Bioscience (with Foundation Year)

Bioscience (with Foundation Year) at the University of Suffolk is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills in the biological sciences. This programme provides a strong foundation in key areas such as microbiology, genetics, ecology, biochemistry, and human biology, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in the rapidly expanding bioscience industry. The course is ideal for students who hold a non-science qualification or need to strengthen their academic background before progressing onto a full undergraduate degree. The Foundation Year offers a structured introduction to scientific concepts, laboratory techniques, and research methodologies, ensuring students develop the confidence and competence necessary for higher education study.

Throughout the programme, students will engage in practical laboratory work, experimental design, data analysis, and independent research projects, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The curriculum is designed to be both theoretical and applied, with opportunities for work placements, industry engagement, and collaborative projects that enhance employability. Students will learn about current issues affecting the bioscience sector, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, environmental management, and sustainable development, providing a well-rounded understanding of contemporary challenges and innovations.

The University of Suffolk's bioscience courses benefit from modern facilities and experienced academic staff dedicated to supporting student success. The programme prepares graduates for various career paths, including research assistant roles, laboratory technician positions, environmental consultancy, or further study at postgraduate level. With the rapid growth of biosciences across numerous sectors, this course aims to produce highly competent, adaptable professionals ready to contribute to scientific advancements and societal wellbeing. Upon completion, students will hold a solid foundation to pursue further specialization or enter the workforce confidently.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 8640 Year (EEA)
• EUR 10360 Year (Non-EEA)

Students starting at UCS in September 2013 will be charged £7,500 for a full-time Foundation degree.

Tuition fees for full-time undergraduate overseas fee payers for the academic year 2013-2014 are:

• Classroom-based 9,000 GBP (£)
• Laboratory-based 10,500* GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

The Foundation year consists of six modules delivered over two semesters and is assessed at the end of each semester. The course is delivered over three days each week. Modules studied include: Biophysical Science, Biological Basis for Life, Communication and Study Skills, Health and Nutrition, Human Biological Systems and Mathematics for Bioscience.

Modules on the Honours degree include: Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Introduction to the Genome, Human Physiology and Biomeasurement, Immunology, Molecular Biotechnology, Developmental Biology, Science Communication and Ethics, Regenerative Medicine, Bioentrepreneurship and Business and a research based Dissertation.

Modules studied:

Foundation

• Biophysical Science (20)
• Biological Basis for Life (20)
• Communication and Study Skills (20)
• Health and Nutrition (20)
• Human Biological Systems (20)
• Mathematics for Bioscience (20)

First Year

• Human Physiology and Biomeasurement (40)
• Introduction to the Genome (20)
• Cell Biology and Biochemistry (40)
• Skills for Biosciences (20)

Second Year

There is an optional work-based experience module in the second year which enables students to utilise and develop their skills within a relevant work environment. This is an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their employability skills and career prospects.

• Research Methods and Statistics (40)
• Molecular Biotechnology (40)
• Immunology (20)
• Biology of Disease (20) (option)
• Work-based Experience (20) (option)

Third Year

• Dissertation (40)
• Developmental Biology (20)
• Science Communication and Ethics (20)
• Pharmacology and Toxicology (20) (option)
• Regenerative Medicine (20) (option)
• Bioentrepreneurship and Business (20) (option)

All modules are either 40 or 20 credits as indicated in brackets. You will study modules up to the value of 120 credits each year if studying full-time, or 80 credits if part-time.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

English language requirements

All students need to be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Students whose first language is not English will need to take a recognised English Language test in advance of commencing a course at UCS and before the Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) letter is issued for visa purposes.
UCS accepts a range of English qualifications, with the following standards required:
IELTS (academic version): 6.0 for all degrees, apart from Diagnostic Radiography,Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses that require 7.0. Postgraduate courses generally require between 6.5 and 7.0.
TOEFL: 550 on paper-based test; 213 on computer-based test; or 79-80 on the internet-based test for all degrees
Pearson Test of English Academic - Minimum score of 50 is required
Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade B
GCE O-level or GCSE English Language/Use of English: Grade C
Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) International Baccalaureate English Grade B (standard level).
Hong Kong Certificate of English Education

BSc (Hons) (Four Year):

2013 entry: 200 UCAS tariff points (or equivalent)

2014 entry: 180 UCAS tariff points (or equivalent)

For example A2 level at grade D or above or equivalent. This excludes general studies. Please note PE and Sports Science do not count as science A levels. Plus five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) to include English, Mathematics and Science.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University Campus Suffolk.

Funding

UCS Financial Support

UCS Bursary 2013 Entry

From September 2013, UCS is introducing a new bursary scheme for students living away from the parental home, to help with accommodation costs while studying.

Successful applicants will receive a £1,000 bursary in their first year of study and a £500 bursary in both their second and third years of study.

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) has been created to offer support to students from lower income backgrounds. The Government has awarded a number of Scholarships to UCS for students starting an undergraduate degree in September 2013. UCS has committed to matching these Scholarships, providing fee waivers to a larger number of students.

Successful full-time applicants will receive a total fee waiver of £6,000; £3,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

Successful part-time applicants will receive a fee waiver on a pro rata basis for their first and second years of study. For example part-time students studying 50% of the full time equivalent course in their first year will receive a fee waiver of £1,500.

Suffolk Access Champion Scheme

The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme is open to students who have studied in Suffolk and are applying to study a full-time undergraduate degree programme at UCS in 2013/14.

Successful applicants will become Suffolk Access Champions and will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

In return for their participation in the scheme, Access Champions will receive a total fee waiver of £8,000; £5,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

UCS Science Fee Waiver

UCS is introducing a new Science fee waiver for students starting one of the four year science programmes in 2013. This scheme entitles successful applicants to a fee waiver of up to £1,500 across years two and three of their degree.

Ipswich Borough Council and UCS Bursary

Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) is working in conjunction with UCS to offer a non-repayable bursary scheme to selected full and part-time students from lower income backgrounds to help with costs associated with their course of study.

A total of four IBC and UCS bursaries are available in 2013/14. Successful applicants will receive £1,000 in their first year of study. Awards are expected to continue into Year 2 of study on the condition that household income remains within the scheme threshold.

The BSc Bioscience (with Foundation Year) at the University of Suffolk is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in biological sciences, preparing them for a variety of careers in industry, research, healthcare, and education. The programme offers a strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills, scientific understanding, and critical thinking, enabling graduates to contribute effectively in diverse bioscience sectors. The foundation year serves as an essential stepping stone for students who may not have the traditional qualifications required for direct entry into the standard degree course. During this year, students undertake fundamental modules in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, establishing a solid groundwork for advanced study. The main degree programme encompasses modules in cell biology, genetics, microbiology, human biology, ecology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, among others. Students also develop their research skills through laboratory experiments, group projects, and independent research assignments. The curriculum is regularly updated to align with current scientific developments and industry needs, ensuring that graduates possess relevant and employable skills. The university’s facilities include modern laboratories equipped with high-tech instrumentation, providing students with real-world experience. Additionally, the programme emphasizes employability skills, offering opportunities for work placements, internships, and interactions with industry professionals. The course also aims to foster analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and professional ethics. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped to pursue careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental management, healthcare, scientific research, or to continue their studies through postgraduate education. The university’s strong links with local and national employers support students in finding meaningful work experience and employment opportunities after completing the programme. Overall, the Bioscience with Foundation Year at the University of Suffolk prepares students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills, industry awareness, and adaptability, which are essential in the rapidly evolving field of bioscience.