Course contact details
UG BIOSCI 2025
Email:ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)161 529 4539
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
Course summary
Our BSc Biosciences with a Foundation Year course enables all of our bioscience undergraduate courses to be studied with a foundation year if you do not have a science background or the appropriate entry qualifications.
Taught primarily by Xaverian College close to the University campus, the Foundation Year provides the necessary academic background in biology, chemistry and mathematics to prepare you for study on any one of our biosciences courses .
There is also a complementary programme of tutorials, seminars and laboratory practicals at the main University campus. Successful completion of the Foundation Year allows you direct entry onto any of our three- or four-year degree courses.
Modules
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Bachelor of Science • Full-Time • 5 Years
- Bachelor of Science • Full-Time • 4 Years
Start dates
Application codes
- Institution code:
- M20
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Application codes
- Institution code:
- M20
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.
Course optionsEntry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level
Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually.
If you have already obtained A-levels (or equivalent) in subjects inappropriate for direct admission to one of our bioscience degree courses (grades ABB or above), a good standard of GCSE or equivalent in science and mathematics will also be required.
If you have been out of education for some time, we would normally recommend that you take an Access to HE Diploma course to be considered for Year 1 entry onto one of our courses; we cannot consider applicants studying on an Access course for entry onto the Foundation Year. Please contact us for further advice before submitting an application.
Students who have taken sciences at A-level but not achieved AAB may still be considered if they receive a widening participation contextual flag . Other cases will only be accepted onto the Foundation Year if there is evidence that they have underperformed due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.
We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate's understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
If you have already obtained A-levels (or equivalent) in subjects inappropriate for direct admission to one of our bioscience degree courses (grades ABB or above), a good standard of GCSE or equivalent in science and mathematics will also be required.
If you have been out of education for some time, we would normally recommend that you take an Access to HE Diploma course to be considered for Year 1 entry onto one of our courses; we cannot consider applicants studying on an Access course for entry onto the Foundation Year. Please contact us for further advice before submitting an application.
Students who have taken sciences at A-level but not achieved AAB may still be considered if they receive a widening participation contextual flag . Other cases will only be accepted onto the Foundation Year if there is evidence that they have underperformed due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.
We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate's understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
T Level
We consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year:
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Laboratory Science
For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.
Contextual offers do not currently apply to applicants offering T-Level qualifications. Applicants meeting our contextual admissions criteria will not be made a reduced offer.
T Level applicants who meet our contextual admissions criteria, and who have been predicted a Merit, may be made an aspirational offer at the standard entry requirements of the course e.g., an offer subject to them achieving an overall grade of Distinction.
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health
Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Laboratory Science
For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.
Contextual offers do not currently apply to applicants offering T-Level qualifications. Applicants meeting our contextual admissions criteria will not be made a reduced offer.
T Level applicants who meet our contextual admissions criteria, and who have been predicted a Merit, may be made an aspirational offer at the standard entry requirements of the course e.g., an offer subject to them achieving an overall grade of Distinction.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers/Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations, if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our Biological Sciences degree courses:
- Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB or
- Two Advanced Highers with grades BB plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB or
Five Highers with grades AABBB
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB or
- Two Advanced Highers with grades BB plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB or
Five Highers with grades AABBB
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
AS
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma will not be accepted on to the Foundation Year.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers/Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations, if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our Biological Sciences degree courses:
- Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB or
- Two Advanced Highers with grades BB plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB or
Five Highers with grades AABBB
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB or
- Two Advanced Highers with grades BB plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB or
Five Highers with grades AABBB
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD
We consider the National Diploma with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels with a minimum of grades AB.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually. Please contact us for advice before submitting an application.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this at grade B or above when taken with two A-levels, if the A-Level subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to the first year of one of our bioscience degree courses (minimum AB required).
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD
We consider the National Extended Diploma with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one A-level with grade A.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D
We consider the National Foundation Diploma with grade D for entry when it is taken with two A-levels with a minimum of grades AB.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D
We consider the National Extended Certificate with grade D for entry when it is taken with two A-levels with a minimum of grades AB.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.
Applicants already studying a Foundation Year will not be accepted on to the Biosciences with a Foundation Year programme.
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to the first year of undergraduate courses in the School of Biological Sciences:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.
Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any component. |
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4/C, or; IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any component, or; An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page . The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/
International entry requirements
The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.
Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/
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.
This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.
Course optionsHistorical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.
Related courses
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