Science foundation year
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.
Modules reflect the degree subject you choose but will include the following modules:
Biological & Chemical Sciences
In addition, you'll take the following two modules:
Professional Success
You'll gain study skills for your degree, look at relevant career options and be introduced to business and project management.
Foundation Project-based Learning
You'll work on independent and group projects in your subject area, developing skills in team working, critical thinking and data handling.
This foundation year is available with these courses:
Choose your pathway
- Biochemisty BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: C708 - Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B948 - Biological Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: C118 - Chemistry BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F108 - Environmental Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F908 - Environmental Science with Hazards & Disasters BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F821 - Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F411 - Geography BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: F808 - Nutrition (Exercise & Health) BSc (Hons)
- UCAS code: CB64
- Nutrition (Human Nutrition) BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B401 - Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B208 - Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B212 - Sports Science (Coaching) BSc (Hons)
- UCAS code: CX6D
- Sports Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: C608
| 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 | 2023 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston
- Kingston is ranked No.3 in London for sport science (Guardian University League table, 2022).
- For the Environmental Science and Geography degrees, you'll put theory into practice through fieldwork in the UK and overseas.
- You'll gain extensive practical experience in brand new laboratories, recently opened as part of a £6.8 million investment.
What you will study
The foundation year is designed to provide 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.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry.
Modules
Throughout the 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 where your study and mathematical skills are developed. The broad scope of subjects is intended to allow 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 Skills module you will also undertake a project where you focus on a topic relating to your degree subject.
Core modules
Professional Success
30 credits
This is a core module for all students on the Foundation year in Science, Engineering and Computing and is designed to complement and support the subject content of the other modules within the programme. The focus of the module is the development of a range of academic study skills, contextualised to the students chosen subject. This in turn allows students to become independent, resilient and reflective learners who will be able to succeed in subsequent levels of degree study.
The module provides an early appreciation of the career opportunities that their degree leads to, which in turn allows students to determine the employability skills they need to develop. To consolidate employability, the basic principles of Business and Project Management are introduced to students in the context of their chosen degree subject. The personal tutor scheme is embedded within the module and is linked to students development log and aspects of employability.
Foundation Project-Based Learning
30 credits
This is a core module for all students on the Foundation year in Science, Engineering and Computing and is designed to allow students to develop a number of the skills introduced in the Professional Skills module, in particular those relating to critical thinking, problem solving and group work. The focus of the module is in project-based learning as applied to real-world scenarios and/or problems in the degree subject area of the student.
Biological & Chemical Sciences
60 credits
This module is delivered as part of Science pathway in the Foundation Year in Science, Computing and Mathematics. The module is core for students intending to continue to level 4 of a degree in a number of Life Science, Forensic, Nutrition, Sport, Chemical and Pharmaceutical related degrees. The module is designed to provide an essential introduction to the biological and chemical sciences, through the study of introductory chemistry, biochemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, cells, tissues, body systems, physical chemistry, genetics and evolution. It also introduces some of the relevant tools and techniques used in modern biology and chemistry.
The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.
Entry requirements
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.
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; and
- 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;and
- a growing selection of resource material.
Who teaches this course?
The course is taught at the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing. Faculty staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that our courses are current and industry informed ensuring 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
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.
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.
