Biological Sciences with Foundation Year BSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

This Foundation Year programme is aimed at students who wish to study Biological Sciences or Medical Sciences in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Leicester, whose A-level subjects don’t match our entry criteria or who don’t have the necessary entry requirements Completion of the integrated Foundation Year at the level required will enable you to progress onto the first year of the BSc in Biological Sciences, from where you will be able to transfer, if you wish, onto one of our other, more specialised Biological Sciences or Medical Sciences degrees. You will be taught by expert academic staff from across a number of departments in the College of Life Sciences, studying alongside other students in the School of Biological Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Psychology. The course strongly emphasises the development of the study skills that will be necessary for success in your undergraduate studies and beyond.

These study skills will be integrated within the course material and take advantage of innovative learning technologies. During your Foundation Year you will join our student community and be able to enjoy all aspects of the University of Leicester student experience. You will be able to join the Students’ Union, use our academic and leisure facilities, live in our accommodation and access all of our support services.

You will have a personal tutor to support you, and our excellent staff/student ratio means that you will get all the help you need throughout your studies. Watch the full subject spotlight on Springpod Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.

If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied. We welcome applications from motivated students whose predicted g

Key highlights

Progress to first year of BSc after completing the Foundation Year
Option to transfer to specialised Biological or Medical Sciences degrees
Taught by expert staff from across the College of Life Sciences
Study alongside Biological Sciences, Medicine and Psychology students
Study skills integrated into course material using innovative learning technologies
Personal tutor support with an excellent staff/student ratio

Entry requirements

GCSE: 4/C — to include English Language, Mathematics, Science
A-level: CCC — to include to include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
BTEC: DDM — BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDM, plus five GCSEs at BBBCC/55544 including two relevant science subjects at B/5.
International Baccalaureate: 26 — International Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 26 points to include grade 4 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology.
Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass Diploma with 45 credits at level three, including 15 at distinction and 15 at merit
T-level: Merit — to include in Science (with an Occupational

Scholarships

Chancellor’s International Scholarship
This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.
Up to £3,000
Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).
Up to £1,000
Family Loyalty Discount
10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.
Up to 10% of fees
International Citizens of Change Scholarship
A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.
Up to £10,000
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.
International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver
Music Scholarship
Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.
Up to £500
Sanctuary Scholarships
Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.
Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award
Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

Laboratory technician
Research assistant
Biomedical scientist
Clinical research associate
Science teacher
Pharmaceutical sales representative

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; Tuition fees for subsequent years of the degree will be charged at the standard undergraduate rate set by the UK Government. For the 2027/28 academic year, the Home UK tuition fee is expected to be £10,050. Further increases are anticipated to be implemented automatically through government legislation, therefore it is likely that your tuition fees will rise for each subsequent year of your studies. | International: £25,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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