Electro-Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Young brunette woman looking at a 3D printer as it prints

The Electro-Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the engineering sector.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

HH38

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

The foundation year introduces you to mathematical and engineering principles, as well as electrical and mechanical engineering theories.

Foundation year

Studying to be an engineer and gaining the right skills and the right qualifications, could see you enjoy frequent travel, passion projects and a fulfilling career. A strength of this course is the chance to prepare for a career in Electro-Mechanical Engineering, without following a more traditional route to a degree.

Degree

Engineering is a combination of science and technology that is concerned with solving complex problems, such as machinery, infrastructure, design and many more. Practitioners of this discipline are capable of working on significant global issues such as the effects of climate change or improving city infrastructure.

Engineering empowers you to combine creativity with precision on a daily basis. The Electro-Mechanical BEng (Hons) degree can offer you broad and diverse career options, including transport, power, vehicle, systems, design, manufacturing, mechatronics, renewable and mechanical engineering.

Alongside possible international opportunities, you may get the chance to conduct critical research with our experienced staff, learn from skilled guest visitors and take part in an invaluable placement year².

Your first year on the Electro-Mechanical Engineering with foundation year BEng (Hons) course provides you with opportunities to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in a range of mathematical and engineering principles, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical and mechanical engineering.

When you successfully complete your foundation year, you can then progress onto the Electro-Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons), which could offer you broad and diverse career options, including transport, power, vehicle, systems, design, manufacturing, mechatronics, renewable and mechanical engineering (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Why CU Coventry

This course caters to the demands of the modern engineering workplace, encompassing the core engineering disciplines. This course aims to hone your skills in information retrieval, knowledge conversion, and effective application and evaluation.

Memberships

Students who successfully complete this course and achieve appropriate professional experience (an average of three years in a graduate engineer position) may be eligible to apply for Chartered Membership of an Engineering Institution e.g., IET or IMechE, subject to meeting the relevant professional body entry criteria. Membership may also be subject to additional costs.

What you'll study

The course focuses on the demands of the modern engineering workplace encompassing the main engineering disciplines. This will reflect contemporary practices, with an emphasis on practical skills and student employability. High levels of support are a cornerstone of the course and you will work on diverse realistic projects throughout your final year.

With the pace of technological development, engineering should be considered as applied problem-solving. Integrating the different technologies at the heart of modern engineering, this course aims to provide a grounding in a variety of different engineering disciplines before developing skills in accessing information, converting it into knowledge and applying and evaluating it.

Successful graduates should not only gain the knowledge required for a successful career in engineering but also, the highly sought-after skills to be self-managing, self-developing individuals.

Alongside an introduction to the underpinning principles of both electrical and mechanical engineering, this course aims to help you develop proficiency in basic mathematics, science and applied knowledge. Throughout the year, you will be taught sought-after design skills by using industry-standard software. This provides you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.

Modules

Mathematical Principles for Engineers - 30 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce various mathematical topics to provide you with an understanding of the concepts that lie behind the modelling systems used in engineering. The module will primarily focus on mathematical techniques, but these skills will be applied to engineering problems and applications.

Compulsory

Engineering Design Principles - 30 credits

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to: design a 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model, create and interpret a detailed 2D drawing, develop creative solutions to an engineering problem, generate a concept design, transfer design into finished products and analyse commercial viability of the product through effective use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation tools⁴.

Compulsory

Mechanical Engineering Principles - 30 credits

Here we aim to develop your knowledge of the fundamental aspects of mechanical engineering: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, transport phenomena and thermodynamics. Concepts include centre of gravity, torsion, fluid flow, shear force and bending moments. Emphasis is placed on hands-on laboratory practical sessions⁴ to provide you with applied knowledge of the various topics.

