Science Foundation Year
Subject and course type
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science and Chemistry
- Biology, Biochemistry and Biomedical Science
- Forensic Science
- Undergraduate
- Foundation
Ready to start your journey towards a Science honours degree? This Science Foundation Year will give you the knowledge and skills you need to progress your studies and realise your ambitions.
You are reading:
Make sense of the world around us
Apply knowledge to real-life problems and develop practical, technical and communication skills.
Studying a Foundation Year in Science at Kingston University is your first step towards a full science bachelor's degree. You’ll complete the course ready to progress to Year 1 of an honours course.
During the course, you’ll take core modules that cover everything from professional skills and project management to the basics of biological and chemical sciences. It’s the perfect way to gain an overview of the field before you specialise.
You’ll get a taste of academic life in a supportive university environment, with access to a range of cutting-edge facilities. Through a blend of practical and theoretical learning, you’ll develop your technical and communication skills and apply your knowledge to real-life problems.
Maybe you don’t have the right qualifications to join the first year of a Science degree. Perhaps your previous studies have been in an unrelated field, or you’re returning to education after time in employment. Whatever your reason, this Foundation Year will help you realise your potential.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, our staff are leading practitioners and researchers at the cutting-edge of their discipline.
A portion of your learning will take place in the £9.8m Eadweard Muybridge building, which features state-of-the-art laboratories. Facilities include an exercise physiology and biomechanics lab, computing laboratories, a modern nutrition kitchen and a range of specialist equipment, such as electron microscopes and spectrometers.
You’ll also have access to several libraries with a wide range of online, resource and subject-specific materials. When you finish the course, you’ll have the essential skills you need to make your next move.
Apply for this course
Select your chosen degree programme and apply for the including foundation year course. The corresponding UCAS codes are listed below.
- Biochemistry 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
- Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B208
- Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B212
Course content
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.
Foundation year
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
30 credits
This module is designed to 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 emphasises 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.
Future Skills and career opportunities
Boost your employability
Every course at Kingston University teaches a range of Future Skills. From problem-solving and adaptability to digital competency, these are the attributes you’ll need to get the edge in the job market and a head start on your career.
After you graduate
You’ll complete this year with the foundational knowledge and key academic skills you need to progress to Year 1 of a Science bachelor’s degree at Kingston University. With subject areas ranging from biochemistry, chemistry and environmental science to geography, pharmacology and more, you’ll open doors to a huge set of potential career opportunities.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
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.
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.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
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.
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 322 hours; 27%
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 878 hours; 73%
Types of assessment
- Year 1: 90% coursework; 10% exam
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
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.
Fees and funding
Fees are included on the relevant webpage for the degree course you would like to study.
- Biochemistry 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 - Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B208 - Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
UCAS code: B212
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.
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. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
