Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc

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 as a STEM undergraduate. You'll develop your 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.

The foundation year course is designed specifically for students from a widening participation background and therefore does not accept students with previous higher education experience, including other foundation years.

The foundation year is taught by the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Lifelong Learning Centre Support

The Lifelong Learning Centre provides a supportive environment to enable you to progress to degree-level study and gain the academic knowledge and study skills you'll need to succeed.

Additional Highlights

Our programme and teaching take place within the University of Leeds, using flagship labs and equipment from within the subject specialism.

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.

You’ll take core modules in chemistry, mathematics, and nature of science, alongside either biology, physics, or geological sciences (depending on your chosen degree course). This will help you 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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

There is a strong emphasis during the foundation year on helping you achieve your full potential. Teaching is imaginative and supportive, to make sure that you are intellectually stretched and helped through any sticking points in your learning.

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 to ensure that you are well prepared for continuing study. Assessment is a key way of enabling you to learn by doing and feedback from tutors supports this process.

Our range of assessment methods helps you to utilise numerous academic skills, such as examinations, presentations, problem-based learning assessments, and experimentation write-ups. The foundation year ensures that your written, discussion and digital skills are developed in preparation for your degree.

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.

The Extended Project (EPQ) will be considered alongside A Levels.

T Levels will be considered on a case by case basis.

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, including English, mathematics, and two science subjects.

• Midwifery BSc – normally five GCSEs; including 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 Diagnostic 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 Lifelong Learning Centre 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 that 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.

• 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.

• BTEC

  Merit, Merit, Pass

• Cambridge Pre-U

  P1, P2, P3

• International Baccalaureate

  24 overall (12 higher)

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  Please contact the Lifelong Learning Admissions Team

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  Please contact the Lifelong Learning Admissions Team

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  Please contact the Lifelong Learning Admissions Team

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

If you are a mature applicant (over 21 at the point of entry) and you don't have the required A Levels or GCSE qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria of the 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.

For guidance on applying to a Lifelong Learning Centre course, visit our admissions guidance page.

Please mention on your personal statement the area you want to progress to.

Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Team. 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. Healthcare applicants will have a different interview process. The selection day offers you the chance to learn more about the course, each other and the academic team. Please contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

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 2023

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee 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 the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £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 the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

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 that 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.

On successful completion of the foundation year, and subject to meeting the academic requirements for progression, you will progress onto year one of your chosen degree courses in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, food science and nutrition, physics, or psychology.

For more information about specific career opportunities, please check the degree course you wish to progress to.

A qualification from the University of Leeds counts: our graduates are highly valued by employers. When you complete your degree programme, you will also become part of a network of highly employable graduates.

Careers support

The Lifelong Learning Centre has a strong commitment to enhancing opportunity with its own dedicated expert guidance team. Enhancing employability and opportunity are embedded into the Centre so our students can get dedicated support, as well as the excellent wider university provision.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

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. Find out more at the Careers website.