Program Overview

Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc Honours

Overview

Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster.

Course Structure

Our course is designed so that you can follow one of three routes: molecular science, environmental and microbiology or human biology. However, the flexibility of the program enables you to construct your own thread through the broad range of module choices.

Learning and Teaching

Learning and teaching opportunities are a mixture of face-to-face teaching (lectures, seminars, tutorials, field-trips and practicals), independent work, group work, laboratory classes, virtual simulations and online support activities.

Assessment

The range of assessment methods includes laboratory practical skills, data analysis, practical proformas, essays, wikis, blogs, posters, presentations and exams.

Subjects of Study

• Foundation
  • Biology
  • Bioscience in Action
  • Chemistry
  • Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
  • Introduction to Academic Practice
  • Introduction to Physiology
• Year 1
  • Applications of Biological Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Fundamentals of Pharmacology
  • Human Physiology
  • Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)
  • Science: History, Philosophy and Practice
• Year 2
  • Bioinformatics
  • Contemporary Challenges in Biology
  • Exploring the Microbial World
  • Human Parasitology
  • Medical Physiology
  • Metabolic Biochemistry
  • Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Research Methods
• Year 3
  • Applied Biotechnology
  • Applied Medical Science
  • Cancer Biology
  • Designing a Sustainable World
  • Final Year Project in Life Sciences
  • Gene Editing and Genomics
  • Global Ethics
  • Life: Origins and Evolution
  • Medical Microbiology in the Genomics Era

Professional Experience or Study Abroad Year

Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biological Sciences with Professional Experience.

Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Biological Sciences with International Experience.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). RSB accreditation recognises degree programmes that fully prepare bioscience graduates to address the needs of employers and is an indication that the programme delivers up-to-date knowledge in the right learning, support and teaching environments.

Entry Requirements

• UK
  • A levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
  • T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
  • International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
  • BTEC Diploma – MM
  • Access – 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
• International
  • International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Other international qualifications – We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements.
  • International Foundation courses – We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate at their College based in Liverpool Street. These courses are for students who don't meet our direct entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster.
  • English language requirements – If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

Fees and Funding

• UK
  • UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
  • Funding – As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
  • Scholarships – The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
• International
  • International tuition fee: £17,600 (Price per academic year)
  • EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme – If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students.
  • International student funding – Find out about funding for international students.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods – Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment – Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments. Assessments typically fall into three broad categories: Practical, Written exams, Coursework.

Supporting You

• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Course Location

• Our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring.
• Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.