University of Surrey

BSc Biological Sciences with foundation year

University of Surrey

Course overview

The BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year at the University of Surrey is designed for students who will have to go through a preparation year before starting their full honours degree in Biological Sciences. The foundation year gives you the basics in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, together with the study skills needed for success at the university level. This course gives you both scientific knowledge and skills like critical thinking, data analysis, teamwork, and scientific communication.

After the foundation year, you progress into the main degree where you will learn through lectures, lab work, fieldwork, tutorials, and research projects. Surrey’s teaching approach uses practical experiments, interactive workshops, and case studies to help you understand real biological challenges. You will be measured through some assessment methods, like coursework, lab reports, presentations, exams, and a final research project in later years.

Entry requirements

To apply, you will need to submit your academic qualifications, a personal statement showing your interest in biological sciences, and references from a teacher or employer.

Grade Requirements:

  • Offers are typically in the range ABB-BBB at A-Level (or equivalent) for entry into Biological Sciences or the foundation route. Science or mathematics subjects are often expected.
  • Equivalent international qualifications are accepted. Please contact AHZ counsellors for specifics.

English Proficiency:

  • If English is not your first language, you must show sufficient English ability via tests like IELTS.
  • Equivalent test scores, such as TOEFL or PTE, are also accepted.

Scholarships

  • Discounts for Surrey Graduates

    As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Early Payment Discount

    The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.

    Up to £2,000

  • ICAEW Foundation Bursary

    The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.

    Up to £5,000

  • International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS

    The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • International Excellence Award (Postgraduate)

    This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.

    Up to £5,000

  • International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)

    The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.

    Up to £5,000

  • ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program

    Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.

  • Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship

    This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.

  • Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.

  • Surrey MBA Women in Leadership

    This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.

  • The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship

    The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).

    Up to £30,000

Career opportunities

Graduates of BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year can move into careers such as:

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Biotech Research Assistant
  • Wildlife Conservation Officer

Cost of study

International students will pay about £27,000 for the BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year programme.

Admission

You can apply for the BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year through UCAS or directly through the University of Surrey’s undergraduate application system. For guidance for this process, kindly reach out to one of our trained counsellors.

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