Have further questions? How to apply | Entry requirements
Get the skills and experience you need to study an undergraduate degree in science or engineering.
This one-year foundation programme offers international students – who may not have had the chance to study A-level-equivalent qualifications – the chance to achieve the right academic level, as well as English language and academic skills, to study an undergraduate degree.
Our foundation year offers a pathway to a range of undergraduate degrees in science (biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, neuroscience and psychology) and engineering (aerospace, electronic, mechanical and sustainable energy).
You are guaranteed a place on an undergraduate programme at Queen Mary if you pass the foundation year with the required grades.
As a foundation student you’ll have full access to all student facilities, including welfare, library, social and sport. You’ll be taught on our Mile End campus by experienced university staff who also teach on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
For Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Materials Foundation programmes:
For Chemical Sciences and Biological Sciences Foundation programmes:
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
We use a mixture of teaching styles – lectures, tutorials, classroom activities and laboratory work.
A typical weekly workload is six to eight lectures and four to five hours of practical laboratories or workshops.
Outside of classes, you’ll need to spend 20–25 hours per week preparing, writing and reading.
Each module is assessed by written examinations (typically 70% of the final mark) and coursework (practical reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests).
You will have access to excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
The International Science and Engineering Foundation programme (ISEFP) accepts applicants with a wide range of different qualifications. The grades you need to enter the course will vary depending on the qualification you have completed. For country-specific details, please refer to our detailed entry requirements.
You will need to provide the following documentation as part of your application:
When you apply for the ISEFP you will choose a degree that you plan to study after completing the foundation year.
On successfully completing the ISEFP, and subject to meeting the progression requirements, you are guaranteed a place on your chosen degree programme at Queen Mary.
All ISEFP applicants will be required to provide a valid UKVI Academic IELTS test score with a minimum of 5.0 in all sections.
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
See our general undergraduate entry requirements.
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
You are guaranteed a place on a science or engineering undergraduate degree at Queen Mary subject to successfully completing the foundation year and meeting the progression requirements.
You will receive a high level of academic and pastoral support on this programme. Your personal tutor can help you with any personal or academic issues and advise you on your degree choices after the foundation year.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.