Engineering (with a Foundation Year) BEng
BBB at A level; graduates earn a median £33,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
BBB
95% of entrants came with A levels · 85% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
BBBtypical A level offer; if you already have, or are currently studying a level maths you should apply for one of our degree programmes without a foundation year.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBC, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
Who actually got in: 95% with A levels. 2% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 65 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 21 credits at Distinction and 24 credits at Merit or higher | — |
| BTEC | DDMDDM We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus | — |
| IB | 31 points31 points. If you are studying Mathematics - Applications and Interpretation at Higher Level or Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches at Standard Level or Higher Level, please apply for one of our deg | — |
| T Level | Merit overall including grade B in the Core in the following T Level subjects: AMerit overall including grade B in the Core in the following T Level subjects: Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction; Di | B in the Core in the following T Level subjects: Accounting |
| Scottish Highers | BBBBB | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
6compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: engineering & manufacturing 50% · mathematics & statistics 17% · natural sciences 15% · digital & ict skills 6%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Mathematics
What you learn (6)
- explain why mathematics underpins engineering and physical science disciplines
- translate engineering problems into mathematical expressions
- select suitable mathematical techniques for a given problem
- perform algebraic manipulations to solve mathematical problems
- compute numerical solutions to mathematical problems
- present mathematical reasoning using standard notation
- Engineering Project 1
What you learn (12)
- evaluate technical literature for a wearable-device project
- analyse a requirements document and draft a tender response
- model a complex system using mechanical, electronic and programming techniques
- design a wearable device solution for clinical tremor monitoring
- apply a systems approach to a complex engineering design
- use workshop tools and test equipment to debug a design
- select materials and processes for production considering cost
- discuss the ethical and societal impact of an engineering design
- evaluate the role of quality management systems in a project
- describe team-working skills and evaluate own team performance
- communicate complex engineering matters to technical and non-technical audiences
- discuss data security measures for medical device projects
- Materials and Mechanics
What you learn (24)
- distinguish between vector and scalar quantities in mechanics
- describe core physical concepts of force, energy, work and power
- describe stress, strain and elasticity in mechanical systems
- describe categories of engineering materials such as metals and polymers
- describe causes of corrosion, wear and failure in engineering materials
- calculate force, stress and strain for a solid body under simple loading
- apply static mechanics principles to basic structural analysis problems
- apply Newtonian mechanics to analyse simple dynamic systems under force
- describe basic principles of oscillation and vibration in mechanical systems
- identify standards and regulations governing use of engineering materials
- explain safe and professional laboratory working practices
- apply good practice in experimental record keeping and measurement
- distinguish between vector and scalar quantities in mechanics
- describe core physical concepts of force, energy, work and power
- describe stress, strain and elasticity in mechanical systems
- describe categories of engineering materials such as metals and polymers
- explain causes of corrosion, wear and failure in engineering materials
- calculate force, stress and strain for a solid body under simple loading
- apply static mechanics principles to basic structural analysis problems
- apply Newtonian mechanics to analyse simple dynamic systems under force
- explain basic principles of oscillation and vibration in mechanical systems
- identify standards and regulations governing use of engineering materials
- explain safe and professional laboratory working practices
- apply good practice in experimental record keeping and measurement
- Programming and Digital Interfacing
What you learn (11)
- explain the fundamentals of imperative programming
- distinguish structured and object-oriented programming approaches
- describe core C/C++ syntax rules
- identify common C/C++ keywords and code structures
- convert numbers between binary and hexadecimal representations
- describe the basic functional blocks of a CPU
- describe memory organisation within a microcontroller
- describe signal input and output pathways in microcontrollers
- select an appropriate interface for a given embedded task
- summarise technical concepts clearly and accurately
- apply technical concepts creatively to design problem solutions
- Analogue Electronics
What you learn (14)
- follow safe working practices in an electronics laboratory
- maintain accurate logbooks and experimental records
- apply appropriate measurement techniques during experiments
