Chemistry Engineering
The Chemical & Engineering Foundation Year is an intensive, one-year academic programme offered free to UK students. It is tailored for those interested in Chemistry, Engineering Science, or Materials Science who may have faced personal or educational obstacles that made meeting Oxford’s standard entry requirements challenging.
Serving as a bridge between school and Oxford’s demanding undergraduate courses, this foundation year equips students with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to excel at university level.
Chemical & Engineering Foundation Year - Oxford University
Course Overview
| UCAS Code | See course options |
|---|---|
| Entrance Requirements | AAB |
| Course Duration | 5 years (MChem or MEng) |
Application Deadlines
| Deadline | 14 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Interviews | March 2026 |
Subject Requirements
| Required Subjects | A in your most relevant science subject(s) (see Admissions requirements tab) |
|---|---|
| Recommended Subjects | Not applicable |
| Helpful Subjects | Not applicable |
Admissions Statistics
| Foundation Year Type | Available Places |
|---|---|
| Astrophoria Foundation Year | Up to 50 |
| Science Foundation | Up to 12 |
A Typical Week
During the Foundation Year, students engage in a carefully structured combination of lectures, tutorials, practical classes, laboratory sessions, and independent study. This approach provides a balanced mix of guided instruction and self-directed learning, equipping students with the skills and study habits needed to succeed in the rigorous academic environment of Oxford undergraduate programmes.
Academic Workload
Each week, students participate in approximately five hours of lectures and classes per unit. Most students undertake two or three units weekly, resulting in around 10–15 hours of structured teaching.
In addition to formal classes, students meet regularly with tutors to discuss assignments, ask questions, and receive personalized feedback, ensuring a supportive and interactive learning experience.
Independent study is a key component of the programme. Students are expected to engage in research, reading, and written work outside of class, applying the knowledge and skills gained in lectures and tutorials.
Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience, enabling students to translate theoretical concepts into practical experiments and explore real-world applications within Chemistry, Engineering Science, and Materials Science.
Balance of Study
During the Foundation Year, your time is divided between subject-specific CEMS modules, which are directly aligned with your intended undergraduate degree pathway, and Preparation for Undergraduate Studies modules that focus on developing essential academic skills such as writing, communication, and broader personal development. These modules work together to ensure you are fully prepared for the expectations of Oxford-level study. In the final term, you will undertake a written project on a topic of your choice related to your field of study. This project allows you to explore your personal academic interests in depth while honing independent research, critical thinking, and self-directed study skills, providing a strong foundation for success in your future undergraduate programme.
Course Structure
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is carefully structured to equip students with both subject-specific knowledge and the essential academic skills needed to thrive at undergraduate level. Teaching is organised across three terms, with courses designed to match your chosen degree pathway – Chemistry, Engineering Science, or Materials Science – while also including shared modules in Preparation for Undergraduate Studies. These modules focus on developing critical skills such as academic writing, research techniques, communication, and independent study, ensuring that students are fully prepared for the demands of university-level education.
Year 1
Subject-specific modules (depending on degree pathway):
Chemistry: Introduction to Practical-Based Science: Measurement and Error Analysis, Maths for Physical Sciences 1, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 1
Engineering Science: Introduction to Practical-Based Science: Measurement and Error Analysis, Maths for Physical Sciences 1, Physics (Mechanics and Optics), Physics (Mechanics in Rotation)
Materials Science: Introduction to Practical-Based Science: Measurement and Error Analysis, Maths for Physical Sciences 1, Physics (Mechanics and Optics), Physical Chemistry 1
For all students:
Preparation for Undergraduate Studies – focusing on General Academic Skills, Effective Communication, and Society and Culture, giving students a strong foundation in the academic and personal skills essential for university success.
Assessment: Written examinations – knowledge and understanding are evaluated through formal written tests, ensuring students are fully prepared for further undergraduate study.
Year 2
Subject-specific modules (depending on degree pathway):
Chemistry: Maths for Physical Sciences 2, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 2
Engineering Science: Maths for Physical Sciences 2, Physics (Magnetism, Electricity with DC Circuits and Waves), Physics (Electricity with AC Circuits and Thermodynamics)
Materials Science: Maths for Physical Sciences 2, Physics (Magnetism, Electricity with DC Circuits and Waves), Physical Chemistry 2
For all students:
Preparation for Undergraduate Studies – continuing to develop General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, and Society and Culture, ensuring students strengthen both academic and personal skills essential for success at university.
Assessment: Written examinations – students’ knowledge and application are assessed through formal written tests, preparing them for future undergraduate evaluation.
Year 3
For all students:
Subject-Specific Problem-Solving
Mini Project
Preparation for Undergraduate Studies – final stage, covering General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, and Society and Culture
Assessment:
Written examinations
Mini Project:
A comprehensive 10,000-word written project supported by illustrations
An oral presentation showcasing the project findings
This programme structure ensures that students develop a solid foundation in their chosen subject while also building essential transferable skills, including academic writing, research, critical thinking, and communication. By the end of the Foundation Year, students are fully prepared with the knowledge, skills, and experience required to transition confidently into their selected Oxford undergraduate degree.
Academic Requirements
Applicants wishing to join the Chemical & Engineering Foundation Year must meet specific academic requirements, which differ depending on the type of qualification they are pursuing. The detailed criteria are outlined below:
Accepted Qualifications and Typical Requirements
A-levels: Achieve AAB in your final grades.
Scottish Advanced Highers: Obtain BB or BBC, depending on the combination of subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB): A total of 37 points (including core points) with 665 at Higher Level. At least one Higher Level subject must be directly relevant to your chosen undergraduate course, with a minimum grade of 6.
BTECs:
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus a grade A at A-level
BTEC Level 3 National Subsidiary Diploma: D plus grades AB at A-level
Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma: Completion of the diploma with all Level 3 credits at Merit level, along with grade A in any accompanying A-levels.
Other equivalent qualifications: The University accepts a range of UK and international qualifications. For full details, applicants should consult the Oxford admissions website.
Subject Requirements
The subjects you need to have studied before applying depend on the specific Chemical & Engineering Foundation Year undergraduate pathway you plan to follow. Each pathway has its own essential requirements:
Chemistry: Applicants must have studied Chemistry and Mathematics at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or an equivalent qualification. It is also recommended to take an additional science subject, such as Physics or Biology, or Further Mathematics, to strengthen preparation for the degree.
Engineering: Applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or an equivalent qualification. These subjects are essential for developing the analytical and problem-solving skills required for engineering.
Materials Science: Applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or equivalent. In addition, Chemistry at GCSE (or equivalent) is required. While Chemistry at A-level is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended, as it provides a solid foundation for Materials Science studies.
Applying to the Foundation Year
All applicants to the Foundation Year are required to submit their applications through UCAS. Please note that the application deadline for the Foundation Year is January 2025, which differs from the earlier October 2024 deadline used for standard Oxford undergraduate courses.
Admissions Process – Step by Step
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| Now | Check that you are on track to meet the required academic entry grades. |
| September 2024 | Confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Foundation Year. |
| January 2025 | Submit your UCAS application. Make sure to apply for your chosen degree with a Foundation Year (e.g., Materials Science with Foundation Year). |
| February 2025 | Complete and submit the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ). |
| March 2025 | Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. |
| April 2025 | Admissions decisions will be made, and offers will be sent to candidates. |
| May 2025 | Candidates must respond to their offers by the deadline. |
✅ This makes the subject expectations clear and also breaks down the application process in a student-friendly timeline.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
The Astrophoria Foundation Year at Oxford is designed for students who have the academic potential to succeed at the university but may have faced socio-economic or educational disadvantages that affected their grades or opportunities.
Offers for the programme are based on academic suitability as well as meeting specific eligibility criteria. The course aims to help close the educational attainment gap by providing support to students who have experienced barriers in their education.
Currently, the programme is open to:
UK state school students who are ordinarily resident in the UK and have Home fee status.
Students must also meet the academic entry requirements and eligibility conditions outlined below.
Applicants will need to provide evidence of eligibility during the application process. This is completed through the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ), which is available on the Foundation Year webpages, accompanied by a detailed guide to assist students in completing it.
Important Note
The eligibility criteria are under review. Any updates or changes will be confirmed on the Foundation Year webpage before applications open in September 2024.
Checking Your Eligibility
Applicants should:
Have been educated at a UK state school (non-selective and state-funded) for their compulsory education, typically between ages 11 and 18.
Be ordinarily resident in the UK and have Home fee status.
Fulfil either the combined requirements of Categories 1, 2, and 3, or meet the criteria specified in Category 4.
Category 1: Socio-Economic Indicators
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Their home postcode falls within POLAR4 Quintile 1, representing areas with the lowest rates of progression to higher education.
Their home postcode is classified in ACORN Category 4, 5, or 6, indicating higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage.
They have been eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years (also referred to as Ever 6 FSM).
Category 2: School/College Characteristics
Applicants must have attended non-selective, state-funded UK secondary schools or colleges for their compulsory education, typically between the ages of 11 and 18.
Category 3: Individual Experience
Applicants must meet at least one of the following indicators of individual disadvantage or disrupted education:
Eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years (Ever 6 FSM).