Compulsory

Electrical and Electronic Principles - 30 credits

In this module, you’ll study the basic principles for the analysis, design and practical application of electrical systems in a multidisciplinary engineering environment. This includes evaluating single and three-phase systems applied to motors and transformers; exploring digital systems, logic gates and circuits; studying harmonic content and the use of filters. Your skills will be developed by applying theoretical knowledge in laboratory experiments and utilising industry-standard software.

Compulsory

As the course progresses, you will be expected to build on knowledge gained in year one to cement a solid foundation of core principles. You are no longer working with the basics of engineering; you will now advance your knowledge of mechatronics, manufacturing, mechanical engineering and use industry-standard hardware and software⁴ across a wide range of applications. You will also look at the contemporary issues that tomorrow's engineers face including renewable energy sources. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.

Modules

Control of Mechatronics Systems - 30 credits

The purpose of this module is to enhance your knowledge and understanding related to control and mechatronics. Combining practical work with theoretical background study, the module will develop programming, design and analytical skills. You'll be able to examine various control and embedded systems using simulation software and programmable microchips⁴.

Compulsory

Mechanical Engineering Systems- 30 credits

The theory learned in the first year of statics, dynamics, fluidity and heat is refined and put to practical use, presenting you with core problems often found in the analysis of mechanical engineering systems. You will be expected to interpret problems, describe them and provide engineering solutions according to the scientific principles studied, using analytical and numerical (simulation) approaches.

Compulsory

Renewable and Sustainable Engineering - 30 credits

This module focuses on fundamental scientific and technical aspects of sustainable and renewable energy technologies, which, due to the current debate regarding climate change, is considered by many, to be a global priority. You will learn about a range of sustainable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, bio-energy and ocean power.

Compulsory

Smart Manufacturing Technology - 30 credits

This module will challenge you to develop the multifaceted skills required to operate in the current, and future, manufacturing sectors with the advent of Industry 4.0 and cyber-physical technologies. Upon successful completion, you should be able to: digitally manufacture/simulate a designed 3D model, generate code for real-life Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, design and simulate a virtual factory, and understand the technological difference between classic and advanced manufacturing principles, and technology and cloud manufacturing principles.

Compulsory

There's no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They're a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement - 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme². A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme². A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In the exciting final year, you'll aim to refine the art of independent working. You will get the opportunity to study the field of systems engineering and control, embedded systems and project management, with investigation and analysis into varieties of industry-standard projects and future trends. Working autonomously, you will develop the skills needed to excel in a modern engineering environment and refine your capacity to engage effectively with the application of modern technologies. When you successfully complete your final year, you'll be awarded a BEng (Hons) degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.

Modules

Embedded Systems Engineering - 30 credits

This module will prepare you with the skills and knowledge needed to construct an efficient Internet of Things (IoT) system. In the first part of the module, you will study the features of high-level languages and develop an understanding of software programmes and reasoning principles. In the second part, you'll learn to build a secure and sophisticated IoT system using an embedded device.

Compulsory

Systems Operation and Control Project - 30 credits

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake sustained independent study and demonstrate expertise in the specialised field of mechatronics and robotics, encompassing a study focused around a course of research and investigation of a specific problem, conducted as a professional engineer. It aims to enable you to understand the importance of correct analysis of all the factors involved in a mechatronic problem and develop initiative within the development of the investigation.

Compulsory

Project Management - 30 credits

This module is designed to actively involve you in employing management solutions and practices towards managing and organising the final year project: from developing a project proposal, identifying the main contributions and scheduling their tasks, to resource management and budgeting. The scope of the module includes an investigation of practices and standards for quality and safety management and their applicability to the final-year project. You will explore topics such as leadership, time management and motivation through individual and team-building activities.

Compulsory

Engineering Project - 30 credits

The final year project will be to implement an Engineering Project proposal. There will be no formal teaching, but support will be provided through blended learning and one-to-one support. The project topics may come from a number of sources, including personal interests and external clients. Some of these may involve several people working on different aspects of the same project. The activities carried out during the project will comprise implementation, review, research, presentation and reporting.

