Science foundation year

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

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.

Why choose this course?

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:

Choose your pathway

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

Reasons to choose Kingston

  • This foundation year helps you prepare for your intended degree, providing you with essential skills for success.
  • You'll gain extensive practical experience in brand-new laboratories, recently opened as part of a £6.8 million investment.
  • You will develop your problem-solving skills through project-based learning as applied to real-world scenarios.

What you will study

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.

Modules

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.

Core modules

Toolkit for Success

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.

Foundation Project-based Science

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.

Introduction to Biological Sciences

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.

Introduction to Chemical Sciences

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.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

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.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

  • 64 UCAS points from Level 3 qualifications.

Typical offer 2024

  • 64 UCAS points from two Level 3 qualifications.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications or significant experience that are equivalent to the standard offer.

Please note: This is not a standalone course but is an integrated foundation year. Successful completion of the foundation year will enable you to automatically progress onto the first year of your chosen degree. UCAS codes are included on the relevant webpage for the course you would like to study which offer the foundation year option. We will consider you as overqualified for the foundation route into Pharmacy if you have two or more science A2s. In such cases, we will attempt to make you an offer on an alternative course.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

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.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

27% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 322 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 878 hours

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios and dissertation).

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows:

  • Coursework: 90%
  • Exam: 10%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Facilities

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 £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories
  • an exercise physiology and biomechanics lab
  • modern applied biology and chemistry laboratories specialist equipment, such as electron microscopes and spectrometers
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance
  • a newly refurbished state-of-the-art nutrition kitchen.

The libraries offer:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area
  • online database subscriptions
  • a growing selection of resource material.

Who teaches this course?

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.

Course fees and funding

Fees for this course

Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

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.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

After you graduate

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.

Course changes and regulations

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.