This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The Science Foundation Year can be your route onto a science degree at Southampton if you haven’t studied the necessary subjects to meet our direct entry requirements. If you can achieve ABB at A Level, or are a mature student with relevant skills and experience, then this course can be your way into the sciences. This one-year full-time course is integrated with a further three- or four-year undergraduate degree, and will equip you with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to successfully meet the challenges of our BEng and MEng Chemical Engineering degrees. It is aimed at highly motivated students who already have A-Level Maths (or equivalent), but don’t have the UK Chemistry A-Level needed for entry onto these degrees. You will study full-time through a combination of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and independent study, with three hours of laboratory practical work each week. You can also take a route through the Engineering Foundation Year if you do not have A-Level Maths which is required for entry onto the degree.
Modules
Whatever degree course you are aiming for, you will take all the modules listed below. All modules are studied for the whole year. The coursework module integrates elements from the different disciplinary modules and is assessed by a range of approaches. Modules: GSCI0008 Fundamentals of Biology, GSCI0009 Fundamentals of Chemistry, GSCI0011 Laboratories and Coursework, GSCI0010 Mathematics for Scientists, GENG0014 Routes to Success, For more information, visit the course page. Please note: information included was correct at time of publication, March 2024.
Assessment method
You will be assessed through unseen written exams, short tests, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory log books and reports, problems and other set assignments.
How to apply
29Jan
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - B
Extended Project - A
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - DD
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D
T Level - D
GCSEs: Grade 4 in English Language, Grade 5 in Maths and Grade 5 in two sciences (Biology, Chemisty, Physics) or 5,5 in Combined Science.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/foundation-years/science.page#entry_requirements
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £23620 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23620 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
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 courses starting in September 2025 will not be confirmed until August 2024. The fees shown are applicable to 2024 entry and are for illustrative purposes only. Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