Health and Life Sciences Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education

About the course

Health and Life Sciences Foundation Studies: Certificate of Higher Education is a one year programme designed to prepare you for further study or a career in health and life sciences. It provides a supportive route into undergraduate degrees, including pathways towards nursing and healthcare.

This course is ideal if you do not yet meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto a degree. You will develop academic study skills alongside subject specific knowledge in biological sciences, human health and disease, building the confidence needed for progression.

What you’ll study

You’ll build a solid foundation in health and life sciences, while gaining professional skills valued across healthcare, laboratory and life science sectors, including academic writing, research methods, data analysis, experimental design and an understanding of human physiology.

Modules offered can vary each year but may include:

• Academic Skills and Communication

• Data Analysis and Research Skills

• Foundations of Biological Sciences

• Human Health and Disease

How you’ll learn

You will learn through:

• Lectures, seminars and practical workshops delivered by experienced academic staff

• Enquiry based learning to develop scientific thinking and problem solving skills

• Coursework, reports and essays that build academic and professional communication skills

• Regular meetings with your academic guidance tutor for personalised feedback and support

• Access to careers and study support services to help you plan your next steps

You will also have access to digital learning resources, including online library materials, scientific databases and virtual learning tools to support your independent study.

Future opportunities

On successful completion, you can progress onto undergraduate degrees in nursing, healthcare and other health and life science disciplines at Roehampton. The course also supports entry into roles where foundational knowledge in biological sciences and health is required.

Example career areas include:

• Nursing and healthcare professions

• Allied health roles

• Laboratory and life sciences support roles

• Public health and community health settings

• Further study in health and life sciences

The transferable skills you develop, including analytical thinking, scientific enquiry and communication, support both further study and long term career progression.

Facilities

You will study in a supportive academic environment with access to specialist facilities.

• Modern teaching rooms and seminar spaces

• Science laboratories equipped for practical learning

• Library resources including scientific journals and online databases

• Dedicated study spaces and careers support services

These facilities support your academic development and help you apply health and life sciences knowledge with confidence.

Roehampton offers something genuinely distinctive: a supportive campus community in Southwest London, combined with the opportunities of one of the world's great cities. It's the perfect balance, giving you access to exciting career opportunities, world-class culture and industry connections, alongside a real sense of belonging.

Students choose from a wide range of undergraduate subjects, taught by expert academics with real-world experience built in. With a thriving Students' Union, competitive sport and a campus that feels like home, there's a rich life beyond the lecture hall too.

Live where everything happens. With on-campus halls, affordable prices and bills included, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free place to call your own - while stepping straight into a friendly, ready-made community. Plus, Roehampton is ranked the best-value student accommodation in London (Monzo), so you get more for your money.

With generous scholarships, bursaries, and a dedicated commuting bursary, Roehampton is committed to making sure finance is never a barrier. Whatever your background or responsibilities, Roehampton is designed to help you thrive.