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 A-level.

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 skills are taken alongside either biology or physics (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

Details of typical modules/components for this course will be published on May 1st. These may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the 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.

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: GCSE: GCSE English and science at grade C/4 or above and GCSE mathematics at grade B/5 or above, or equivalent.

• Access to HE Diploma

  60 credits overall including at least 45 credits at level 3 with an overall 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.

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, and you’ll be asked to complete a Supplementary Form. If you’re successful you’ll be invited to a selection day which runs from 9.30am – 4pm. This will include a group activity, a 30 minute maths exam, a written task 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 2019

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for 2019 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2019, the fee for 2019/20 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. For example, the increase of 2.8% in 2017/18 was based on the government’s forecast for the RPI-X measure of inflation.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2019/20 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For all full-time students starting in 2020, our fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed and we expect to publish an update later in 2019.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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>

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.