(Full time) 2021 start
Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
If you’d like to study science, computing, engineering, earth sciences, healthcare or mathematics but don’t currently meet the admissions criteria for direct entry, then this extended degree is for you (subject to meeting our additional entry criteria).
The foundation year provides a supportive environment where you can make the transition to university study and gain the academic knowledge and study skills you’ll need to succeed. You'll develop your knowledge and understanding of the facts, concepts and principles in mathematics, chemistry and either biology, physics or geological sciences. You'll also gain skills for academic and scientific enquiry through practical laboratory work and fieldwork.
On successful completion of the foundation year, subject to meeting the specific requirements for progression, you’ll continue to year one of your chosen degree course. You could progress onto a range of degree courses in science, engineering, mathematics, computing or healthcare.
Lifelong Learning Centre support
The Lifelong Learning Centre provides a supportive environment to help you make the transition to degree-level study. We’ll work with you during your foundation year to provide guidance and help identify the degree pathway most appropriate for you.
Course content
The foundation year is taught by the Lifelong Learning Centre at the University of Leeds. Staff work closely with you during the foundation year to help you work towards a successful progression. At the beginning of your journey your academic goals will be identified and you will be provided with guidance throughout the year to help you achieve them.
Core modules in chemistry, mathematics and skills are taken alongside either biology, physics or geological sciences (depending on your chosen degree course) to develop a knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts and principles within each of the scientific disciplines. You'll also gain skills for academic and scientific enquiry in practical, laboratory and fieldwork.
On successful completion of the foundation year, and subject to meeting any progression requirements, you’ll progress to year one of your chosen degree course.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Chemistry for Interdisciplinary Sciences 15 credits
- Nature of Science and Scientific Thinking 15 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
There is a strong emphasis during the foundation year on helping you to achieve to your full potential. Teaching is intellectually challenging and supportive. Group sizes are small enabling you to engage actively and be well supported by your peers.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Methods of assessment during the foundation year reflect those that you will find later in your degree in order to ensure that you are well prepared for continuing study. Assessment is a key way of enabling students to learn by doing and feedback from tutors supports this process.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: CDD or above excluding critical thinking and general studies, or equivalent
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
GCSE: English, mathematics and science at grade C/4 or above or equivalent. Applicants wanting to progress on to degree courses offered by the Schools of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computing, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Food Science & Nutrition, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Physics & Astronomy will need GCSE mathematics at grade B/6 or above, or equivalent.
Other course specific tests:Due to the competitive nature of many of the Interdisciplinary Science progression pathways the admissions team takes into account a wide variety of factors which include, but are not limited to, actual academic performance to date and predicted results for qualifications currently being studied. Mature applicants are encouraged to apply early. Competitive progression pathways (Healthcare, Medicine, Dental Surgery and Engineering degrees) may be closed earlier in the year.
Applicants wishing to progress onto the courses below have specific GCSE requirements:
- Medicine and Surgery MBChB – GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above (this progression is available to mature applicants only).
- Dental Surgery BChD and Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc – GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above.
- Nursing (Adult) BSc, Nursing (Child) BSc and Nursing (Mental Health) BSc – normally five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, to include, English, mathematics and two science subjects.
- Midwifery BSc – five GCSEs: English, mathematics and science at grade B/5 plus two others at grade C/4.
- Healthcare Sciences (Audiology) BSc, Healthcare Sciences (Cardiac Physiology) BSc and Radiography BSc – five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above to include English, mathematics and science.
For mature applicants wishing to progress onto Nursing (Adult) BSc, Nursing (Child) BSc, Nursing (Mental Health) BSc and Midwifery (BSc) please contact the LLC for further information.
Additional entry criteria
As well as the academic requirements above, you must live permanently in the UK and meet at least one of the following:
- Your permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education (we use the OfS postcode checker).
- You attended a school which achieved less than the national average of five grade A*-C or 9-4 passes (including English and Maths) at GCSE or attainment 8 score in a state school. We use the All England State funded attainment 8 score, excluding applicants from selective and/or independent schools.
- You grew up in public care.
We actively encourage applications from mature students. Further consideration will be given to the life experience of mature applicants and the circumstances in which they gained prior qualifications.
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Access to HE Diploma
60 credits overall, with 45 graded credits at Level 3 of which 30 must be at Merit and 15 at Pass.
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BTEC
Merit, Merit, Pass
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Cambridge Pre-U
P1, P2, P3
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International Baccalaureate
24 overall (12 higher)
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
Please contact the Lifelong Learning Admissions Team
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Please contact the Lifelong Learning Admissions Team
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Welsh Baccalaureate
Please contact the Lifelong Learning Admissions Team
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
If you are a mature applicant (over 21 at the point of entry) and if you don't have the required A Levels or GCSE qualifications you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme. As part of this you may be asked to take tests in English and mathematics and to write an essay. Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
Please mention on your personal statement the area you want to progress to.
If your application meets the required academic and additional entry criteria we will use the UCAS personal statement and reference in order to decide whether to make an offer. Applicants applying for progression onto Healthcare related courses will be asked to complete the Lifelong Learning Centre’s Supplementary Form. The criteria for assessment include:
- Evidence of a sustained interest in the degree you aim to progress onto
- Examples of work or voluntary experience you have gained relating to your degree choice
- Evidence of your mathematical and problem solving experiences.
If you’re successful you’ll be invited to a half day selection day. This will include a 30 minute maths exam and an interview. The day offers you the chance to learn more about the course, each other and the academic team.
If you’re entering through the Alternative Entry Scheme you’ll be sent details after your interview.
If you’re made an offer you’ll be asked to engage with KickStart. This is a pre-entry programme designed to ease your move into studying at the University of Leeds. You’re welcome to contact us for further information.
Admissions policy
Lifelong Learning Centre Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK: See fees section below
Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
There are no upfront fees to pay. All eligible students are able to borrow the entire cost of tuition fees making study free at the point of entry, with good repayment terms. You are eligible if you are studying for 30+ credits per year on a programme which is at a higher level than any qualification already held. Previous study in Higher Education may affect your eligibility.
Additional cost information
<p>£10 or less for scientific research project costs in skills module.</p>There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Depending on your circumstances, non-repayable financial support including a fee discount is available from the Leeds Financial Support scheme.
Career opportunities
On successful completion of the foundation year you could progress onto a range of degree courses in the sciences, engineering, mathematics, computing and healthcare. For more information about specific career opportunities plese check the degree course you wish to progress to.
Careers support
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.
The University and the Lifelong Learning Centre provide a range of activities to support LLC students looking to:- explore their career options
- develop or enhance their employability skills
- gain work or voluntary experience
- prepare for promotion, review or a role change at work
- find and apply for jobs
Read more on the University’s Careers website.