Chemistry Engineering
The Chemical & Engineering Foundation Year is a free, one-year intensive academic programme designed for UK students who are passionate about studying Chemistry, Engineering Science, or Materials Science but may have faced personal or educational barriers that make it difficult to achieve the standard entry grades required for Oxford.
This course acts as a stepping stone between school and Oxford’s academically demanding undergraduate programmes. It aims to give students the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed at university level.
Course overview
- UCAS code: See course options
- Entrance requirements: AAB
- Course duration: 5 years (MChem or MEng)
Application deadline
29 January 2025
Subject requirements
- Required subjects: A in your most relevant science subject(s) (see Admissions requirements tab)
- Recommended subjects: Not applicable
- Helpful subjects: Not applicable
Interviews
March 2025
Admissions statistics
- Places for Astrophoria Foundation Year: Up to 50
- Places for Science Foundation: Up to 12
A Typical Week
During the Foundation Year, students experience a balanced mix of lectures, tutorials, classes, laboratory work, and independent study. The aim is to give you the right combination of guided teaching and self-directed learning, preparing you for the style of study expected at Oxford undergraduate level.
Academic Workload
- Each week, students attend around five hours of lectures and classes per unit. Since most students follow two or three units per week, you will usually spend 10–15 hours in formal teaching sessions.
- Alongside this, you will take part in regular meetings with tutors, giving you the chance to discuss assignments, ask questions, and receive individual feedback.
- Independent study forms a significant part of your week. You will be expected to carry out independent research, reading, and written work, applying what you learn in classes and tutorials.
- Laboratory sessions allow you to develop hands-on practical skills, applying theory to experiments and real-world challenges.
Balance of Study
Your time is divided between:
- CEMS subject-specific modules – directly linked to your future undergraduate degree pathway.
- Preparation for Undergraduate Studies modules – focusing on academic writing, communication, and broader personal development.
In your final term, you will also complete a written project on a subject-related topic of your choice. This project is an opportunity to explore your personal academic interests in depth while developing independent study and research skills.
Course Structure
The Astrophoria Foundation Year is carefully designed to provide students with both subject-specific knowledge and the academic skills required to succeed at undergraduate level. Teaching is divided into three terms, with courses tailored to your chosen degree pathway – Chemistry, Engineering Science, or Materials Science – alongside shared modules in Preparation for Undergraduate Studies.
Year 1
Subject-specific modules (depending on degree pathway):
- Chemistry: Introduction for Practical-Based Science: Measurement and Error Analysis, Maths for Physical Sciences 1, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry 1
- Engineering Science: Introduction for Practical-Based Science: Measurement and Error Analysis, Maths for Physical Sciences 1, Physics (Mechanics and Optics), Physics (Mechanics in Rotation)
- Materials Science: Introduction for 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 (covering General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
Assessment: Written examinations
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 with General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
Assessment: Written examinations
Year 3
For all students:
- Subject-Specific Problem-Solving
- Mini Project
- Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (final stage, including General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
Assessment:
- Written examinations
- Mini Project:
- A 10,000-word written project with supporting illustrations
- An oral presentation of the project findings
This structure ensures that students build a strong foundation in core subject knowledge, while also developing transferable skills such as academic writing, research, critical thinking, and communication. By the end of the Foundation Year, students are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to progress confidently into their chosen Oxford undergraduate degree.
Academic Requirements
To be considered for the Chemical & Engineering Foundation Year, applicants need to meet certain academic standards. These requirements vary depending on the qualification you are studying. The details are as follows:
Accepted Qualifications and Typical Requirements
- A-levels: AAB in your final grades.
- Scottish Advanced Highers: 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 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 achieved at Merit level, and grade A in any accompanying A-levels.
- Other equivalent qualifications: The University also accepts a range of UK and international qualifications. Further details can be found on the Oxford admissions website.
Subject Requirements
The subjects you need to have studied before applying depend on the Chemical & Engineering Foundation Year undergraduate degree course you wish to progress to after the Foundation Year. Each pathway has specific essential requirements:
- Chemistry
- You 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 study an additional science subject (such as Physics or Biology) or Further Mathematics, as these will strengthen your preparation for the degree.
- Engineering
- You must have studied Physics and Mathematics at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or equivalent.
- These subjects are essential for developing the problem-solving and analytical skills needed in engineering.
- Materials Science
- You must have studied Physics and Mathematics at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or equivalent.
- In addition, you must have studied Chemistry at GCSE level (or equivalent).
- Having Chemistry at A-level is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended, as it provides a strong foundation for Materials Science.
Applying to the Foundation Year
All applicants for the Foundation Year must apply through UCAS. Please note that the application deadline for the Foundation Year is January 2025, which is different 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 Oxford but who have faced socio-economic or educational disadvantage that may have 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 supporting 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 explained below.
Applicants will be required to provide evidence of eligibility during the application process. This is done through the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ), which will be available on the Foundation Year webpages, along with a full guide to help students complete 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:
- Be educated at a UK state school (non-selective and state-funded) for their compulsory education (usually ages 11–18).
