Course overview
Do you want to study a science degree, but either didn’t take the right subjects at A level, or didn’t meet the grades for the science-based degree you wanted to study?
Our one-year foundation course prepares you for undergraduate study, giving you the subject-specific knowledge and skills you need to progress on to one of our science undergraduate courses.
After successfully meeting the progression criteria of the foundation year you will be guaranteed progression on to your chosen undergraduate degree.*
You will benefit from having the opportunity to develop key scientific skills alongside the fundamental scientific concepts needed to succeed in your chosen undergraduate degree.
*Some courses require you to pass an additional interview
Please note: this course does not accept international/EU applications.
Is this course for me?
The foundation year is ideal if you:
- Have A level grades, or equivalent, but not the right subjects for direct entry to a science degree
- Have A level grades, or equivalent, but not the right grades in specific science subjects for direct entry to a science degree
- Meet the university's conditions for contextual admissions and have a grade lower than our entry requirements in the same subject or are an elite athlete
- Will be a mature student returning to education and have evidence of recent study
What will I study?
Biology and chemistry are the two main components of foundation science. You'll also study maths and science skills which are applied directly to biology and chemistry topics. We also provide human biology for students keen on the biomedical sciences.
Fundamental to our courses is a significant amount of laboratory work which will allow you to develop the analytical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that have set our foundation science students apart from direct applicants and gives them a head start in their undergraduate studies.
Important information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
