Natural Sciences (with a Foundation Year) BSc Hons

The Natural Sciences (with a Foundation Year) BSc Hons program is designed for students who do not meet the standard entry grades for a STEM degree at Lancaster University. This program offers a unique opportunity for students to prepare for a STEM degree while being fully involved in university life.

Overview

The program is based at the Lancaster University School of Mathematics, in partnership with Cardinal Newman College in Preston. Students will study three modules linked to their chosen degree during the year, with a combination of compulsory and optional STEM-based modules. The teaching day will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with free transport from the Lancaster campus to Cardinal Newman College provided four days a week during term time.

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• 3rd for Student Experience in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
• Design your own degree from a wide range of science pathways
• A Natural Sciences degree gives you versatile skills and broad career opportunities across science and beyond

Your Department

• Natural Sciences
• Faculty of Science and Technology

How Our Pathways Work

A pathway is a defined selection of modules taken from a range of degree programmes. We offer pathways in:

• Biology
• Biomedicine
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Computing and Communications
• Earth and Environment Science
• Ecology
• Electrical Engineering
• Human Geography
• Human Physiology
• Mathematics (Statistics)
• Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence
• Mechanical Engineering
• Pharmacology
• Physical Geography
• Physics
• Psychology

What is Natural Sciences?

A Natural Sciences degree gives you a unique opportunity to mix scientific subjects to form your own hand-picked degree. If you are interested in more than one science subject or are interested in where traditional disciplines overlap, Natural Sciences is the choice for you.

Careers

A Natural Sciences degree ensures that you graduate with a broad and multidisciplinary set of skills, which means that you benefit from the widest range of career opportunities. The flexibility of the degree and the breadth of subjects that you can study allow you to transition into a career from any scientific discipline.

Supporting Your Future

At Lancaster, we're passionate about ensuring our graduates are prepared for the world beyond university. We offer:

• Placement Year: provides a wonderful opportunity for you to increase your attractiveness to employers and add a distinctive element to your CV
• Internships: we have an extensive network of businesses providing a range of full-time and part-time paid internship opportunities
• Career Support: our dedicated Careers Service offers a lifetime of support, guidance, and advice to all of our students

Entry Requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course:

• A levels: CCC, including two science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics
• Access to HE Diploma: considered on a case-by-case basis
• Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: accepted in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM considered on a case-by-case basis
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall with 14 points from the best 3 HL subjects
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: we are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers
• GCSE requirements: Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C
• English language requirements: IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Course Structure

As part of Natural Sciences (with a Foundation Year), you will study three subject-specific modules, designed to align with your intended undergraduate degree. You will study one compulsory module, Scientific Maths, and you will pick two additional STEM modules from:

• Additional Maths
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics

Fees and Funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting at the beginning of each academic year. Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2026/27 are:

• Home: ｣9,790
• International: not applicable

Additional Fees and Funding Information

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships and Bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply. You may be eligible for:

• Lancaster Bursary: ｣1,000 in each year of study
• Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship Home: ｣3,000 in your first year of study
• International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship: ｣3,000, as a tuition fee reduction, per year of study

Similar Courses

• Natural Sciences BSc Hons: GFC0
• Natural Sciences MSci Hons: FCF3
• Natural Sciences (Placement Year) BSc Hons: GFC1
• Natural Sciences (Study Abroad) BSc Hons: CFG2
• Natural Sciences (Study Abroad) MSci Hons: CFG1

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to the stated entry year, and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication. The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses.

Lancaster University

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Overview:

Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and is recognized for its high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lancaster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including a library, sports center, and arts venues. The university also has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student societies and clubs to join.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings and Reputation:

Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, demonstrating its academic excellence.

Excellent Teaching and Learning:

The university is known for its high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and support.

Vibrant Student Life:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and arts events.

Beautiful Campus:

The university is situated on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong Career Support:

Lancaster University provides excellent career support services to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: * Arts and Social Sciences * Health and Medicine * Management School * Science and Technology