BSc/MEnvSci Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year

Tuition fees for the one-year Foundation programme for home (UK) students are £9,250 for September 2023 entry.

Tuition for the one-year Foundation programme for EU and international students are £22,000 for September 2023 entry.

If you successfully pass the Integrated Foundation Year, you will be guaranteed a place on the first year of your chosen degree. Please visit the course page of the BEng or BSc course page to find out the fee for the remainder of your three-year degree programme.

For general please see the undergraduate finance page.

The Foundation Year Bursary  is available to UK students who are registered on an undergraduate foundation year here and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance.

Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our  International country profiles .

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages  and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all applications are considered on their individual merits. Decisions are based on the application as a whole - including the qualifications, the personal statement, and the referee's comments. The following must therefore be viewed only as general guide.

Our entry requirements vary depending on the subjects being taken at A-level. Typically, we would be looking for:

• BBC, where a student has three relevant subjects
• BBB, where a student has two relevant subjects
• ABB, where a student has one relevant subject

The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, and Statistics.

If you are unsure whether you would be considered with your qualifications/predictions, we would encourage you to contact us before making an application.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the Integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme. To help us make our decision, applicants may be asked to attend an Academic Assessment.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

This course does not participate in the contextual offer scheme.

Find out more about contextual admissions .

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:

a) sat your examinations early;orb) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

Acceptable only in combination with other qualifications.

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 an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics, if not taken at A-level.

GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

GCSE/iGCSE grade 6/B in one of Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science is also required, if not taken at A-level.

32 points overall, with 5,5,5 at Higher Level, including one of Mathematic, Physics or Chemistry. Mathematics at Standard Level is required if not taken at Higher Level.

For this programme of study we will accept either Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL.

The University of Manchester has a rich academic heritage and is one of the world's leading research-intensive universities. It also has a long history of welcoming international students and seeks to continue this tradition by admitting excellent students from across the world.

Details of country specific entry requirements are available here .

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the Integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A-levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.

Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications. Applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all such applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

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.

Students are accepted from a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

Students are accepted from a wide range of education backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference.

In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

Applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.

We normally require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 (10 hour) credits) with at least 45 at Level 3 and the remainder at Level 2.

Specific grades in specific subjects will be part of the offer.

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and all qualifications are considered on their individual merits. Entry and the type of offer made will be dependent on the level and amount of Mathematics and Science taken. Decisions are based on the application as a whole, including your qualifications, your personal statement and your academic reference. In all cases we only offer places to applicants if we are convinced that they have the academic potential and the high level of motivation that is needed to be successful on the Integrated Foundation Year and on their chosen degree programme to be undertaken after successfully completing the foundation year.

Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

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 Departments may also chose 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.

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 Department Admissions Team to clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

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.

Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines .

If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact us.

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact us directly. Further information for mature students can be found here .

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.

Home students to achieve GCSE/iGCSE in English Language grade 4/C or equivalent.

International/EU students to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any component.

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.

All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may be required to complete an academic assessment.

Your referee should give realistic grade predictions for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .

Academic assessment

Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, or applicants who have not studied mathematics or sciences at A-level (or equivalent) may be asked to complete an academic assessment as part of the application process. The assessment takes the form of an online, invigilated, multiple-choice test.

We do not suggest that applicants prepare specially for the assessment, and it's important to note that it is not an entrance exam. The assessment is designed to test an applicant's aptitude and give us a picture of their current level of understanding and knowledge in key areas of mathematics, physics and chemistry.

If you are invited to complete an academic assessment, please sign up to Zoom if you haven't already done so, and familiarise yourself with the service. If this is your first-time using Zoom, you may wish to have a trial 'meeting' with a friend or family member ahead of your academic assessment. We will send you all the instructions you will need via email. Please also remember to check your email for the Zoom links in order to attend.

Please inform us of any disability or special requirements prior to taking the academic assessment. You can do this by emailing ug-earth-sci@manchester.ac.uk .

Academic assessment

Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, or applicants who have not studied mathematics or sciences at A-level (or equivalent) may be asked to complete an academic assessment as part of the application process. The assessment takes the form of an online, invigilated, multiple-choice test.

We do not suggest that applicants prepare specially for the assessment, and it's important to note that it is not an entrance exam. The assessment is designed to test an applicant's aptitude and give us a picture of their current level of understanding and knowledge in key areas of mathematics, physics and chemistry.

An applicant's performance in the test is assessed in the context of their individual educational background and will form just one element of their application, alongside their qualifications, personal statement and the referee's statement.

If you are invited to complete an academic assessment, please sign up to Zoom if you haven't already done so, and familiarise yourself with the service. If this is your first-time using Zoom, you may wish to have a trial 'meeting' with a friend or family member ahead of your academic assessment. We will send you all the instructions you will need via email. Please also remember to check your email for the Zoom links in order to attend.

Please inform us of any disability or special requirements prior to taking the academic assessment. You can do this by emailing ug-earth-sci@manchester.ac.uk .

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 in exceptional circumstances.

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.

We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in more than one sitting, provided they are taken over the standard two-year period.

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.

Students take a total of 12 units (120 credits) from the list below. Students will take either Mathematics 0B1 and 0B2 or Mathematics 0C1 and 0C2, according to the outcome of a diagnostic assessment at the start of the course. Students choose either Matter and Energy (Phys 1) or World of the Electron (Phys 2).

The Foundation Year Bursary  is available to UK students who are registered on an undergraduate foundation year here and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance.

Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our  International country profiles .

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages  and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.

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