- apply charge-current relationships to analyse electronic circuits
- apply electric and magnetic field theory to electronic circuit analysis
- explain how electron behaviour determines conductor properties
- explain how electron behaviour determines semiconductor properties
- design simple analogue circuits using passive and active components
- analyse simple analogue circuits containing operational amplifiers
- analyse circuit responses to sinewave inputs in the frequency domain
- analyse circuit responses to step inputs in the time domain
- describe the functioning of basic operational amplifier circuits
- build circuit building blocks for practical testing
- evaluate measured circuit performance against theoretical predictions
- Introduction to Engineering
What you learn (9)
- check dimensional consistency of an equation using units
- calculate forces acting on bodies within a system
- predict motion of bodies under uniform and variable forces
- apply young's modulus to analyse material behaviour under stress
- relate electron energy band diagrams to electrical properties of materials
- compare properties of different classes of materials
- calculate currents and voltages in a circuit using nodal analysis
- derive a minimum sum-of-products expression for a logic function
- determine confidence limits on experimental results using error analysis
Year 2 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Mathematics, Signals and Systems
What you learn (15)
- apply calculus techniques to solve two and three dimensional problems
- explain the consequences of sampling continuous signals
- describe the basic theory underlying the z-transform
- apply fourier series methods to analyse signals
- apply fourier transform methods to analyse signals
- apply theorems related to the fourier transform to solve problems
- evaluate total derivatives of multivariable functions
- evaluate multiple integrals over two or more variables
- apply variable substitution to reframe multidimensional problems
- apply the laplace transform to analyse linear time-invariant systems
- compare the laplace and fourier transforms in engineering contexts
- apply fourier transform techniques to characterise signal properties
- explain technical concepts clearly and precisely
- select appropriate mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems
- apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills to mathematical tasks
- Manufacturing and Fabrication
What you learn (9)
- analyse manufacturing processes to determine resulting product structural properties
- calculate material behaviour parameters relevant to manufacturing processes
- measure material behaviour during manufacturing operations
- compare characteristics of different machining operations
- compare characteristics of different fabrication operations
- select suitable manufacturing processes for specific part designs
- design components to ensure manufacturability using suitable techniques
- collaborate within a team to complete a design and manufacture project
- apply a range of manufacturing techniques within a project context
- Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics
What you learn (7)
- apply core physical concepts of thermodynamics
- apply thermodynamic laws to real-world engineering devices
- explain energy security issues relating to fuel sources
- examine basic physics concepts underlying fluid dynamics
- analyse dimensional analysis techniques in fluid mechanics
- apply fluid flow mechanics to spatially constrained systems
- assess fundamental concepts of flow around a body
- Engineering Project 2
What you learn (31)
- select relevant technical literature for a project
- critically evaluate technical sources for relevance and quality
- apply findings from literature to inform project work
- analyse a complex requirements document for a robotic system
- devise technical specifications for a maze-solving robot
- produce a tender response document for a product design
- apply mathematical and electronic principles to design a data-gathering system
- process and map sensor data for maze analysis
- apply systems thinking to design a complex hardware-software solution
- design innovative solutions that address stakeholder requirements
- design a robot to autonomously navigate and map a maze
- discuss limitations of engineering approaches in technical reports
- use workshop tools and test equipment to evaluate designs
- debug engineering designs using laboratory equipment
- select suitable materials and processes for manufacturing a design
- explain the societal impact of engineering product design
- plan a product business considering sustainability and lifecycle
- apply ethical, inclusive and risk management considerations to design
- describe the role of quality management systems in projects
- reflect on the effectiveness of quality management practices
- apply engineering management principles to project planning
- work effectively within an engineering project team
- describe skills required for effective team-working
- evaluate personal and team performance
- communicate complex engineering information to varied audiences
- discuss the effectiveness of communication in mentoring meetings
- maintain weekly records of self-learning and development
- reflect on personal and team skills in a final report
- discuss security measures for product safety and intellectual property
- discuss ethical issues arising in engineering project work
- evaluate the ethics of profit motive in commercial engineering
- Electrical Circuits and Systems
