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Foundation Year in Life Sciences

Course details
  • CertHE
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

A foundation year in Life Sciences gets you ready for studying a university degree. It gives you access to degrees in Biochemistry, Biological or Biomedical science.

It is very helpful if you don't have the right qualifications for a science degree. It's also helpful if you have been out of education for a while, or if you want to build your confidence in science.

Why you should study this Life Sciences course
Life Sciences is a growing industry. It is forecast to continue growing due to the expected changes in global health trends. Life Sciences graduates are employable in a wide range of professions.

This foundation year course helps you with your transition into higher education. It is open to students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.

By completing this course, you can join the second year of one of our Life Sciences BSc (Hons) degrees. This is unusual for a foundation course, as you would usually start in the first year.

This course is useful for students from a variety of educational backgrounds. You'll get a broad-based foundational education in life sciences.

You'll build your understanding of key principles in biology, chemistry, physics and numeracy. This will prepare you for successful study in the Life Sciences.

We will make sure you get dedicated tutorial support, and that you develop your skills.

What you will learn on this course
Over the course of the year, you will learn about:

  • the basics of physics, chemistry, and numeracy

  • biochemical reactions, and the techniques used to investigate them

  • how cells and living organisms function

You will also:

  • develop your techniques and skills relevant for the biosciences, including laboratory skills

  • learn how to record biological data and plan experiments

  • gain confidence in numeracy, chemistry, and data handling for science

  • develop your scientific skills through problem-solving activities

  • build your transferable skills in communication, time management, critical thinking and teamwork

  • get tailored academic support to prepare you for degree-level study

The benefits of studying a foundation year with us
By studying this foundation year course in Dundee, you are not adding a year to your overall study time. On completion of this course you can start in the second year of one of our undergraduate degrees. This is not the case with most similar courses.

In some of your modules, you'll study alongside our first year BSc students. In other modules you'll receive targeted support and learn important skills. This means the jump into second year of a BSc degree should be easier.

In Life Sciences we do all we can to boost your career opportunities and give you the experience you need.

The work of our world-leading life sciences researchers shapes what we teach and how we teach it. This means you'll get a good understanding of the fundamentals of the field.

It also means that you'll learn the latest advances and be well-prepared for life after study. You'll get cutting-edge skills that industry is looking for, improving your employability.

We have trained many graduates who have been successful in a wide range of professions. Due to the outstanding reputation of our School of Life Sciences, these graduates are highly sought after.

We offer a wide range of Life Sciences degrees to choose from.

How to apply

This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C103
Institution code:
D65
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

A level
CCC

Including biology, plus GCSE mathematics at C/4

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

A relevant BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with DDM

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30 points

30 points overall with 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level

A combination of IB Certificate plus other qualifications, such as A-Levels, Advanced Placement Tests or the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), will also be considered.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

A level CCC

Including biology, plus GCSE mathematics at C/4

English language requirements

You can find details of our specific IELTS English language requirements and other accepted English language qualifications on the individual course webpages on the University website. English language tests should be no more than two years old on the start date of your chosen course. All results will be verified online.

General guidance for our accepted English language qualificationshttps://www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Dundee - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Tuition fees shown for Rest of UK and Scottish students are for students starting in the 2025/26 academic year. Please note: From 2026/27, the UK Government has indicated that universities may be permitted to increase tuition fees annually in line with inflation. Any tuition fee increase will follow the process and terms set out in the University’s Student Terms and Conditions www.dundee.ac.uk/corporate-information/student-terms-and-conditions and will be communicated to you in advance.

This programme is only available for Rest of UK fee status.

Clearing contact details

Clearing Hotline

Our vacancies and application form

Phone:01382 386386

Course Clearing information

Additional information

We're here to help with any questions about Clearing, from the application process to accommodation. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday with extended hours on the following dates.

Thursday 15 August 9am - 7pm,
Friday 16 August 9am - 7pm,
Saturday 17 August 9am - 3pm,
Sunday 18 August 9am - 1pm.

Course contact details

Admissions and Student Recruitment

Phone:01382 383838

University of Dundee

Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN

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