Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc

Overview

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 haven't taken the prerequisite science and mathematics subjects at A-level. The foundation year is taught by expert academics, who are specialist foundation year practitioners based in the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Course Details and Modules

• The foundation year is structured to provide cross-disciplinary understanding and depth.
• You'll take compulsory modules in maths, nature of science, and chemistry, alongside either biology or physics (depending on your chosen degree course).
• These are taken alongside a selection of other sciences to provide the required interdisciplinary understanding for successful progression onto your chosen degree course.
• You'll also gain skills for academic and scientific enquiry in practical, laboratory, and fieldwork.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Credits
Nature of Science and Scientific Thinking	20
Introduction to Chemistry	10
Introduction to Mathematics	20

Other Modules (Dependent on Degree Progression Pathway)

• Biochemistry (10 credits)
• The Environment (10 credits)
• Industrial Chemistry (10 credits)
• Waves and Particles (10 credits)
• Sustainability Chemistry (10 credits)
• Applied Biology (10 credits)
• Biology of Populations (10 credits)
• Organisms: Form and Function (20 credits)
• Introduction to Physics (20 credits)
• Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics (10 credits)
• Introduction to Calculus (10 credits)
• Introduction to Statistics (10 credits)
• Introduction to Pure Mathematics (10 credits)

Course Pathways

These are based on a general degree progression and their essential topics.

• If you wish to progress onto an engineering, physics, maths, or computing degree, you'll be on the engineer or science pathway.
• If you wish to progress onto a chemistry degree, you'll be on the chemistry pathway.
• If you wish to progress onto a biological degree, you'll be on the biology pathway.
• If you wish to progress onto an earth and environment degree, you'll be on the earth pathway.

Learning and Teaching

There is a strong emphasis during the foundation year on helping you achieve your full potential. Teaching is imaginative, interactive, and supportive to make sure you're intellectually stretched. You'll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, group tutorials, and hands-on practicals, complemented by e-learning, simulation, and problem-based learning.

Assessment

Methods of assessment during the foundation year reflect those that you'll find later in your degree to ensure that you're well prepared for continuing study. Assessment is a key way of enabling you to learn by doing, and feedback from tutors supports this process. You'll be assessed through a variety of different types of assessment methods, such as examinations, presentations, problem-based learning assessments, and writing up experiments.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: ABB or above, excluding critical thinking and general studies.
• GCSE: English and science at grade C/4 or above and GCSE mathematics at grade B/6 or above, or equivalent.
• Alternative qualifications are also accepted, including Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificate, and Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers.

Fees

• UK: £9,790
• The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student.
• Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790.
• The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students.

Applying

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 subject area you want to progress to.

Career Opportunities

On successful completion of the foundation year, and subject to meeting the academic requirements for progression, you will advance onto year one of your chosen degree courses in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, environmental science, food science and nutrition, physics, or psychology. Your career progression depends on the undergraduate degree you study.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

The study abroad option is part of the progression degree after the foundation year. All opportunities available within the specific progression degree are available to foundation year students. Work placement opportunities are part of the progression degree after the foundation year. All opportunities available within the specific progression degree are available to foundation year students.

Related Courses

• Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
• Bachelor Degree with Integrated International Foundation Year (Engineering) BEng
• Bachelor Degree with Integrated International Foundation Year (Science) BSc
• Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc
• Gateway Year to Medicine MBChB

University of Leeds

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Overview:

The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is a large and prestigious institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant campus life.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:

• Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• Biological Sciences
• Business School
• Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Environment
• Medicine and Health
• Social Sciences