Science with Foundation Year

Established in 2008, the science foundation year provides talented students an opportunity to strengthen their science knowledge before progressing on to a wide range of undergraduate degrees. We have a high progression rate of over 80%.

If the foundation year is completed with the relevant grades required to progress, we guarantee you a place on an undergraduate course within a participating school (conditions and exceptions apply).

Course profile

What is a foundation year?

Is the foundation year for me?

The foundation year is ideal for students who:

have good A level grades (BBB) but not in the right subjects for direct entry
students with the right A level subjects may be considered if they meet the university's conditions for Contextual Admissions or are elite athletes
international students who have qualifications that are not accepted for direct entry (UCAS code CFGZ)
mature students who have decided to return to education and have evidence of recent study

Why study at Nottingham?

The course is taught by highly experienced teachers who help students gain the necessary skills to progress to degree study. We promote the mixing of a variety of nationalities, HEU (Home European Union) and international. Unlike other foundation courses, at Nottingham we offer students the chance to blend in with University life in the same beautiful location as other students. Previous students have progressed to various degrees and have found the one year course hard work but an advantage.

What will I study?

Biology and chemistry are the two main components of foundation science. You'll also study maths and studying science modules which feed into skills required for biology and chemistry.

Fundamental to our courses is a significant amount of laboratory and project work which will allow you to develop the analytical, team working and problem-solving skills that have set our foundation science students apart from other direct applicants.

How will I learn?

At Nottingham we have a blended learning approach which includes:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
laboratory classes
field work
eLearning through Moodle

Which degrees can I progress to?

There are a wide range of courses that foundation students can progress to:

School of Biosciences:

School of Chemistry:

School of Life Sciences:

School of Medicine:

School of Pharmacy:

School of Psychology:

Psychology BSc*

* These courses have some extra requirements and/or restrictions. Details can be found on our progression requirements page.

Progression to all courses is subject to students completing the foundation year with the required levels of achievement.

What previous students say

Nasia Kafa, BSc Biology student who graduated in 2013 says...

I realised the benefits of the foundation course during my first year as a BSc student. I already knew how to write lab reports and essays, I was equipped with presentation skills and learned how to get prepared for exams.

I owe my academic progression to all the science foundation staff as they equipped me with various skills which were proven to be more than valuable. I would definitely recommend the science foundation course and I can also assure you that you will love the University campus and Nottingham city!