You may choose ONE of either Foundation Biological Sciences or Foundations of Human Biology as your optional module.
Successful completion of this year will allow you to move on to your chosen course.
University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSci Hons | BBB/ABC | September 2025 | CFG0 | 5 years full-time | TBC |
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSci Hons | BBB/ABC | September 2025 | CFG0 | 5 years full-time | TBC |
BBB for students who have studied subjects which do not allow direct entry to a degree programme. Those interested in progressing on to Pharmacy and Dietetics courses are required to also pass an interview.
Five GCSEs at 5 (B) or above, including maths, biology and chemistry (or double science; core and applied science; science and additional science). Plus English language 4 (C) or above.
Additional GCSE requirements
GCSE requirements vary for progression on to specific science degrees taught at Nottingham:
Students with other qualifications including BTEC and Access courses with a strong science element will be considered on an individual basis.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Please note this course does not accept international/EU applications.
BBB for students who have studied subjects which do not allow direct entry to a degree programme. Those interested in progressing on to Pharmacy and Dietetics courses are required to also pass an interview.
Five GCSEs at 5 (B) or above, including maths, biology and chemistry (or double science; core and applied science; science and additional science). Plus English language 4 (C) or above.
Additional GCSE requirements
GCSE requirements vary for progression on to specific science degrees taught at Nottingham:
Students with other qualifications including BTEC and Access courses with a strong science element will be considered on an individual basis.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible. check if you're eligible.
We expect students to have an idea of the course they would like to progress on to before starting. You can progress onto a range of degrees, including:
A full list of course pass requirements can be found here.
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Please note this course does not accept international/EU applications.
Foundation courses for international students are available at the University of Nottingham International College.
You may be able to undertake a study abroad or placement opportunity depending on the course you choose to progress to.
Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Please note this course does not accept international/EU applications.
The UK Government is intending to increase the tuition fee cap for UK undergraduate and Initial Teacher Training students studying in England to £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year. This is an increase of £285 per year. Course pages will be updated to reflect the latest tuition fees as more information becomes available. For more information, visit the Government’s website and take a look at our FAQs.
£5-£10 in transport costs for the field trip.
£5 for printing a poster.
Foundation years are covered by standard government student loans and will not need to be funded independently.
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
This course is now accepting applicants with the correct A-Level subjects.
Want to study a science degree, but you took the wrong A-Levels? This course is designed to give you all the knowledge you need to progress on to one of our science undergraduate courses. If you have taken the right A-levels, but have not met the grades for your desired subjects you're encouraged to apply if you also meet our contextual offer criteria. Unlike other universities, successful completion of your foundation year guarantees you progression on to your chosen undergraduate degree.*
Do you want to study a science degree, but either didn’t take the right subjects at A-Level, or didn’t meet the grades for the science-based degree you wanted to study?
Our 1 year foundation course prepares you for undergraduate study, giving you the subject-specific knowledge and skills you need to progress on to one of our science undergraduate courses.
After successful completion of your foundation year guarantees you progression on to your chosen undergraduate degree. *
You'll benefit from an accelerated study, meaning you'll only be taught the information you'll need to succeed in your chosen undergraduate degree. You'll also be able to have the ‘university experience’ from day one, allowing you to join societies, clubs, and social events alongside your peers.
*Some courses require you to pass an additional interview.
Please note: this course does not accept international/EU applications.
Is this course for me?
The foundation year is ideal if you:
· Have A-level grades, or equivalent, but not the right subjects for direct entry to a science degree
· Have A-level grades, or equivalent, but not the right grades in specific science subjects for direct entry to 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
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.
Important information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Mandatory
Year 0
Foundation Year Chemistry (40 credits)
Mandatory
Year 0
Mathematics for Foundation Science (20 credits)
Mandatory
Year 0
Foundations of Scientific Research (10 credits)
Mandatory
Year 0
Constructing Scientific Arguments (10 credits)
Optional
Year 0
Foundation Biological Sciences (40 credits)
Optional
Year 0
Foundations of Human Biology (40 credits)
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 7 October 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
You may choose ONE of either Foundation Biological Sciences or Foundations of Human Biology as your optional module.
Successful completion of this year will allow you to move on to your chosen course.
You may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages.
If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree
You will learn to use the periodic table to make predictions about elements, the basics of chemical bonding and the forces between molecules and their shapes. Experimental work will enhance understanding and skills development. You will learn quantitative aspects of chemistry based on laboratory activities, including appreciation of experimental error. In this module you will develop the knowledge and understanding of safe laboratory practice; familiarity with common techniques and equipment; an appreciation of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry; the need for careful recording of observation and measurements; an appreciation of sources of error; and conventional approaches to reporting experimental work.
This module will provide you with the knowledge and competence of core mathematical topics, and experience of relevant quantitative aspects prior to embarking on a course in biological and chemical sciences. This module covers algebra and algebraic manipulation; linear algebra; functions and trigonometry; differential calculus; integral calculus; simple modelling; elementary probability; and statistics.
This module introduces students to how scientists conduct research and share their findings within scientific communities. They will also begin to understand how scientific research contributes to knowledge. Students will learn about different data collection methods used within different scientific disciplines and consider issues relating to sampling, adherence to ethical guidelines, and health and safety considerations.
This module also introduces students to the value of engaging in reflective practice.
This module will engage students in exploring differing perspectives about a controversial socio-scientific issue. You will learn how to use information from multiple sources to provide evidence in support of claims and as backing for warrants within scientific arguments. You will also learn how to modify claims using qualifiers and rebuttals.
This module will provide you with an introduction to life at the molecular, cellular, physiological organismal, population and community levels and provide the background to enable you to enter a range of degree programmes in biological and environmental sciences. You will gain practical experience in labs. Practical work is a vital component of foundation science and students have the opportunity to develop various lab techniques.
This module will provide you with an introduction to life at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and organismal levels and provide the background to enable you to enter degree programmes with a focus on human health. You will gain practical experience in labs. Practical work is a vital component of foundation science and students have the opportunity to develop various lab techniques.
Teaching methods
Typically, examinations count for around 50% of the module mark and coursework contributes the other 50%. All teaching is carried out on University Park Campus by the same academic staff who teach on the main degree programmes.
Assessment methods
17 to 21 hours per week of contact time with approximately one day a week of independent study. You'll study in relatively small class sizes, including one-to-one tutorials, allowing your tutors to get to know you quickly.
Please refer to the careers section on the course you wish to progress on to e.g Biology, Pharmacology, Environmental Science.
Please refer to the careers section on the course you wish to progress on to e.g Biology, Pharmacology, Environmental Science.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
4 years full-time
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
BBB/ABC
UCAS code
CGF0
Faculty of Science
4 years full-time
Qualification
MSci Hons
Entry requirements
A*AA
UCAS code
GFC0
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
4 Years full-time
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
BCC
UCAS code
A30A
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.
If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.