What you learn (17)
- analyse simple magnetic circuits
- calculate induced voltages and currents in magnetic circuits
- explain complex power and power factor
- solve for voltage and current in AC systems using the per-unit method
- describe the construction of synchronous and induction machines
- describe the operating principles of synchronous and induction machines
- draw equivalent circuits for transformers and rotating machines
- analyse equivalent circuits for transformers and rotating machines
- describe lumped and distributed representations of transmission lines
- identify limitations of transmission line circuit models
- derive a power system circuit description from equipment equivalent circuits
- perform simple fault calculations on power systems
- explain technical concepts clearly and accurately
- select appropriate mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems
- apply mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems
- plan and manage time during laboratory work
- apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills using mathematics
- Control, Sensors and Instrumentation
What you learn (16)
- apply laplace transforms to derive transfer functions for dynamic systems
- describe practical challenges of implementing control systems in real-world settings
- analyse transfer functions to determine system properties
- relate system properties to control objectives
- design simple control systems to meet specified objectives
- use matlab-based tools to analyse and design control systems
- apply compensators and pid controllers to meet control objectives
- describe the operating principles of various sensor types
- identify limitations of different sensor types
- explain the contribution of sensors to control system development
- explain advanced technical concepts clearly and accurately
- evaluate advanced technical concepts critically
- select appropriate mathematical techniques for advanced problems
- adapt mathematical methods to solve advanced engineering problems
- demonstrate problem-solving ability in engineering contexts
- apply critical analysis and mathematical reasoning to engineering tasks
Year 3 · 2 core, 13 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Principles of Microengineering
What you learn (7)
- apply core physical concepts of thermodynamics
- apply thermodynamic laws to real-world engineering devices
- explain energy security issues relating to fuel sources
- examine basic physics concepts underlying fluid dynamics
- analyse dimensional analysis techniques in fluid mechanics
- apply fluid flow mechanics to spatially constrained systems
- assess fundamental concepts of flow around a body
- Individual Final Project
What you learn (17)
- evaluate alternative approaches to engineering problems
- analyse specialised scientific literature
- select appropriate tools and techniques for a project
- research a specialised engineering topic
- design and construct an advanced engineering project
- verify the performance of an engineering project
- write a final project report
- deliver an oral presentation defending project work
- identify key engineering aspects relevant to problem solving
- define project specifications
- propose realistic project timescales
- complete project tasks independently
- collaborate with colleagues during project work
- defend project work in an oral examination
- produce technical reports with critical analysis of sourced information
- apply planning and time management skills to a project
- evaluate risks associated with a project
13 optional modules
- Renewable Power Generation
What you learn (9)
- analyse operating principles of large-scale power generation systems
- analyse operating principles of small-scale power generation systems
- evaluate benefits and drawbacks of different energy sources
- discuss emerging alternative energy technologies such as wave power
- identify potential energy harvesting opportunities in an engineering system
- investigate feasibility of energy harvesting solutions within a system
- state fundamental technical concepts clearly and accurately
- compare different renewable energy technologies
- organise and manage time effectively during laboratory work
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
What you learn (11)
- analyse how sensors convert physical quantities into measurable signals
- describe the operating principles of various sensor types
- identify limitations of different sensor technologies
- explain how sensors contribute to control system design
- analyse how application requirements determine sensor selection
- design a basic control system for a sensing application
- explain advanced technical concepts clearly and precisely
- evaluate advanced technical concepts for accuracy
- apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve complex problems
- apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills to engineering tasks
- apply mathematical skills to analyse engineering problems
- Communications Systems and Digital Communications
What you learn (18)
- calculate the information content of a message source
- explain how channel capacity limits information transfer rate
- represent signals using time-domain and frequency-domain functions
- explain the equivalence between time-domain and frequency-domain representations
- describe the operation of amplitude and frequency modulation systems
- describe baseband signalling techniques used in digital communication
- describe digital modulation schemes used in communication systems