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK (Home fees status).
- Meet either the requirements in Categories 1, 2, and 3 combined, or meet the requirement of Category 4.
Category 1: Socio-Economic Indicators
You must meet at least one of these:
- Your home postcode is in POLAR4 Quintile 1 (areas with the lowest rates of progression to higher education).
- Your home postcode is in ACORN Category 4, 5, or 6 (indicating higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage).
- You have been eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any time in the last six years (also called Ever 6 FSM).
Category 2: School/College Characteristics
You must have attended:
- Non-selective, state-funded UK secondary schools or colleges for your compulsory education (normally ages 11–18).
Category 3: Individual Experience
You 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).
- Refugee status or humanitarian protection.
- Experienced being a child in need or under a child protection plan.
- Had long-term caring responsibilities for a family member.
- Pregnant or became a parent while in education.
- Experienced serious medical or health issues leading to absences of more than six months.
- From a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman, or Boater background.
- Child of a military family.
- A service leaver or veteran.
- From a household with income below £25,000.
- Experienced the bereavement of a close family member during secondary education.
- 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)
If you meet this criterion, you are automatically eligible:
- You have spent any amount of time in local authority care while attending UK state schools.
Students with care experience do not need to meet Categories 1–3. However, they may still provide details from these categories to give Oxford a full understanding of their educational background.
Further Details
- For 2024 entry, full details of eligibility and verification can be found 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 biggest advantages of the Astrophoria Foundation Year is that it is completely free of charge for students. This means:
- You do not have to pay any course fees.
- The University of Oxford covers all tuition fees.
- Your accommodation costs are also paid for by the University.
In addition to this, every student admitted to the Foundation Year receives a bursary to help with living expenses such as food, travel within Oxford, or study materials. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from taking part in the programme.
Student Finance
Because all tuition, accommodation, and living costs are already covered, students on the Foundation Year are generally not expected to take out student finance during this year.
However, there are a few special circumstances to be aware of:
- Some students may be advised to apply for a student loan of £0 during their Foundation Year. While this might sound unusual, it allows them to access certain types of financial support such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
- Applying for a loan of £0 does not mean you take on debt. Instead, it provides a way to secure DSA funding and ensures that students who need extra support (for example, equipment, software, or mentoring for a disability or health condition) can receive it.
- This process also means that students who qualify for DSA do not need to reapply for it again in their first undergraduate year.
If you are accepted onto the programme and may be eligible for the DSA, the Foundation Year Team will contact you directly to guide you through the process and discuss the best options for you.
Fees and Funding for the Undergraduate Course
After successfully completing the Foundation Year, you will have the opportunity to progress to an undergraduate degree at Oxford. At this stage, the financial arrangements change:
- You will be responsible for paying the usual undergraduate course fees.
- You will also need to cover your living costs while studying at Oxford.
For most students, these costs are managed by taking out student loans provided by the UK government. These loans cover both tuition fees and living expenses, and repayment only begins after graduation once your income reaches a certain level.
To find more details about specific undergraduate course fees and the support available, students are encouraged to visit:
- The undergraduate course pages (for course-specific fee information).
- The University’s fees and funding webpages (for general guidance and updates).
Contextual Information
When considering Oxford, it is important to remember that statistics about undergraduate life—such as those provided by Discover Uni—only tell part of the story. Numbers can reflect aspects like graduate outcomes or student satisfaction, but they cannot fully capture the depth, richness, and unique style of an Oxford education. Two key elements that define the Oxford experience are the tutorial system and college life.
College Life
Equally central to the Oxford experience is the college system. Every student at Oxford belongs to both:
- Their college or hall, which is their small academic and social community.
- Their subject department(s) and the wider University.
This dual membership means that while you are part of a world-renowned institution, you also belong to a close-knit, supportive college community that feels more like a home.
Each college has its own distinctive traditions and character, but they all share a set of essential facilities to support student life, such as:
- A porters’ lodge (staffed entrance and reception area).
- 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), which is a hub for socialising.
For students in the Astrophoria Foundation Year and first-year undergraduates, accommodation in college or in a nearby annexe is guaranteed. This means you do not need to worry about arranging housing before arriving at Oxford. You will live alongside other freshers who are also new to university life, which helps to build friendships and community from the very start.
Most colleges also offer accommodation beyond the first year—sometimes for the whole duration of your degree. Alternatively, after your first year, you may choose to rent privately with friends from other colleges.
Beyond academics, your college is a place of guidance and support. While your college tutors primarily help with your academic development, they can also give advice on other matters. In addition, welfare officers and college staff are available to support students with practical concerns, health issues, or general wellbeing. Current students also play an active role, often supporting new arrivals as part of a college “family” system or acting as trained peer supporters.
For the Astrophoria Foundation Year, students are allocated to a college automatically—there is no need to apply to a specific one. This ensures that every student immediately has a welcoming community to belong to.