The first ever cohort of UCL Engineering Foundation Year students arrive at UCL East

On Monday 25^th September, the UCL Engineering Foundation Year welcomed 19 students, who were selected from a pool of over 1,400 applicants.

Intended to make study at the Faculty of Engineering more accessible to students from “non-traditional” educational backgrounds, the Engineering Foundation Year is open specifically to those who experience sociological barriers to higher education and attainment in education. 

A minimum of 100 UCAS points are currently required for admission and can be comprised of a wide range of Level 3 academic and vocational qualifications – not just A-Levels. This is a significant milestone in our work towards widening participation at UCL.

This year, all tuition fees were fully funded. Four students received full bursaries from donations, covering tuition fees and all living expenses. All other students received substantial partial bursaries. 

Students will also receive bespoke, wraparound support, helping them to further develop the professional and academic skills they need to succeed in their education. If they pass, they are guaranteed a place on participating degree programmes the Faculty’s departments.

“After all the planning that has gone into creating the programme and the hard work of many people across UCL, we have finally reached this important moment,” says Dr Sophia Economides, Programme Director on the Engineering Foundation Year. “This is the first time that UCL Engineering has run this type of pre-degree foundation year, aimed at talented applicants who might not otherwise study at UCL. 

“What all the students of the programme have in common is disadvantage that has prevented them from reaching their full academic potential. We hope that this approach to widening participation will transform lives and that students will benefit from our support to realise their academic aspirations.”

We are delighted that our new students have joined UCL's community, and look forward to seeing what they achieve in the years to come.

If you work with people and communities who may be interested in and/or eligible for the Engineering Foundation Year and wish to learn more, please visit our website or contact us.