Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
We recognise that there are many routes to success at degree level. Our science foundation year specifically caters for those who lack the traditional entry qualifications to join the first year of a science degree.
You are likely to be someone with either non-science-based qualifications, someone who has tried science-based subjects but has yet to realise their potential or are a mature student, with skills and experience from employment, who wants to return to education.
The foundation year has the benefit of being part of the extended degree. It gives you access to a range of activities and staff on the degree programme that you will continue your studies on.
The foundation year in science is taught at the University and you'll have access to all its facilities. Subject materials and teaching are tailored to degrees at Kingston and you'll develop practical, technical and communication skills, and apply knowledge to real-life problems.
This foundation year is available with these courses:
Where taught | Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
---|---|---|---|
Kingston University | 1 year full time | UCAS codes are included on the relevant webpage for the course you would like to study | 2025 |
Main Location | Penrhyn Road |
The foundation year provides a supportive environment in which you can build your confidence, whilst developing the academic and practical skills alongside the subject knowledge to continue on the degree of your choice.
Throughout the foundation year, you will study a range of subjects relevant to subsequent study in Year 1 of your degree and beyond. These subjects are supported by modules which develop your study and mathematical skills. The broad scope of subjects enables study in a range of subject areas and, in some instances, allows flexibility of choice of intended degree route. Subjects start at an elementary level, and there is a strong emphasis on the development of practical skills. In the Project-based Science Module you will also undertake a project where you focus on a topic relating to your degree subject.
30 credits
This module will provide you with the essential skills for academic success in your degree. This module emphasises developing independence, resilience, reflective practice and critical thinking. It focuses on four key areas crucial for student success. For Academic Study Skills, you will learn effective strategies for information retrieval, reading, writing, note-taking, and time management to enhance your ability to engage with academic and professional material.
You will develop hands-on skills in scientific inquiry, including how to design experiments, collect data, and critically evaluate scientific results. The module covers fundamental mathematical concepts and techniques for analysing and interpreting data, which are essential for success in scientific fields. In terms of digital competences, the module focuses on the effective use of technology, including online research tools, use of AI, software for data analysis, digital communication platforms and basic programming. By the end of the module, you will have a solid foundation to approach your future studies with confidence, equipping you with the tools to succeed in your academic and professional journeys.
30 credits
This module focusses on project-based learning approaches to create real-world outputs. You will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, oral and written communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving and reflective practice. The module emphasizes collaborative learning, requiring students to work together to brainstorm, plan, and execute projects that address a range of real-world scenarios specific to your chosen degree. You can choose the individual projects you undertake.
You will be introduced to the concept of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their importance and how project-based problem solving can address such goals.
This module is designed to introduce and start to equip you with the skills and mindset needed to address real-world challenges in a dynamic and reflective way.
30 credits
This module is designed to provide an essential introduction to the biological sciences, through the study of biochemistry, cells, tissues, body systems, and genetics. It also introduces some of the relevant tools and techniques used in modern biology.
You will gain awareness of the importance of modern biological sciences, along with an appreciation of their interdisciplinary nature, and their applications.
This module will provide you with opportunities to develop your written, analytical, and mathematical skills, applicable to the biological sciences and enable you to work safely, and responsibly in the laboratory whilst employing good practice.
30 credits
This module offers an engaging introduction to chemical sciences, exploring key concepts through the study of introductory chemistry, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. It also introduces some of the relevant tools and techniques used in contemporary chemistry.
This module will enable you to work safely, and responsibly in the laboratory whilst following best practices and provides you with opportunities to develop your written, analytical, mathematical and digital skills.
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Teaching uses a variety of approaches including lectures, seminars and tutorials, workshops and laboratory practical work. Sessions are designed to be active, involving students undertaking small projects and working in groups to solve problems. The use of technology to enhance learning is an important way in which students are supported. Particular emphasis is placed on developing study skills that will help mature applicants who are returning to education and those from non-science backgrounds.
Assessment includes a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework may take the form of report writing, practical data reports, case studies and presentations with emphasis on real world problems. Examinations take place at the end of the year, giving you the opportunity to settle back into education and the course. The style of assessment provides a natural progression to Year 1 of your chosen degree.
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
The libraries offer:
Faculty staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures our courses are current and industry informed, meaning you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.
Staff will use their experience and professional networks to hone your skills and shape you into the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Success on the course will qualify a student for progression to Year 1 of a bachelors degree at Kingston University. Career opportunities are dependent upon the chosen degree route and are included on the relevant course page.
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.