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Science with Foundation Year

Entry requirements


A level

D,E,E

56 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels.

58 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma.

Cambridge Pre-U score of 32

GCSE/National 4/National 5

3 GCSEs at grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science/3 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English, Mathematics and Science.

56 Tariff points to include 2 Higher Level subjects.

56 Tariff points to include 2 Higher Level subjects

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

MPP

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

MPP

56 Tariff points, to include 2 Advanced Highers

T Level

P

D or E in the core

UCAS Tariff

56

56 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent.

56 points from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate including 1 A level, plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

About this course


This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.

Course option

4years

Full-time | 2024

Other options

5 years | Sandwich | 2024

Subject

General science

**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.

Modules

Year 1

Core modules in this year include:

Foundation Research Project – 20 credits
Introduction to the Biological World – 20 credits
Introduction to the Human World – 20 credits
Introduction to the Natural World – 20 credits
Numeric and IT Skills for Scientists – 20 credits
Study Skills for University – 20 credits

There are no optional modules in this year.

Years 2,3 and 4

The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 (and year 5 if you do a placement year or choose an integrated Master's degree) will depend on which science degree you choose at the end of year 1.

Placement year

The modules you study in years 2, 3 and 4 (and year 5 if you do a placement year or choose an integrated Master's degree) will depend on which science degree you choose at the end of year 1.

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry.

Assessment methods

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.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£9,250
per year
International
£19,200
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

University of Portsmouth

Department:

Faculty of Science and Health

Read full university profile

What students say


How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

General science

Sorry, no information to show

This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.


Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

71%
UK students
29%
International students
55%
Male students
45%
Female students
23%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

D
B
D

After graduation


Sorry, no information to show

This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.

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