University of Sussex

BSc Life Sciences with a foundation year

University of Sussex

Course overview

This is a four-year degree that includes a foundation year. The foundation year is for students who are in need of more help to prepare for a science degree. In this first year, students will focus on learning key academic and practical skills in biology, chemistry, and math. This solid start ensures they have the knowledge required for a challenging science course.

After they pass the foundation year, they can move forward to study one of many full degrees (BSc Honours). These include biochemistry, neuroscience, zoology, ecology, and conservation. This training prepares them to work with scientists on big global problems, such as finding cures for cancer or working on wildlife conservation. They will be assessed through exams, lab reports, presentations, and written essays.

Entry requirements

Candidates must submit a personal statement in which they state their reasons for studying the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A related academic or employer reference is also needed. Students can optionally upload their CVs together with their applications to show their work experience.

Grade Requirements

  • 3 'C' grades (CCC) at A-level. This must include at least one science subject, such as biology, chemistry, or psychology.
  • 27 points in total from a full IB Diploma. This must include a score of at least 4 in a higher-level science subject.

English Language Requirements

Applicants from non-English speaking countries must prove their English language skills. This can be achieved with an overall IELTS academic score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. The University also accepts equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) scores.

Scholarships

  • Cate Haste Scholarship in History

    £3,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £3,000

  • Cate Haste Scholarship in Media and Film

    £3,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £3,000

  • Chancellor's International Scholarships

    £5,000 in the first year of full-time study.

    Up to £5,000

  • Chancellor's Masters Scholarship

    £3,000 for applicants assessed as 'Home' for fees or £5,000 for applicants assessed as 'Overseas' for fees.

  • Gazelle Twin Scholarship for Women in Music Technology

    £500 each year of study. The opportunity to organise an annual student music event.

    Up to £500

  • Jan Metzger Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems MSc

    £12,550 fee waiver

    Up to £12,550

  • John Kinghorn Scholarship in Engineering

    £10,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £10,000

  • MBA Impact Scholarship

    £2,500 - £5,000 towards tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £2,500

  • Professor Colin Eaborn Chemistry Scholarship

    Up to £2,000 for BSc students, up to £3,000 for MChem students.

  • Sanctuary Scholarship (Masters)

  • Sanctuary Scholarship (Undergraduate)

  • Shan Vaswani Borgartz Scholarship in Media

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £5,000

  • Stuart Hall Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee discount.

    Up to £5,000

  • Sussex Alumni Scholarship

    £3,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £3,000

  • Sussex Progressive Futures Scholarships

    £10,000 tuition fee reduction.

    Up to £10,000

  • The University of Sussex Business School International Masters Award

    £2,000 will be awarded as a fee waiver to all overseas fee-paying students who start a full-time Masters course at the Business school.

    Up to £2,000

  • The University of Sussex Engineering and Informatics International Masters Award

    £2,000 will be awarded as a fee waiver to all overseas fee-paying students who start a full-time Masters course at the School of Engineering & Informatics.

    Up to £2,000

Career opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Life Sciences (with a foundation year) at the University of Sussex can pursue careers such as

  • Research Scientist
  • Conservation Biologist
  • Clinical Biochemist
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Genetic Counsellor

Cost of study

The full-time tuition fee for international students of the BSc Life Sciences (with a foundation year) at the University of Sussex is £23,500. This tuition fee is, however, subject to an annual increase.

Admission

To apply for the course, you can apply directly to the university through its online application portal. For personalised help with your application, please speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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