University of South Wales

BSc Biology including Foundation Year

University of South Wales

Course overview

The BSc Biology with a Foundation Year at the University of South Wales is a four-year course. The first year helps you build your skills if your school grades are not high enough for the normal biology degree. The course teaches you about living things, from tiny cells to whole ecosystems, and prepares you for careers in research, conservation, or laboratory work.

You learn through lectures, small group sessions, tutorials, practical lab work, and workshops. Teachers use real examples, guest speakers, and online tools to help you study. You are assessed through coursework, lab reports, presentations, essays, fieldwork notes, and exams.

After the BSc Biology including Foundation Year at the University of South Wales, you will have solid biology skills for jobs like lab technician, conservation officer, or research assistant, or for further study in ecology or genetics.

Entry requirements

To apply, submit a personal statement explaining your interest in biology together with details of your academic background. A reference from a teacher or employer is also required, and a CV showcasing relevant experience

Grade Requirements:

  • You will need to have 48 UCAS points from A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
  • BTEC Level 3 or other Level 3 qualifications are accepted.
  • Equivalent international qualifications are accepted.
  • Applicants with relevant work or life experience are also considered.

English Proficiency:

  • If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through achieving IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5, or equivalent qualifications such as TOEFL or PTE.

Scholarships

  • Chancellors International Development Scholarships

    International Development Scholarships of £2,500 are available for students from the regions, for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

    Up to £2,500

  • Chevening Scholarships

    All Chevening Awards cover tuition fees and living costs for a one year postgraduate course.

  • Course Kit Bursaries

    We are offering course kit bursaries to students in their first year of study to support with course costs.

  • International Office Scholarship

    Undergraduate (including top-ups): upto £1,500. Postgraduate: upto £2,000.

  • Postgraduate Sanctuary Scholarship

  • Undergraduate Sanctuary Scholarship

  • USW International Students Progressing to Masters

    Progression Fee Discount of £3,500.

    Up to £3,500

  • USW Scholarship £1000

    The University of South Wales is offering scholarships worth £1,000 to first year students who wish to study at least 40 credits through the medium of Welsh.

    Up to £1,000

  • USW Scholarship £250

    The University of South Wales offers scholarships worth £250 to students at levels 4-7 who wish to study at least 5 credits through the medium of Welsh.

    Up to £250

  • USW Summer School

    Please contact the provider.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Biology including Foundation Year from the University of South Wales, are well-prepared for a range of careers in biology, conservation, and research. Possible career paths include:

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Conservation Officer
  • Research Assistant
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Science Educator

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee for the BSc Biology, including Foundation Year, at the University of South Wales is £17,200 for international students in 2026.

Admission

Applications for the BSc Biology, including Foundation Year at the University of South Wales, can be made through UCAS or the university’s online application portal. For further assistance, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.

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