We accept a range of qualifications at the appropriate academic level. The Science Foundation Year offers students without the standard entry requirements the opportunity to access our BSc courses.
A levels
For direct entry to all our degree courses, we require passes in three subjects at A level, excluding General Studies, with the following grades:
Depending on the course you choose, you must have passed either Biology or Chemistry at the required level. Other acceptable science A level subjects are listed in the individual course details.
If you are taking IB, we require 34 points with 17 at higher level at higher level including two higher level science subjects. Depending on your course, this should include either Biology or Chemistry with six points at higher level.
For Scottish Advanced Highers or Irish Leaving Certificate, you should have achieved grades equivalent to the A level standard.
For BTEC, Access, 16-19 Diploma and other UK and EU science-based qualifications, we consider applications on an individual basis. We may recommend that you apply for a four year option including Science Foundation Year.
If you are a UK applicant, you should also have GCSE grades A-C in English, Mathematics and Science.
We welcome applications from international students with good qualifications for any of our courses. All applicants will be considered on an individual basis. Depending on your academic background and achievements, we may also be able to accept you as a visiting student, or allow you direct entry into the second year of a degree courses.
If you have not studied science-based subjects to the required standard, you should consider our four-year courses which include the Science Foundation Year
If English is not your first language, you will need to have already reached a satisfactory standard in an approved test in English, such as Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C or above or IELTS grade 6.5.
If you have professional experience, or credit through prior learning at another institution, you may be eligible to use this experience against some of the programme requirements for period of study. You will need to present evidence that you have met the learning outcomes of the programme. Full details can be found in the University's Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning. If you think this may apply to you, please see below for contact details.
For four-year courses that include the Science Foundation Year, you will need a minimum of GCSE passes in Maths, English and Science, or equivalent.
The Science Foundation Year may be the best option for you if:
For more information contact: sfy@soton.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 8310
Applications from mature students (over 21 years in the October of the year of entry) are welcome. Applications will be considered on an individual basis but should show recent study and show qualifications that meet our entry requirements or are equivalent. The Admissions Tutor will be happy to advise you before you submit your application (see contact details below).
Applications for part-time study are considered on an individual basis.
Applications are made direct to Biological Science's rather than through UCAS, and forms are available from the Admissions Team (contact details below). The Admissions Tutor will be happy to advise you before you submit your application.
If you have any queries about your qualifications, the course requirements or the application process, please contact our Admissions Team before you submit your application.
Email: ugafnes@soton.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 7755