Program Overview

Foundation Year Science and Engineering degrees with a foundation year (Biology and Chemistry route)

Overview

The foundation year provides a route onto a biology or chemistry degree if you don't have the qualifications or have not studied advanced level subjects sufficiently related to your course of choice.

Course Information

After successful completion of the foundation year in biology and chemistry, you can progress on to one of the relevant BSc (Hons) degrees:

• BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Conservation
• BSc (Hons) Biology
• BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Molecular Biology
• BSc (Hons) Zoology
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Features and Benefits

• Provides a route onto your chosen degree course if you don't currently meet the entry requirements.
• Foundation years are designed to make undergraduate degrees more accessible to those who are under-represented in higher education, for example, those with non-traditional qualifications.
• Course content is tailored so that it is appropriate to your chosen degree.
• Helps you to develop the study skills and academic knowledge you will need to start Year 1 of your degree with confidence.
• You will be eligible to apply for student finance in the same way as other undergraduates.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

• Teaching Excellence Framework: We have received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning we're rated as an outstanding university for our student experience.

Year 1

You will cover a number of topics to prepare you for higher education.

Core Modules

• Statistical Methods and Analysis
• Atoms to Organisms
• Studying for Success
• Chemical Reactions, Biodiversity and Conservation

Study and Assessment

• Study: 30% scheduled; 70% independent
• Assessment: 75% coursework; 25% examination

Placements

Selected degrees offer the option of spending a year on a work placement in a relevant industry as part of the degree.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 72-80 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score: IELTS 5.5 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date
• UK students:
  • Level 3 qualifications: 72-80 UCAS tariff points
  • Level 2 qualifications: GCSE grade D/3 in English Language or Level 2 Functional Skills English and GCSE grade D/3 in Mathematics or Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics
• International students:
  • IB Diploma: Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 24 or minimum 72 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects
  • IELTS: IELTS 5.5 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalised for all courses.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of our UK-domiciled, full-time, first degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22 leavers, HESA data.
• Explore your options and build sought-after skills through our Careers Service.

Related Courses

• BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Molecular Biology
• BSc (Hons) Biology
• BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Conservation
• BSc (Hons) Zoology
• BSc (Hons) Chemistry
• BSc (Hons) Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Disclaimers

• Programme review: Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology.
• Important notice: This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate.