- UCAS course code
- F012
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BSc/MEnvSci Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year
Year of entry: 2024
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Science/Master of Environmental Sci
- Duration
- 1 (as part of 4/5 yr integrated degree programme)
- Typical A-level offer
-
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 have any queries, please contact us before applying.
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
This course does not participate in the contextual offer scheme.
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
32 points overall, with 5,5,5 at Higher Level, including one of Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable), Physics or Chemistry.
If Mathematics is not studied at Higher Level, then we would require Standard Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) with Grade 6 or higher.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
- UCAS course code
- F012
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
On the Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year you are an undergraduate at The University of Manchester. The course is taught at The University, by academics from The University. Provided you achieve the specific progression criteria for your chosen degree, completion of the Integrated Foundation Year guarantees you a place on first year of your chosen degree.
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 £24,000 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).
Scholarships/sponsorships
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.
![](https://assets.manchester.ac.uk/corporate/images/design/sdg/logo-transparent.png)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 543 4021
- ug-earth-sci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty overview
Related courses
- Physics with an Integrated Foundation Year BSc/MPhys
- Chemistry with an Integrated Foundation Year BSc/MChem
- Earth and Planetary Sciences with an Integrated Foundation Year BSc/MEarthSci
- Materials Science with an Integrated Foundation Year BSc/MEng
- Mathematics with an Integrated Foundation Year BSc
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
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.
Contextual offer
Find out more about contextual admissions .
Duration of A-level study
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.
AS-level
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 an offer conditions.
GCSE
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.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall, with 5,5,5 at Higher Level, including one of Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable), Physics or Chemistry.
If Mathematics is not studied at Higher Level, then we would require Standard Level Mathematics (either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ are acceptable) with Grade 6 or higher.
Other international entry requirements
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 .
Scottish requirements
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.
European Baccalaureate
Please contact the Department Admissions Team for further information on your suitability to study on our Integrated Foundation Year.
AQA Baccalaureate
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.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
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.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
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.
Access to HE Diploma
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
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.
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 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.
Core Maths
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.
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.
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.
Non-standard educational routes
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 .
English language
Home students to achieve GCSE/iGCSE in English Language grade 4/C or equivalent.
International/EU students to achieve a UKVI for IELTS score of 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each sub-skill.
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances.
We look for recent relevant study. Please feel free to contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss your particular circumstances.
How your application is considered
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 .
Interview requirements
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 .
Aptitude test requirement
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 .
Deferrals
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.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting
Re-applications
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
Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year is a one year programme designed to improve your mathematical and scientific understanding and skills to a level where you will be able to start a degree in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in one of the following subject areas:
On the Foundation Year you will study mathematics, physics and chemistry. In addition, you will take modules in Academic Skills and ICT (Information and Communications Technology). You will also complete a group project, related to your intended degree programme and supervised by an academic from your future School.
Special features
Teaching and learning
The programme embraces a variety of approaches to teaching and learning, including lectures, small group tutorials, seminars and project work. Particular strengths are the high level of staff contact and individual learning support, individual pastoral support, project work in physical science-based Departments and associated disciplines within the Faculty.
Your focus is the Foundation Studies Office, where staff provide day to day support. The dedicated Common Room offers you a place to study, prepare coursework, carry out work using the computers, or simply socialise. There is a strong sense of community within the student body and excellent tutorial support. Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year is delivered on the University campus by University staff.
With strong links with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the environment for study is essentially the same as for undergraduate study on degree programmes in physical science and associated disciplines. You will find that this assists greatly in easing your move into first year of your chosen degree programme on successful completion of the foundation year.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment is based primarily on formal examinations at the end of each semester (in January and June). A smaller proportion of the overall assessment is based on coursework carried out throughout the academic year.
Course unit details
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).
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Chemistry 1 | FOUN10001 | 10 | Mandatory |
Information and Communications Technology | FOUN10011 | 10 | Mandatory |
Foundation Year Project- Chemical Engineering | FOUN10022 | 10 | Mandatory |
Academic Skills | FOUN10031 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chemistry 2 | FOUN10042 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chemistry 3 | FOUN10052 | 10 | Mandatory |
Matter and Energy Phys 1 | FOUN10061 | 10 | Mandatory |
Waves and Particles Phys 3 | FOUN10072 | 10 | Mandatory |
World of the Electron Phys 2 | FOUN10111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Foundation Year Project-Chemistry | FOUN11022 | 10 | Mandatory |
Displaying 10 of 29 course units for foundation year | |||
Display all course units for foundation year |
Scholarships and bursaries
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.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester is one of the most targeted universities in the UK for top graduate employers. Graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in high demand, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 - High Fliers Research.
Our popular integrated foundation route has produced outstanding graduates across all of our science and engineering courses. Employers will recognise your determination to succeed, adaptability, analytical skills and independent thought. Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year gives you the preparation you need to proceed to degree level programmes in the subject area of Environmental Science in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Careers Service
We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.