BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences. Core topics include critical and analytical thinking. The foundation year is taught by university academics and provides access to glasshouses, electron microscopy, marine labs, and interactive microscope technology. Students undertake fully funded international fieldwork during the second year.
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
GCSE: We would usually expect GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4, or equivalent. A level: 32 points from a minimum of 2 A levels to include at least one pass in a science subject. BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: BTEC National modules: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP from a science related subject. 12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP from a science related subject. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. Access courses: For candidates with science-based Access to Higher Education diplomas: a pass in the diploma overall, with passes in the science based units therein (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice. International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include 1 subject from science – English and mathematics must be included.
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 84%
- Organisation and management: 42%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 70%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 25%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 220 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 4%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 49%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started
- A levels: 95%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Successful Global Scientist
- Introduction to Our Natural World
- Exploring the Drivers of Our Natural World
- Sustainable Development Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £33,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £7,000 less than the UK median for Biosciences.
What do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth do next?
100% 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 Year at University of Plymouth?
87% 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 Year at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 80 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.