Science with Foundation Year

Overview
There’s more than one route to becoming a scientist. If you don’t have the grades for our other science degrees, this BSc (Hons) Science with Foundation Year course is the best place to start. Once you’re up to speed, you can choose which science degree to move on to after your Foundation year.

You’ll study biology, chemistry, earth sciences, psychology, sport and exercise science, and health sciences. And develop skills you’ll use throughout your career, from technology to numeracy.

If you want to be a professional scientist, this science foundation degree could be your launchpad.

• Gain knowledge of many different scientific principles and practices, and build the skills and understanding to use them

• Get hands-on in our labs, assessing the physical effects of polar conditions in our extreme environments lab, working with medical manikins in our healthcare simulation suite, and monitoring ecosystems in our shoreside marine station

• Study alongside students from other scientific interests and backgrounds, and be taught by academics and guest lecturers with experience in industry and research

• Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a science degree at university – including how to conduct field work and write up your findings

Quick guide to foundation year courses

A foundation year course allows you to:

• Explore your options before choosing your Bachelor's degree course

• Experience university life and get a taste for the way you'll be taught

• Develop the study skills and knowledge you'll need to succeed in your chosen Bachelor's degree

Careers and opportunities
Do you see yourself conducting lab experiments and researching cutting-edge scientific theories? Perhaps you want to help athletes break new records, uncover new ways to protect endangered species, or fight diseases.

Whatever area of science you're interested in, there's never been a better time to become a scientist. Science and technology are key areas of the UK economy and likely to be even more important in the future as low-skilled jobs decline. There's a shortage of science graduates across various fields, and many sectors are struggling to recruit professionals.

This science foundation year, and the Bachelor's degree you move on to, will prepare you for a scientific career that makes a real difference.

You'll have the flexibility to choose what science-related degree you want to study from year 2 onwards, and you'll get ongoing careers support from our Careers and Employability Service for up to 5 years after you graduate from your full degree.

Placement year opportunities
Once you've completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelor's degree, you'll have the chance to do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.

Taking a placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation.

For example, Environmental Science students have taken placements at organisations including Mott MacDonald and Enitial, and Sport and Exercise Science students have completed placements with Portsmouth FC, England Volleyball and the Hampshire Football Association.

We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

The University of Portsmouth is passionate about creating career-focused modules that do more than support your studies, they empower your academic journey and prepare you for what comes next.

We design modules that have:

• Clear themes and skills development as you progress through each year
• Assessments that feel meaningful, often based on real-world tasks rather than isolated exams
• Career-enhancing opportunities such as placements, live projects, enterprise and volunteering

For a full list of the modules you will study on this course, please visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/bsc-hons-science-with-foundation-year#modules

You’ll be assessed through:

• coursework
• examinations
• presentations
• laboratory work
  You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.