- explain error control coding methods in digital transmission
- construct a link budget for a communication system
- design a simple analogue or digital communication system
- analyse the performance of a communication system design
- explain network protocol principles including medium access control
- explain automatic repeat request error recovery schemes
- evaluate the performance of wired and wireless communication systems using analysis tools
- explain advanced technical communication concepts clearly and accurately
- evaluate advanced technical concepts in communication systems
- apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve advanced engineering problems
- apply critical analysis and mathematical reasoning to solve engineering problems
- Digital Signal Processing
What you learn (11)
- evaluate the impact of data windowing on signal analysis accuracy
- evaluate the impact of data windowing on filter performance
- differentiate discrete convolution from discrete correlation
- identify appropriate applications for convolution and correlation techniques
- develop software code for FIR filters based on given specifications
- explain supervised learning concepts underlying neural networks in DSP
- summarise technical DSP concepts clearly in written reports
- implement signal processing algorithms using MATLAB
- test and analyse discrete signals to draw conclusions
- present analytical results clearly
- organise time effectively during laboratory work
- Biomedical Engineering
What you learn (25)
- describe principles underlying human body function
- discuss human anatomy relevant to biomedical design
- identify anatomical constraints affecting biomedical solution design
- explain hierarchical organisation of human anatomical structures
- explain stages of developing biomedical devices for clinical use
- discuss key biomaterial concepts including biocompatibility and biodegradation
- evaluate suitability of a material for biomedical use
- analyse principles of biomaterial selection and manufacturing regulation
- define key manufacturing and quality assurance terminology
- describe steps required for medical product approval and quality assurance
- analyse biomedical device performance using stress analysis techniques
- evaluate physiological signal data to validate device performance
- assess physiological responses to biomedical instrument interaction
- apply communication and coordination mechanisms within a project group
- describe personal approach and challenges within team collaboration
- identify research needs and appropriate resources for a project
- maintain accurate records and referencing of research sources
- produce professional technical and non-technical project documentation
- obtain appropriate ethical approval for project work
- apply project management tools to plan a project
- record meeting outcomes and track allocated actions
- conduct design reviews as part of project progress
- apply risk management techniques to quantify project risks
- produce a risk register for a project
- reflect on personal time management during a project
- Electric Powertrain Design
What you learn (9)
- explain fundamental design concepts for electric machines
- explain fundamental design concepts for drive systems
- analyse electromagnetic systems using equivalent circuit models
- calculate electromagnetic structure parameters from circuit models
- evaluate an industrial application to determine machine requirements
- select an appropriate electrical machine and drive system
- summarise core technical concepts clearly and accurately
- compare alternative electric powertrain technologies
- organise own time to complete laboratory tasks effectively
- Micro-mechanical and Microfluidic Devices and Systems
What you learn (17)
- explain physical principles governing mechanics of MEMS devices
- explain fluid dynamics principles underlying microfluidic devices
- describe materials used in fabrication of MEMS and microfluidic devices
- apply fabrication techniques to produce microscale devices
- design microfluidic and MEMS devices using numerical methods
- simulate the behaviour of MEMS and microfluidic devices
- characterise the performance of microscale devices
- describe emerging applications of MEMS technology in biomedical science
- explain developments in next-generation microfluidic and MEMS systems
- design a microfluidic system for a practical application
- evaluate the performance of a designed microfluidic system
- explain advanced technical concepts clearly and accurately
- evaluate advanced technical concepts critically
- select appropriate mathematical techniques for engineering problems
- apply mathematical methods to solve advanced engineering problems
- analyse complex problems using critical thinking skills
- apply mathematical reasoning to solve technical problems
- Introduction to Clinical Engineering and Physiological Systems
What you learn (5)
- apply medical technologies for patient prevention, diagnosis and treatment
- explain physiological concepts relevant to medical technology applications
- describe the process of adopting new technology in healthcare organisations
- solve problems using critical analysis in healthcare technology contexts
- evaluate the efficacy of a proposed solution for real-world suitability
- Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal Energy
What you learn (11)
- describe how photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity
- describe how solar thermal systems convert sunlight into heat
