Science with Foundation Year
Our foundation course is an initial course that prepares you for undergraduate study, giving you the subject-specific knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the future. When you complete the foundation year with the grades required to progress, we guarantee you a place on an undergraduate programme within a participating school (conditions and exceptions apply).
Note: entry to the Pharmacy and Nutrition and Dietetics programmes require an interview.
Course profile
What is a foundation year?
Is the foundation year for me?
The foundation year is ideal for students who:
- Have A-levels, or equivalent, but not the right subjects for direct entry into a science degree
- Have A-levels, or equivalent, but not the right grades in specific science subjects for direct entry onto a science degree
- Meet the university's conditions for contextual admissions and have a grade lower than our entry requirements in the same subject or are an elite athlete
- Will be a mature student returning to education and have evidence of recent study
Check the entry requirements on our Science with Foundation Year BSc course page.
Why study at Nottingham?
Studying at Nottingham will mean you get to enjoy your university experience from the start of your foundation year by joining societies, sporting clubs, and social events. Ensuring you become part of our community is a priority for us and it lays the foundations for successful and supported study at Nottingham. Our academics are highly skilled and experienced in teaching secondary and higher education; ensuring you’re taught the most relevant and necessary skills and knowledge to flourish in your chosen undergraduate degree.
What will I study?
Biology and chemistry are the two main components of foundation science. You'll also study maths and science skills which are applied directly to biology and chemistry topics. We also provide human biology for students keen on the biomedical sciences.
Fundamental to our courses is a significant amount of laboratory work which will allow you to develop the analytical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that have set our foundation science students apart from direct applicants and gives them a head start in their undergraduate studies.
How will I learn?
At Nottingham we have a blended learning approach which includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- laboratory classes
- field work
- eLearning through Moodle
Progression requirements
Our science foundation course allows progression on to a range of undergraduate degrees taught at the University of Nottingham. There are specific requirements that you will need to meet during the foundation year to guarantee progression, and they vary depending on the degree you would like to apply for.
We hope that you will want to continue studying at the University of Nottingham, but if your plans change we can support you in exploring other options.
Foundation science progression requirements by course
Course
|
Module requirements
|
Foundation year grade requirements
|
English language module requirements (if taken)
|
|
Biology, biochemistry, neuroscience and zoology
|
- Foundation Biological Science or Foundations of Human Biology 55%
- Foundation Chemistry 55%
|
Overall Pass 40%
|
55%
|
|
Sport and exercise science
|
- Foundations of Human Biology 60%
|
Overall average of 60%
|
55%
|
|
'Courses in the School of Biosciences, except Nutrition and Dietetics (see below)
|
- Foundation Biological Science or Foundations of Human Biology 55%
- Foundation Chemistry 55%
|
Overall Pass 40%
|
55%
|
|
Chemistry**
|
|
Overall average of 60% |
55% |
|
Medical physiology and therapeutics
|
- Foundation Biological Science or Foundations of Human Biology 55%
- Foundation Chemistry 55%
|
Overall average 40%
|
55%
|
|
Natural sciences
|
- Foundation Biological Science 65%
- Foundation Chemistry 65%
|
Overall average of 65%.
|
55%
|
|
Nutrition and Dietetics*
(Home students only)
Progression to Nutrition and Dietetics is subject to a successful interview.
|
Full details in the footnotes below:
- 55% Foundations of Human Biology
- 55% Foundation Chemistry
|
Overall average of 55%
A successful interview is also required - see below*
|
65%
|
|
Pharmacy***
|
Foundation Chemistry 60%
|
Overall average of 60%
A successful interview is also required - see below***
|
65%
|
|
Pharmaceutical sciences
|
Foundation Chemistry 60%
|
Overall average of 60% |
55% |
|
Pharmacology
|
Foundation Chemistry 60%
|
Overall average of 50% |
55% |
|
Psychology
(Home/EU Students)
|
Maths for Foundation Science 50%
|
Overall average of 65%
|
55%
|
|
Cancer Sciences
|
Students are required to achieve 60% in either:
- Foundation Biological Science
- Foundations of Human Biology
- Foundation Chemistry
|
Overall average of 60% |
55% |
* Progression to Nutrition and Dietetics is subject to further application, being granted an interview and successfully passing the interview. During the interview, you will be expected to demonstrate your awareness of what the role of a dietician involves and display good communication skills.
** The following chemistry courses only:
Chemistry BSc/MSci Hons; Chemistry with a Year in Industry MSci Hons; Chemistry with an International Study Year MSci Hons; Medicinal and Biological Chemistry BSc/MSci Hons; Medicinal and Biological Chemistry with an Assessed Year in Industry MSci Hons.
*** Progression to pharmacy is subject to further application, being granted an interview, and successfully passing the interview. If invited for interview you will be expected to show motivations for being a pharmacist, knowledge of the profession, scientific understanding and demonstration of good communication skills.
Support during your studies
We want every student to feel not just welcome but truly supported throughout their academic journey, so we’ll work with you on your foundation course to prepare you for university-level study.
From dedicated academic advisors who will help you chart your path to success, to a wide array of resources like skills tutoring, wellbeing support and counselling, and career services, there are many people dedicated to supporting you.
Personal tutor/tutor groups
At the start of your course, you'll be assigned to a tutor group led by a personal tutor. Your tutor can give you advice and support throughout your studies. They are the first point of contact if you have any difficulties, academically or otherwise. You'll meet with your tutor regularly, both in one-to-one sessions and for small group teaching. If your tutor can’t help directly, they will be able to identify a service or individual who might be in a better position to help you.
Being taught in small groups is a great way to make friends and build your support network, as well as a valuable opportunity to ask questions, go over coursework, get feedback, get help with the course content, or just discuss interesting scientific topics.
Disability Liaison Officer
Our Disability Liaison Officer works with the university’s Disability Support Services to help students with a registered disability, long-term medical condition, or specific learning difficulty.
This staff member provides advice and guidance to enable students with a disability to engage with their academic studies and fully participate in university life.
Support and Wellbeing Officer
Our Support and Wellbeing Officers are an important source of help and advice for students throughout their time at the University of Nottingham.
They can help with anything from finding specific learning support (inside or outside of the university), supporting your mental health or managing personal difficulties through to guiding you through university processes and policies.