Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc

This extended degree is a science conversion course designed for high-achieving students who wish to progress to a degree in a scientific discipline but have not taken the prerequisite science and mathematics subjects at Level 3.

During the foundation year, you'll receive an intensive introduction to the academic skills that are necessary for success as a science undergraduate. You'll develop your knowledge and understanding of the facts, concepts and principles in chemistry, mathematics and either biology or physics. You’ll also gain skills for academic and scientific enquiry through practical, laboratory and field work.

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, computing, engineering or mathematics. Please note, this course is not a progression route for those interested in studying medicine or healthcare.

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 nature of science 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 field work.

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 Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand 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

A-level: ABB or above, or equivalent excluding critical thinking and general studies.

To be considered for admissions to this extended degree, the subject range of these qualifications must not match that required by the discipline you wish to study at degree level.

GCSE: English and science at grade C/4 or above and GCSE mathematics at grade B/6 or above, or equivalent.

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, with the majority of credits at Distinction and no credits below Merit

• BTEC

  Distinction, Distinction, Merit

• Cambridge Pre-U

  M1, M1, M1

• International Baccalaureate

  34 overall (16 higher)

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  AAABBB

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB at Advanced Highers (A.H.) and AABBB in Highers - or - B in A.H. and AAABB in Highers - or - AABBBB in Highers.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  Accepted, with 2 A-levels

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 GCSE qualifications you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility for the Scheme). As part of this you may be asked to take tests in English and maths. 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.

Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions team. 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.

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

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 the UK 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.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

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 you already hold. Previous study in Higher Education may affect your eligibility.

Additional cost information

<p>Up to £10 to support scientific research project costs in the 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 University and the Lifelong Learning Centre provide a range of activities to support LLC students:

• 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.