- build a model of PV power generation using simulation software
- explain the factors that influence PV system efficiency
- explain the factors that influence solar thermal system efficiency
- analyse the benefits and drawbacks of different PV technologies
- identify suitable tools for analysing solar energy system data
- evaluate the effectiveness of tools used to analyse solar system data
- state fundamental technical concepts clearly and accurately
- compare different solar energy technologies to identify similarities and differences
- organise own time effectively during laboratory work
- Mechanical Design and Kinematics
What you learn (11)
- explain how to design robotic systems using URDF and simulation tools
- design joints of different types for robot arm configurations
- evaluate manipulator velocity and acceleration kinematics
- implement point-to-point and trajectory control of robot arms
- account for joint and end effector forces when controlling arm motion
- design and construct robotic arms and mechatronic manipulators
- control robotic arms and mechatronic manipulators
- construct mathematical models of jointed multi-degree-of-freedom systems
- create control algorithms to perform simple tasks with robot arms
- present scientific findings clearly through written reports
- present scientific findings clearly through oral presentations
- Robotics Design and Construction
What you learn (14)
- assess common sensors used in robotic systems
- assess common actuators used in robotic systems
- assess common controllers used in robotic systems
- explain the fundamental concepts of mechatronic systems
- explain how mechatronic systems are controlled
- discuss methods for fusing multiple sensor inputs for situational awareness
- explain techniques for locating and localising objects in robotic systems
- discuss key challenges in designing and controlling robots
- design a mobile robot capable of basic navigation
- construct a mobile robot capable of basic navigation
- control a mobile robot to perform basic navigation tasks
- define robot requirements based on high-level application goals
- specify the basic functionality and interfaces of a robot
- apply safety, social and ethical guidelines to robot use
- Product Design, Development and Commercialization
What you learn (19)
- apply idea generation techniques to produce new concepts
- analyse generated ideas using structured analysis techniques
- explain marketing tools used for branding new technologies
- describe strategies for promoting new technology products
- evaluate commercialisation options for an engineering business concept
- produce a detailed business plan for a new engineering venture
- conduct market research for a new business concept
- test a new business concept using collected data
- deliver a concise pitch to communicate a new business idea
- analyse the resources needed to exploit a new market opportunity
- estimate financial requirements for a new business venture
- apply creative problem-solving techniques to business challenges
- use effective decision-making techniques in business contexts
- critically evaluate researched information for business decisions
- write a concise business portfolio tailored to an audience
- write a marketing plan appropriate to a target audience
- deliver a workshop presentation on a business topic
- present a summative elevator pitch to an audience
- collaborate effectively within a team to achieve shared goals
- Medical Physics
What you learn (5)
- explain interactions of radiation with matter and biological tissue
- describe detectors and methods for monitoring radiation dose
- explain mri and pet imaging and how they are realised in devices
- use computer simulations to investigate medical-physics problems
- present applications of physics techniques in a medical case
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£33,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£26k
Median£33k
Upper quarter£39k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 135 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 23, 13, 12, 22
Half of graduates earned between £26,000 and £39,000. Five years on, the median is £41,000. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 90% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 19% left | 85% | 55 |
| In work or study, 15 months on10% studying | 85% | 15 |
| Professional or managerial job | 90% | 10 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £33,000 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £33,000 | 135 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £41,000 | 140 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £33,500 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
76%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 78% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 25 students answered
Highest: 96% agreed on question 15; lowest: 29% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 84% |
| Question 2 | 64% |
| Question 3 | 92% |
| Question 4 | 92% |
| Question 5 | 76% |
| Question 6 | 52% |
| Question 7 | 72% |
| Question 8 | 68% |
| Question 9 | 72% |
| Question 10 | 64% |
| Question 11 | 76% |
| Question 12 | 84% |
| Question 13 | 76% |
| Question 14 | 29% |
| Question 15 | 96% |
| Question 16 | 92% |
| Question 17 | 44% |
| Question 18 | 54% |
| Question 19 | 92% |
| Question 20 | 75% |
| Question 21 | 96% |
| Question 22 | 80% |
| Question 23 | 68% |
| Question 24 | 52% |
| Question 25 | 54% |
| Question 26 | 76% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.