Hold refugee status or have humanitarian protection.
Have been a child in need or under a child protection plan.
Undertaken long-term caring responsibilities for a family member.
Pregnant or became a parent while in education.
Experienced serious medical or health issues causing absences of more than six months.
Belong to a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman, or Boater background.
Be a child of a military family.
Be a service leaver or veteran.
Come from a household with income below £25,000.
Experienced the bereavement of a close family member during secondary education.
Be estranged from family.
Became homeless while in education.
Had to take over one year out of secondary or college education.
Received a late diagnosis of Special Educational Needs (SEN) within the past two years.
Category 4: Care Experience (Automatic Eligibility)
Applicants who meet the following criterion are automatically eligible:
They have spent any period of time in local authority care while attending UK state schools.
Students with care experience are not required to satisfy Categories 1–3, although they may still provide information from these categories to give Oxford a complete understanding of their educational background.
Further Details
For 2024 entry, complete details of eligibility and verification are available in the 2024 Eligibility Guide for Applicants.
For 2025 entry, the updated guide will be published once the review is complete and before applications open in September 2024.
Fees and Funding
One of the key benefits of the Astrophoria Foundation Year is that it is completely free of charge for students. This means:
No course fees are required.
The University of Oxford covers all tuition costs.
Accommodation expenses are also paid for by the University.
In addition, every student admitted to the Foundation Year receives a bursary to support living costs such as food, local travel within Oxford, and study materials. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from participating in the programme.
Student Finance
Since the Foundation Year covers all tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, students typically do not need to apply for student finance during this programme.
However, certain situations may require special arrangements:
Some students might be advised to submit a student loan application for £0. Although it sounds unusual, this allows them to access specific support, including the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Applying for a £0 loan does not create any debt. Instead, it ensures that students who need additional support—such as specialized equipment, software, or mentoring for a disability or health condition—can receive the necessary funding.
This approach also means that students approved for DSA do not need to reapply during their first undergraduate year, providing continuity in support.
Students who may be eligible for DSA will receive direct guidance from the Foundation Year Team, who will help them navigate the application process and advise on the best options to meet their needs.
Fees and Funding for the Undergraduate Course
Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students become eligible to advance to a full undergraduate degree at Oxford University. At this stage, financial responsibilities transition:
Students are expected to cover the standard undergraduate tuition fees.
They will also be responsible for living and personal expenses while studying at Oxford.
For the majority of students, these costs are managed through UK government student loans, which provide support for both tuition and living expenses. Repayment is deferred until after graduation and only begins once the graduate’s income surpasses a defined threshold, allowing students to focus on their academic development without immediate financial concern.
For comprehensive details regarding undergraduate course fees and financial assistance, students are advised to consult:
Undergraduate course webpages, which provide course-specific fee information.
The University’s fees and funding webpages, offering broader guidance and up-to-date information on support options.
Contextual Information
When exploring Oxford, it is important to recognize that statistics about undergraduate life—such as those available through Discover Uni—only offer a partial view. While these figures can provide insights into graduate outcomes or student satisfaction, they cannot fully convey the depth, richness, and distinctive character of an Oxford education. Two defining elements of the Oxford experience are the tutorial system and college life, which together shape the academic and social journey of every student.
College Life
The college system is equally central to the Oxford experience. Every student is a member of both:
Their college or hall, serving as a close academic and social community.
Their subject department(s) and the broader University.
This dual membership allows students to benefit from being part of a world-renowned institution while also enjoying the support and intimacy of a tight-knit college environment.
Each college has its own distinctive traditions and character, yet all provide essential facilities to support student life, including:
A porters’ lodge (staffed entrance and reception)
A dining hall for daily meals
A lending library, often open 24/7 during term
Comfortable student accommodation
Dedicated tutors’ teaching rooms
A chapel and/or music rooms for reflection and creativity
Laundry facilities
Green spaces for relaxation
A common room (JCR), serving as a hub for socialising
For students in the Astrophoria Foundation Year and first-year undergraduates, college or nearby annexe accommodation is guaranteed. This ensures students can live alongside fellow freshers, fostering friendships and community from the very beginning.
Many colleges offer accommodation beyond the first year, sometimes for the full duration of a degree. Alternatively, students may choose private housing with friends from other colleges after their first year.
Colleges also provide guidance and support beyond academics. Tutors primarily focus on academic development, but welfare officers and college staff assist with practical matters, health concerns, and overall wellbeing. Current students often contribute as part of a college “family” system or as trained peer supporters, helping new arrivals settle in.
For the Astrophoria Foundation Year, students are automatically allocated to a college, removing the need to apply to a specific one and ensuring every student has a welcoming community from day one.