Programme Type:

Course Overview

You will study biology alongside the core skills in mathematics, statistics and physics or chemistry needed to study biology in higher education. You will study two core modules of biology and a third covering contemporary issues in biology. A fourth core module covers the study skills and core mathematics that underpin study of biology. You will take optional modules in either chemistry or physics, plus a final module covering statistical skills needed to analyze and understand data.

Key features

  • This course is an integrated part of a biology degree at the University of Plymouth. Successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) provides progression onto Year 1 from a choice of biology degrees. With historical pass rates in excess of 85 per cent, you have an excellent chance of progression onto Year 1. You can progress onto BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology or BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare from this course.
  • You will benefit from over 25 years of expertise in science foundation courses at the University of Plymouth, which continue to produce excellent degree candidates.
  • You will be prepared to study at degree level during the course, so unlike A levels or Access Courses, you will actually learn how to study at degree level, giving you a significant advantage once you move onto the degree itself.
  • Your studies can be funded through standard tuition fee loans – it does not require an upfront investment.
  • You will benefit from an enthusiastic, supportive academic staff that have substantial experience in helping students realise their potential and who are active researchers in their fields.
  • You will be taught at the University itself – not on a satellite campus or in a tertiary college – and you will be taught by the same academic staff that teach on our other degrees.
  • You will benefit from the full University experience from day one – Fresher’s Week, a full university Library and IT provision and so on to fully support your studies.
  • The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

Entry Requirement 

Academic Requirements:

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Candidates with formal qualifications awarded in the last three years:

For candidates with science-based Access to Higher Education diplomas: a pass in the diploma overall, with passes in the science based units therein (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). 

For candidates with BTEC National modules: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP from a science-related subject. 12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP from a science-related subject. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

For candidates with A levels: a minimum of 2 A levels to include at least one pass in a science subject.

For candidates with International Baccalaureate:  24 overall to include 1 subject from science – English and mathematics must be included.

For candidates with other post-GCSE qualifications such as NVQ, Level 3 is usually required. If you have GNVQ or AGNVQ, passes in science subjects are generally required.

We would usually expect GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4, or equivalent.

For international applicants, we require an IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each element.

English Language Requirements:

The following Secure English Language tests (SELTs) are Home Office (UKVI) approved and accepted by the University of Plymouth and the University of Plymouth International College (UPIC). The scores required have been increased from the UKVI minimum specified scores to meet University requirements.

  • IELTS (Academic)
  • Trinity College London ISE (only a SELT if taken in the UK)
  • LanguageCert International ESOL 
  • Pearson PTE Academic

A SELT must be taken at an approved UKVI center.

The other tests and qualifications listed here have been deemed acceptable by the University of Plymouth and UPIC to meet our entry requirements and UKVI requirements for study at RQF 6 and above. 

Please note that these tests and qualifications are not SELTs.

When studying on a pre-sessional course or course below RQF 6, a SELT is a mandatory requirement set by UKVI. 

If studying at RQF 6 level and above, the University is permitted to accept other qualifications that we deem meet UKVI and our requirements.

Fees

This information was accurate on : 20/04/2021
Please contact us for more information about this courses

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