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Program Overview
Biosciences with a Foundation Year
Overview
Course overview
Our BSc Biosciences with a Foundation Year course enables all of our bioscience undergraduate courses to be studied with a foundation year if you do not have a science background or the appropriate entry qualifications.
Taught primarily by Xaverian College close to the University campus, the Foundation Year provides the necessary academic background in biology, chemistry and mathematics to prepare you for study on any one of our biosciences courses .
There is also a complementary programme of tutorials, seminars and laboratory practicals at the main University campus.Successful completion of the Foundation Year allows you direct entry onto any of our three- or four-year degree courses.
Entry requirements
A-level
Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually.
- Typical A-level offer: See full entry requirements
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB-BBB including specific subjects
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB-BBC including specific subjects
International Baccalaureate
Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
- Scottish requirements
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- Foundation year
- Pearson BTEC qualifications
- OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
- Access to HE Diploma
- T Level
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme.
Application and selection
How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
Advice to applicants
You should not usually apply for more than one of the bioscience courses offered by The University of Manchester as your offer will be the same for most courses.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.
Course details
Course description
Our BSc Biosciences with a Foundation Year course enables all of our bioscience undergraduate courses to be studied with a foundation year if you do not have a science background or the appropriate entry qualifications.
Special features
- Register as a university student
- As a Foundation Year student, you are a full student member of The University of Manchester and you will have a University registration card.
Teaching and learning
The Foundation Year of study is delivered primarily by staff on the premises of Xaverian College , Manchester.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment consists of formal examinations in January and May and coursework and tests throughout the year.
Course unit details
Your study on the Foundation Year is credit rated, consisting of a total of 120 academic credits.
Careers
Career opportunities
Our graduates go into a range of careers, both within the biological sciences and in other sectors.
Global Careers
Studying a bioscience course is a great way to explore your interests and prepare for an exciting array of careers.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS).
