Biosciences with a Foundation Year

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Foundation Course
Duration
1 (as part of 4/5 yr integrated degree programme)
Typical A-level offer
Students are accepted from a wide range of backgrounds. Each application is considered individually.
Typical contextual A-level offer
This course does not participate in the contextual offer scheme.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually. Please contact us for advice before submitting an application.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS .

Course overview

  • Prepare to study for a bioscience undergraduate degree if you do not have the right qualifications for direct entry to the full degree course.
  • Take your foundation year at Xaverian College, which is located close to the University, alongside sessions on our campus.
  • Become a full student member of the University with a guaranteed place in a hall of residence.

Open days

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .

We also operate campus tours where a student ambassador will tell you all about life at the University. You may also meet with admissions staff, subject to staff availability. These tours run on most days and are open to anybody thinking of applying for any of our bioscience courses.

To book, please contact the Admissions Office at  ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £32,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Contact details

School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Telephone
0161 529 4539
Email
Website
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/biosciences/
School/Faculty overview
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

A-level

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually.

If you have already obtained A-levels (or equivalent) in subjects inappropriate for direct admission to one of our bioscience degree courses (grades ABB or above), a good standard of GCSE or equivalent in science and mathematics will also be required.

If you have been out of education for some time, we would normally recommend that you take an Access to HE Diploma course to be considered for Year 1 entry onto one of our courses; we cannot consider applicants studying on an Access course for entry onto the Foundation Year. Please contact us for further advice before submitting an application.

Students who have taken sciences at A-level but do not achieve ABB or above will only be accepted onto the Foundation Year if there is evidence that they have underperformed due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate's understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification.

Contextual offer

This course does not participate in the contextual offer scheme.

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.

International Baccalaureate

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually. Please contact us for advice before submitting an application.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see accepted entry qualifications from your country

Scottish requirements

Scottish Advanced Highers/Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations, if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our Biological Sciences degree courses:

  • Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-BBB or
  • Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-BB plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB or
  • Five Highers with grades AAAAA-AABBB

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this at grade B or above when taken with two A-levels, if the A-Level subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to the first year of one of our bioscience degree courses (minimum AB required).

For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

European Baccalaureate

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

Please contact us for advice before submitting an application.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

Applicants already studying a Foundation Year will not be accepted on to the Biosciences with a Foundation Year programme.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to undergraduate courses in the School of Biological Sciences:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.

Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one A-level with grade A.

Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels with a minimum of grades AB.

Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma with grade D for entry when it is taken with two A-levels with a minimum of grades AB.

Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate with grade D for entry when it is taken with two A-levels with a minimum of grades AB.

Combinations of BTEC and A-levels suitable for Biosciences year one entry will not be considered for entry into the Foundation Year. For details of year one entry requirements, please refer to the webpage of the degree programme you are interested in.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate

We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy BTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two A-levels (minimum AB).

We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)

We do not accept the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC) for entry to this course.

Legacy CTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two A-levels (minimum AB required) if the subjects are inappropriate for direct admission to one of our biological sciences degree courses.

We do not consider the CETC Certificate for entry to this course.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Access to HE Diploma

Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma will not be accepted on to the Foundation Year.

Cambridge Pre-U

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually. Please contact us for advice before submitting an application.

T Level

We consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year: 

  • Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science (Delivered by NCFE)
  • Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science(Delivered by NCFE)
  • Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health(Delivered by NCFE)
For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk.

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

  • GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade 4 or C;
  • IELTS 6.5 in every component or;
  • An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.

Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

You should not usually apply for more than one of the bioscience courses offered by The University of Manchester as your offer will be the samefor most courses. Please contact us for advice if you are intending to do so.

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Some candidates may be interviewed online or by telephone, or asked to complete an alternative admissions statement.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual units. If you have re-sat your final examinations we may consider your application in exceptional circumstances. We would generally require a minimum grade of an A for any subject being re-sat. Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

Our BSc Biosciences with a Foundation Year course enables all of our bioscience undergraduate courses to be studied with a foundation year if you do not have a science background or the appropriate entry qualifications.

Taught by Xaverian College close to the University campus, the Foundation Year provides the necessary academic background in biology, chemistry and mathematics to prepare you for study on any one of our biosciences courses .

There is also a complementary programme of tutorials, seminars and laboratory practicals at the main University campus.Successful completion of the Foundation Year allows you direct entry onto any of our three- or four-year degree courses.

Special features

Register as a university student

As a Foundation Year student, you are a full student member of The University of Manchester and you will have a University registration card. You have full representation on the student-staff committee and a guaranteed place in a University hall of residence.

Teaching and learning

The Foundation Year of study is delivered primarily by staff on the premises of  Xaverian College , Manchester. The Foundation Year runs from the middle of September to June. Regular laboratory work reinforces some of the subject material and helps develop practical skills.

View a typical  foundation year timetable  (PDF, 46KB).

Student support

In addition to academic tutorial support, you are allocated a personal tutor for pastoral support. Your tutor will be available for one-to-one meetings and will become well-known to you.

Additional academic support will be provided by the Foundation Year team and additional pastoral support will be available from the counselling services at Xaverian College and the University.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment consists of formal examinations (80%) in January and May and coursework and tests throughout the year.

Course unit details

Your study on the Foundation Year is credit rated, consisting of a total of 120 academic credits. You study a common core of units in biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Biology forms approximately half the core content. Lectures cover a wide range of areas including cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, microbes and disease, ecology and physiology. Regular laboratory work reinforces the subject material and helps you to develop practical skills.

As a sound grasp of chemistry is essential for biological scientists, more than a third of the core consists of chemistry. This involves the study of atomic structure, bonding, rates of reaction, inorganic and physical chemistry, organic and medicinal chemistry.

The units in mathematics enable you to manipulate and analyse experimental data accurately and to use statistical and mathematical techniques in a biological context. Study skills support and help with core content is provided through weekly tutorials.

The units you will study are:

  • Molecules Cells and Variation (XABY01)
  • Microbes and Disease (XABY02)
  • Energy and the Environment (XABY03)
  • Physiology (XABY04)
  • Fundamental Principles of Chemistry A (XA0201)
  • Fundamental Principles of Chemistry B (XA0221)
  • Inorganic and Organic Chemistry A (XA0212)
  • Inorganic and Organic Chemistry B (XA0222)
  • Mathematics (XAMA01/02)

Course units for foundation year

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Foundation Year BIOL10900 0 Mandatory
Health & Safety online course BIOL12000 0 Mandatory

What our students say

Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the  Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .

Facilities

In addition to the excellent study facilities at Xaverian College, you have full access to all of the  University's facilities  including the University library, computer and learning resource centres.

You will also be able to access the wide range of sporting and social activities available to all University students.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Our graduates go into a range of careers, both within the biological sciences and in other sectors.

Find out about how we help our students prepare for the workplace and the careers our graduates go into within and outside the lab.