Skip navigation
You are viewing our beta course page.

Science with Foundation Year (Integrated Honours Programme)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
University Park Campus

Course summary

Do you want to study a science degree, but either didn’t take the right subjects at A-Level, or didn’t meet the grades for the science-based degree you wanted to study?

Our 1 year foundation course prepares you for undergraduate study, giving you the subject-specific knowledge and skills you need to progress on to one of our science undergraduate courses.

After successfully meeting the progression criteria of the foundation year you will be guaranteed progression on to your chosen undergraduate degree.*

You'll benefit from an accelerated study, meaning you'll only be taught the information you'll need to succeed in your chosen undergraduate degree. You'll also be able to have the ‘university experience’ from day one, allowing you to join societies, clubs, and social events alongside your peers.

*Some courses require you to pass an additional interview

Please note: this course does not accept international/EU applications.

Is this course for me?

The foundation year is ideal if you:

  • Have A-level grades, or equivalent, but not the right subjects for direct entry to a science degree

  • Have A-level grades, or equivalent, but not the right grades in specific science subjects for direct entry to a science degree

  • Meet the university's conditions for contextual admissions and have a grade lower than our entry requirements in the same subject or are an elite athlete

  • Will be a mature student returning to education and have evidence of recent study

What will I study?

Biology and chemistry are the two main components of foundation science. You'll also study maths and science skills which are applied directly to biology and chemistry topics. We also provide human biology for students keen on the biomedical sciences.

Fundamental to our courses is a significant amount of laboratory work which will allow you to develop the analytical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that have set our foundation science students apart from direct applicants and gives them a head start in their undergraduate studies.

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Science-with-Foundation-Year-BSc-Hons-U6USCNCEY.html

How to apply

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:
CGF0
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BBB

Applicants must not have qualifications that would normally permit entry to a science degree.

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

Students with a science based BTEC course that does not meet the subject/content requirements of the degree they wish to progress to, will be considered. Please contact the School for further information.

Access to HE Diploma

Students with a science based Access course that does not meet the subject/content requirements for direct entry to the degree they wish to progress to, will be considered. Please contact the School for further information.

Scottish Higher - BBBBB

This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades BB. Applicants must not have qualifications that would normally permit entry to a science degree.

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

Students with a science based BTEC course that does not meet the subject/content requirements of the degree they wish to progress to, will be considered. Please contact the School for further information.

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

Students with a science based BTEC course that does not meet the subject/content requirements of the degree they wish to progress to, will be considered. Please contact the School for further information.

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

Students with a science based BTEC course that does not meet the subject/content requirements of the degree they wish to progress to, will be considered. Please contact the School for further information.

Scottish Advanced Higher - BB

Advanced Higher grades BB plus Higher grades BBBBB. Applicants must not have qualifications that would normally permit entry to a science degree.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points

or 555 in 3 HL certificates Applicants must not have qualifications that would normally permit entry to a science degree.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Can be accepted when combined with appropriate A Level subjects - please contact School for further information.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M2, M2

Applicants must not have qualifications that would normally permit entry to a science degree

European Baccalaureate requirements - 75% overall. Applicants must not have qualifications that would normally permit entry to a science degree.

GCSE requirements - Five GCSE's at grade 5 (B)or above, including Maths plus Biology and Chemistry or Science (double) or Science and Additional Science or Core and Applied Science, plus English Language grade 4 (C)* or above.

  • GCSE requirements vary for progression on to specific science degrees taught at Nottingham:
    Psychology and Pharmacy require 5 (B) in English

Pharmacy and Biochemistry require 6 (B) in Maths

Additional entry requirements

Other
The Science with Foundation Year course is designed for both United Kingdom and EU students whose school leaving qualifications are at a high level but do not meet the current subject admissions requirements for direct entry to undergraduate programmes. International students from non EU countries should apply for CFGZ Science with Foundation Year.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

89% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

60 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790*Year 1
Scotland£9790*Year 1
Wales£9790*Year 1
Channel Islands£9790*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790*Year 1

* 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

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202526/undergraduate.aspx

Like this page