Program Overview

Science with Foundation Year MSci

Overview

This course is designed to give you all the knowledge you need to progress on to one of our science undergraduate courses. If you have taken the right A-levels, but have not met the grades for your desired subjects, you're encouraged to apply if you also meet our contextual offer criteria.

Qualification and Duration

• Qualification: MSci Hons
• Duration: 5 years full-time

Entry Requirements

• A levels: BBB/ABC
• IB score: 28 Points overall or 555 in 3 HL certificates
• GCSEs: Five GCSEs at 5 (B) or above, including maths, biology, and chemistry (or double science; core and applied science; science and additional science). Plus English language 4 (C) or above.
• Additional GCSE requirements: GCSE requirements vary for progression on to specific science degrees taught at Nottingham.
• Alternative qualifications: We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education. We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis.

Tuition Fees

• UK undergraduate students: £9,535 (2025/26 academic year)

Course Structure

• Year 0: Foundation Year Chemistry (40 credits), Mathematics for Foundation Science (20 credits), Foundations of Scientific Research (10 credits), Constructing Scientific Arguments (10 credits), Foundation Biological Sciences (40 credits), or Foundations of Human Biology (40 credits)
• Year 1: Progression to chosen undergraduate degree

Teaching Methods

• eLearning
• Lab sessions
• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Problem-cased learning
• Self-study
• Seminars
• Small group learning
• Tutorials
• Workshops

Assessment Methods

• Coursework
• Examinations
• Formative assessments
• Lab reports
• Practical exams
• Practical write-ups
• Presentation
• Short project

Contact Time and Study Hours

• 17 to 21 hours per week of contact time with approximately one day a week of independent study

Careers Overview

Please refer to the careers section on the course you wish to progress on to (e.g., Biology, Pharmacology, Environmental Science).

Job Prospects

Please refer to the careers section on the course you wish to progress on to (e.g., Biology, Pharmacology, Environmental Science).

Careers Advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Campus

• University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings, and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.