Foundation Year Science

Typical entry requirements

Entry requirements for September 2023 entry

All applicants must hold:

• GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at minimum grade 4/C
• GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at minimum grade 6/B

As well as 1 of the following Level 3 qualifications:

BTEC

Our offer for students who have studied a BTEC is typically DDM with distinctions in the majority of modules.

Other applicants

Mature applicants are especially welcome and will be considered on an individual basis. We will be looking for some recent study (e.g. an AS or A-Level, completed OU modules) and for work experience relevant to your preferred subject area. You will need to show an aptitude for mathematics and science and may be invited to an interview.

International students

If you can show a proven ability in science and maths, but you come from a region or country where an A-Level equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University is not available, you may be considered for the Foundation Year.

English language

If English is not your first language, we ask you to obtain a recognised language qualification. If you can demonstrate that you have achieved IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University, you will be able to join the course without the need for additional English language classes.

If you have not yet reached IELTS 6.5 but plan to be based in Southampton, you could consider taking a separate preparatory language course.

Selection process:

Each application is considered individually. However, whether you are coming directly from full-time education, or from a different background, you need to demonstrate an aptitude for maths and science. This could be through recent qualifications (for example, as a mature student you may have already completed Open University modules), relevant work experience or both.

Audiology

Your application should provide evidence of:

• A clear and strong motivation to study audiology
• A caring and compassionate approach
• Personal values and attitudes that align with those of a health care professional
• Realistic insight into the role of an audiologist

As part of the selection process candidates will be required to participate in a group task during a visit to the University before they start their Science Foundation Year with Audiology course.

Non-academic conditions: Progression on to the undergraduate Audiology degree programme is subject to satisfactory Health and Criminal Record checks.

All students must pass an Occupational Health check before they can progress to Audiology from the Science Foundation Year and all students must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (criminal record) check at the start of the Audiology course. 

This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.

Typical course content

Whatever degree course you are aiming for, you will take all the modules listed below. All modules are studied for the whole year and are assessed through both coursework and examination. The coursework module integrates elements from the different disciplinary modules and is assessed by a range of approaches. The examinations held in January carry 40% of the marks and those held in June carry 60% of the marks for each disciplinary module.

Students with an IELTS of 5.5 or 6.0 who already have the Mathematics required for their destination degree programme, will be required to follow the Language Pathway and will take GENG0016 English for Engineers and Scientists.

Modules

GSCI0008 Fundamentals of Biology

GSCI0009 Fundamentals of Chemistry

GSCI0011 Laboratories and Coursework

GSCI0010 Mathematics for Scientists

GENG0014 Routes to Success

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide or website).

There may be funding available for the course you progress to after the Science Foundation Year. Funding opportunities can be found on the relevant course pages.

There are no additional costs for the Science Foundation Year. Any additional costs for the course you progress to can be found on the relevant course pages.

Costs associated with this course

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.