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. Our foundation year offers you a rapid introduction to biology, chemistry and mathematics, equipping you with the knowledge, skills and attributes that are needed to meet the challenges of your chosen undergraduate degree. You will undertake laboratory work and a variety of assignments to develop your critical thinking and problem solving. This programme may suit you if you are studying for A Levels in subjects different from those normally required for our science degrees. It may also interest you if you are a mature applicant, with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study, or if you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system. Please see our website for entry requirements and the full list of degree programmes you can automatically progress on to after successful completion of the Science Foundation Year.
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
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 Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDM
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - 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 | Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component |
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
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
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