Compulsory

The Foundation Year in Engineering aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in a range of mathematical and engineering principles, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical and mechanical engineering.

Modules

Fundamental Pure Mathematics - 30 credits

This module provides you with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to understand engineering and physical concepts. You should feel equipped to turn real-world problems into mathematical problems and present mathematical and logical arguments. You will be taught to use and apply algebraic methods and trigonometry, and cover key concepts crucial to the fundamental principles in engineering, including geometry, algebra, calculus, trigonometry and computation of volumes. We also work with you to develop key organisational skills and project management basics to aid your development and learning ability.

Compulsory

Fundamental Applied Mathematics - 30 credits

This module provides you with the fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills required to solve relevant problems while developing analytical and problem-solving skills. You will also learn how to use mathematical techniques to solve real-world problems. Concepts covered include computation of areas and volumes of basic shapes, complex numbers, application of matrices and determinants, application of vectors, application of differentiation and integration, and use of computer software to solve a scientific problem. Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an awareness of many of the mathematical techniques required to tackle everyday problems in related disciplines.

Compulsory

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals - 30 credits

This module aims to introduce you to the basic analysis and design of electric circuits using DC and AC power sources. To prepare you for this we will discuss the laws of electric circuits and electrical engineering. Assisted by our professional academics, you'll have the opportunity to work with industry-standard software⁴ to analyse techniques and identify and solve problems on electrical circuits. You'll also learn the basic laws of magnetism as applied to electrical circuits.

Compulsory

Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals - 30 credits

This module delves into the fundamental knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and concepts. Underpinned by the application of mathematics and physics, concepts covered include fundamentals of energy, design, manufacturing, materials and engineering mechanics. In addition, you will gain specific knowledge in mechanics, transport phenomena and thermodynamics.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

Course breakdown:

coursework
interactive assessments (foundation year)
phase tests.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles. In addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online tutorial support, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about the part-time study.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

phase tests
essays
group work
reports
projects
individual assignments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Request fee information
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only:

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The modern CU Coventry Mile Lane campus has been designed to promote collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Facilities include:

engineering labs equipped with tools, instruments, and equipment that support research, experimentation, and practical learning. These labs are essential for all students undertaking an engineering-related course as they provide hands-on experience and conduct experiments
indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a ground floor café
a ground floor library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
open-access IT suites
student support and careers advice teams.

CU Coventry students also have access to facilities located on the Coventry University campus. These include the Lanchester Library and The Hub.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you should be able to:

critically appraise an engineering scenario with a view to apply innovative technologies to improve efficiency or effectiveness
explain engineering principles, solve simple, practical problems in an engineering context, show practical skills in a laboratory/workshop environment and have the educational preparation for a career as an engineering technician
use an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to engineering studies
develop practical skills to solve complex workshop based problems
appraise an engineering problem and debate alternative, sustainable solutions
gain practical and transferable skills to enhance your long-term employability or to progress to specialist, postgraduate study.

Successfully completing the BEng means your chances of employment are improved and the level at which you enter the jobs market could mean a higher salary. With a demand for engineering professionals in all industries, you could have an expansive list of career paths to explore.

Successful graduates will be knowledgeable across a range of engineering disciplines and could go on to work in a vast range of engineering sectors such as software, nuclear, textile or civil engineering.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have progressed to become Engineering Technicians, Project Managers and Trainee Engineering Lecturers.

Further study

Many of our graduates have progressed to postgraduate study and are working towards a master’s qualification in fields such as petroleum engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering and electrical and electronic engineering.

How to apply

BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. If a part-time option is available, part-time students should apply directly to CU Coventry. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

cuc@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:

International students should apply to CU Coventry directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

internationalenquiries.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Electro-Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) with foundation year

Course overview

Foundation year

Degree

Why CU Coventry

Memberships

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Degree

Foundation year funding

*Irish student fees

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Further study

How to apply

Your next steps

Discover Uni stats