Health Sciences with Foundation Year

Our Health Sciences with a Foundation Year BSc course provides an alternative route to our degree if you do not meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate healthcare degree. This one-year foundation programme will help you develop your academic reading, writing, critical thinking, communication and scientific skills with modules in biosciences, body systems, digestion and nutrition to prepare you for the next level of study.
After successfully completing the foundation year, you'll receive a Foundation Certificate in Health Sciences (FCert). This will support your application to study healthcare at degree level, at the University of Nottingham or elsewhere. We offer courses in the fields of midwifery, nursing, sport rehabilitation, and physiotherapy.
Please note: If you meet the entry requirements for our undergraduate courses, you are not eligible to apply for this foundation course.

This course is not open to EU/international applicants. Physiotherapy pathway for 2026 entry is now closed.

Why choose this course?
Healthcare-Focused Learning
• Healthcare-specific teaching from day one Experience innovative healthcare-specific teaching and learning including from registered health professionals across health science
• Explore evidence-based practice – Begin to understand how research and evidence shape real-world healthcare decisions and patient care.
• Discover your healthcare pathway – Build a strong foundation to progress into a wide range of health science degrees and careers, from nursing to physiotherapy and beyond.

Academic and Skills Development
• Build essential academic skills – Develop your reading, writing, and critical thinking abilities with expert support to prepare for degree-level study.
• Tailored assessments – Be assessed through a variety of engaging methods that reflect real academic and healthcare contexts.
• Strong progression rates – In 2024, 71% of our Foundation Year students progressed to Health Sciences degrees at the University of Nottingham.

Supportive and Inclusive Environment

• Support that goes beyond the classroom Be part of a strong, supportive network which focuses on your sense of belonging as well as academic and pastoral support
• Feel part of the university from day one – Access the same sports, societies, and student services as undergraduate students.
• Be part of a vibrant community – Immerse yourself in a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages personal growth and exploration.