Health Sciences with Foundation Year Foundation Certificate - Fd cert

If you don’t meet the requirements for an undergraduate healthcare degree, our Health Sciences with a Foundation Year BSc course could be for you.

This one-year foundation programme will help you develop your academic reading, writing, critical thinking, communication and scientific skills with modules in biosciences, body systems, digestion and nutrition to prepare you for the next level of study. 

After successfully completing the foundation year, you'll receive a Foundation Certificate in Health Sciences (FCert). This will support your application to study healthcare at degree level, at the University of Nottingham or elsewhere. We offer courses in the fields of midwifery, nursing, sport rehabilitation, physiotherapy and health promotion and public health. 

Please note: If you meet the entry requirements for our undergraduate courses, you are not eligible to apply for this foundation course. 

This course is not open to EU/international applicants.

Academic skills and development:

* Build essential academic skills: Develop your reading, writing and critical thinking abilities with expert support to prepare for degree-level study.

* Tailored assessments: Be assessed through a variety of engaging methods that reflect real academic and healthcare contexts.

* Explore evidence-based practice: Begin to understand how research and evidence shape real-world healthcare decisions and patient care.

Supportive and inclusive environment:

* Support that goes beyond the classroom: Be part of a strong, supportive network which focuses on your sense of belonging as well as academic and pastoral support.

* Feel part of the university from day one: Access the same sports, societies, and student services as undergraduate students.

* Be part of a vibrant community: Immerse yourself in a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages personal growth and exploration.

Why choose this course?

* Strong progression rates: In 2024, 71% of our Foundation Year students progressed to health sciences degrees at the University of Nottingham.

* Experience innovative, healthcare-specific teaching from day one, including from registered health professionals.

* Discover your healthcare pathway and build a strong foundation to progress into a wide range of health science degrees and careers, from nursing to physiotherapy and beyond.

* We’re ranked 16th in the UK for health professions (The Guardian University Guide 2026).

* 94% of health sciences undergraduates secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22-2022/23).