience, consultancy or personal research interests. This ensures that the knowledge and skills that you acquire will meet the needs for practical application in a real-world scenario.

Whilst studying, you will develop your own fundamental research skills and independent learning skills via specialised and research-informed modules.

Each module encourages research of existing and current technologies and explores the current developments taking place within the industry to further enhance your knowledge.

What can I move on to after my foundation course?

The Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering Foundation Year is specifically designed to lead into our undergraduate courses within the department. The content of the modules provides a blend of the characteristics of the degrees available for you to study.

The foundation year will allow you to develop fundamental knowledge and skills, such as problem solving, communication and IT tools that will transfer into your undergraduate degree and future career. In addition to the research and practical skills you will learn, you will also leave with enhanced data analysis, computer modelling and communication skills.

Employability and research experience is enhanced during the laboratory sessions, class assessments and exams, and you will be encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills learnt from lectures, seminars, laboratories and independent learning to solve problem-based questions.

The skills you will have acquired on the Foundation Year in Mathematics Physics and Electrical Engineering course will provide a strong foundation for your future studies and are immediately useful to future employers, both within the UK and overseas. Our academic staff’s industrial experience, consultancy or personal research interests feed into the course curriculum, allowing the knowledge and skills that you acquire to meet the needs for practical application in real-world scenarios.

Completion of your subsequent undergraduate degree will help to prepare you for future employment or the progression to further education or Master’s level courses.