Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

**Overview**<br/>There’s more than one route to becoming a scientist. If you don’t have the grades for our other science degrees, this BSc (Hons) Science with Foundation Year course is the best place to start. Once you’re up to speed, you can choose which science degree to move on to after your Foundation year.<br/><br/>You’ll study biology, chemistry, earth sciences, psychology, sport and exercise science, and health sciences. And develop skills you’ll use throughout your career, from technology to numeracy.<br/><br/>If you want to be a professional scientist, this science foundation degree could be your launchpad.<br/><br/><br/>- Gain knowledge of many different scientific principles and practices, and build the skills and understanding to use them<br/><br/><br/>- Get hands-on in our labs, assessing the physical effects of polar conditions in our extreme environments lab, working with medical manikins in our healthcare simulation suite, and monitoring ecosystems in our shoreside marine station<br/><br/><br/>- Study alongside students from other scientific interests and backgrounds, and be taught by academics and guest lecturers with experience in industry and research<br/><br/><br/>- Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a science degree at university – including how to conduct field work and write up your findings<br/><br/><br/>**Quick guide to foundation year courses**<br/><br/>A foundation year course allows you to:<br/>- Explore your options before choosing your Bachelors degree course<br/><br/><br/>- Experience university life and get a taste for the way youll be taught<br/><br/><br/>- Develop the study skills and knowledge youll need to succeed in your chosen Bachelors degree <br/><br/><br/>**Careers and opportunities**<br/>Do you see yourself conducting lab experiments and researching cutting-edge scientific theories? Perhaps you want to help athletes break new records, uncover new ways to protect endangered species, or fight diseases.<br/><br/>Whatever area of science youre interested in, theres never been a better time to become a scientist. Science and technology are key areas of the UK economy and likely to be even more important in the future as low-skilled jobs decline. Theres a shortage of science graduates across various fields, and many sectors are struggling to recruit professionals.<br/><br/>This science foundation year, and the Bachelors degree you move on to, will prepare you for a scientific career that makes a real difference.<br/><br/>Youll have the flexibility to choose what science-related degree you want to study from year 2 onwards, and youll get ongoing careers support from our Careers and Employability Service for up to 5 years after you graduate from your full degree.<br/><br/>**Placement year opportunities**<br/>Once youve completed your foundation year and moved on to your full Bachelors degree, youll have the chance to do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.<br/><br/>Taking a placement year will give you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation.<br/><br/>For example, Environmental Science students have taken placements at organisations including Mott MacDonald and Enitial, and Sport and Exercise Science students have completed placements with Portsmouth FC, England Volleyball and the Hampshire Football Association.<br/><br/>Well give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and well continue to mentor you throughout your placement.

If you apply through Clearing, you'll be offered a guaranteed room in halls if you accept your offer within 24 hours of receiving it and apply for accommodation as a new full-time undergraduate student by 9am on 20 August 2025.<br/><br/>Sign up for Priority Clearing to get accommodation information straight to your inbox as well as access to Portsmouth's Clearing Visit Day on Thursday 7th August. Priority Clearing applicants will jump the queue on Results Day, get exclusive Clearing updates, invites to Portsmouth Prepare for Clearing Webinars and one-to-one application support.<br/><br/>Through the open day, students can get a feel for Portsmouth's welcoming campus and community before joining the university. With guaranteed accommodation, they can rest easy and ensure they are in the heart of the student community.