Bachelor of Science (BSc)

BSc Mathematics with an Integrated Foundation Year

Maximise your achievement and fully prepare for degree-level study in your chosen course.

  • Duration: 1 (as part of 4/5 yr integrated degree programme)
  • Year of entry: 2026
  • UCAS course code: F014 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Scholarships available

Full entry requirementsHow to apply

Overview

Course overview

On the Mathematics 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.

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

  • Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
  • Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
  • Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your course:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Mathematics
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 3043
Email
Website
http://www.maths.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty overview

Courses in related subject areas

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

Entry requirements

A-level

BBB where a student has 3 relevant subjects

ABB where a student has 2 relevant subjects

AAB where a student has 1 relevant subject

The subjects considered to be relevant are Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Computer Science. If you are unsure, please contact us before making an application.

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.

Duration of A-level study

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

a) sat your examinations early;

or

b) 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.

A-level contextual offer

If you meet the criteria, you may be made a reduced offer. This will typically be at one grade below the standard offer. Find out more about contextual admissions .

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

If you meet the criteria, you may be made a reduced offer. This will typically be at one grade below the standard offer.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore 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 offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall with 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including at least one from 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.

GCSE/IGCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Grade B/6 in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics if not studied at A-level and at least Grade B/6 from one of GCSE/IGCSE Physics, Chemistry or Combined Science if not studied at A-level.

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

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific 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. For details of country specific entry requirements see accepted entry qualifications from your country .

English language requirements

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 C/4, or;
IELTS 6.0 overall with no sub-skill below 5.5, or;
TOEFL iBT 80 overall with no less than 20 in speaking and 18 in all other sub-skills. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, or;
An acceptable equivalent qualification .

Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) 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 us for clarification.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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 .

Please note: international students would require a UKVI IELTS, if the Foundation Year is taken as a stand-alone qualification.

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.

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

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.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

Factors contributing to a successful application include:

past academic performance; predicted academic performance; enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme; evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .

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 Admissions Office to discuss your particular circumstances.

Home-schooled applicants

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by 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

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 .

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Candidates may be required to complete an academic assessment. Strong examination results are the main factor in admitting students to our courses. We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This is assessed within a structured framework and includes prior and predicted grades. 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 .

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

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 especially 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 your 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 your individual educational background and will form just one element of your application, alongside your 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-mathematics@manchester.ac.uk

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on 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 also guarantee a place in the current year should the applicant's gap year plans change, subject to availability of places.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

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.

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting

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.

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

Mathematics 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 Mathematics 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 Department.

Special features

  • Students accepted from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds.
  • High levels of academic and pastoral support.
  • Successful completion guarantees a place on first year of your chosen degree in the Department of Mathematics.
  • Teaching by highly experienced University academics, with a proven track record.
  • Integrated Foundation Year students have full access to all University facilities.
  • 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 innatural 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. Mathematics with an Integrated Foundation Year is delivered on the University campus by University staff.

    With strong links with the Department of Mathematics, the environment for study is essentially the same as for undergraduate study on degree programmes innatural science and associated disciplines. You will find that this assists greatly in easing your move into the 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 choose two units from Matter and Energy (Phys 1), World of the Electron (Phys 2) or Chemistry 1 and one unit from Waves and Particles (Phys 3) or Chemistry 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.

    TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
    FOUN10001 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10011 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10031 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10042 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10061 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10072 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10111 10 Mandatory
    FOUN11022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN12022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN13022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN14022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN15022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN16022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN17022 10 Mandatory
    FOUN18022 10 Mandatory
    MATH19801 10 Mandatory
    MATH19812 10 Mandatory
    MATH19842 10 Mandatory
    MATH19852 10 Mandatory
    MATH19861 10 Mandatory
    MATH19872 10 Mandatory
    FOUN10001 10 Optional
    FOUN10042 10 Optional
    FOUN10061 10 Optional
    FOUN10072 10 Optional
    FOUN10111 10 Optional
    Displaying 10 of 27 course units for foundation year

    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

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    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 2023 .

    Our popular Integrated Foundation Year 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. Mathematics with an Integrated Foundation Year gives you the preparation you need to proceed to degree level programmes in the Department of Mathematics.

    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.

    Regulated by the Office for Students

    The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

    You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.