BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation
About this course
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Foundation is a biology degree preceded by a one-year foundation programme. The foundation year is designed for applicants from under-represented groups in higher education who have not yet attained the qualifications required for direct entry to a degree, and eligibility criteria apply. Delivered by tutors from Durham's Centre for Academic Development, it offers 100 places, centres on how knowledge is constructed within a degree, metacognition and independent learning, and leads to Level 1 study on successful completion.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Entry criteria: Specific Eligibility Criteria Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years) Applicants over 21 are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 5 or higher in Maths and a Science subject, GCSE grade 4 in English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects. Essential Criteria for younger applicants (under 21 years) Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 5 or higher in Maths and a Science subject (which must include a Biology component) and GCSE grade 4 in English Language. Recommended Criteria for all applicants Successful applicants for this route are likely to have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in Chemistry, or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in this subject.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 29%: 10 offers from 35 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 83 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 125 students who started
- Continued on course: 99%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 43 graduates who answered
- Working: 56%
- Working and studying: 14%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 11%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 35%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 135 students who started
- A levels: 99%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £37,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £56,000. The £37,000 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at Durham University do next?
84% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at Durham University?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at Durham University?
The average entrant had 173 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at Durham University?
29% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 10 offers from 35 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at Durham University?
99% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.