Program Overview

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Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc

The Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc is a four-year degree program designed for UK students who do not currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree. This program provides intensive support to enable progression onto a degree in science, such as engineering, healthcare, Earth sciences, or mathematics.

Course Overview

This extended four-year degree offers a foundation year taught by expert academics in the Lifelong Learning Centre. The program focuses on developing academic and life skills necessary for success as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduates. The curriculum emphasizes digital literacy, ethics, and diversity, with compulsory modules in mathematics and a choice of sciences to develop interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding.

Course Structure

The foundation year is structured to provide interdisciplinary understanding and depth, with compulsory modules in maths, nature of science, and chemistry, alongside either biology or physics. Students will also gain skills for academic and scientific inquiry in practical, laboratory, and fieldwork.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• Nature of Science and Scientific Thinking (20 credits): Develops a theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of science.
• Introduction to Chemistry (10 credits): Introduces the introductory principles of bonding, electronic structure, basic reactions, and unusual chemical properties.
• Introduction to Mathematics (20 credits): Develops understanding of fundamental mathematical techniques required for progression onto the chosen degree program.

Other Modules

Depending on the degree progression pathway, students may take additional modules such as:

• Biochemistry (10 credits)
• The Environment (10 credits)
• Industrial Chemistry (10 credits)
• Waves and Particles (10 credits)
• Sustainability Chemistry (10 credits)
• Applied Biology (10 credits)
• Biology of Populations (10 credits)
• Organisms: Form and Function (20 credits)
• Introduction to Physics (20 credits)
• Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics (10 credits)
• Introduction to Calculus (10 credits)
• Introduction to Statistics (10 credits)
• Introduction to Pure Mathematics (10 credits)

Learning and Teaching

Teaching is imaginative, interactive, and supportive, with a strong emphasis on helping students achieve their full potential. The program includes a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, group tutorials, and hands-on practicals, complemented by e-learning, simulation, and problem-based learning.

Assessment

Methods of assessment during the foundation year reflect those found later in the degree, ensuring students are well-prepared for continuing study. Assessment includes examinations, presentations, problem-based learning assessments, and writing up experiments.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: CDD or above excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies. Applicants taking a science A-level (in England) must achieve a pass in the practical element.
• GCSE: English, mathematics, and science at grade C/4 or above or equivalent.
• Other Qualifications: Considered on a case-by-case basis, including Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, and Welsh Baccalaureate.

Alternative Entry

The Alternative Entry Scheme is available for mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements.

Fees

• UK: Ł9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year. Tuition fees for subsequent years are subject to change, reflecting any increases set by the government.

Additional Cost Information

• Ł10 or less for scientific research project costs in skills modules.
• Basic scientific calculators are allowed in University examinations, with the recommended model being Casio fx-85GT X.

Career Opportunities

On successful completion of the foundation year and subject to meeting requirements for progression, students will advance onto year one of their chosen degree courses in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, food science and nutrition, physics, or psychology.

Careers Support

The Lifelong Learning Centre has a dedicated expert guidance team to enhance employability and opportunity. The University's Careers Centre and staff in each faculty provide a range of help and advice to plan careers and make well-informed decisions.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

The study abroad option and work placement opportunities are part of the progression degree after the foundation year. All opportunities available within the specific progression degree are available to foundation year students.

Related Courses

• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
• Bachelor Degree with Integrated International Foundation Year (Healthcare) BSc
• Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc