Science Foundation
If you want to study a science or engineering degree, but dont meet the normal entrance requirements, our Foundation Year in the Sciences could be the answer. You can use the Foundation Year to access degrees offered in the Faculties of Science and Life Sciences, Including programmes in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Electronic Engineering, Cybernetics and Food Biosciences.
Foundation Year in the Sciences
If you'd want to study a Science or technology degree, but don't haven't had the opportunity to meet the entrance requirements, you could use our Foundation Year as the stepping stone you need.
You should apply for this programme if you:
- Chose Arts and Humanities subjects at A level and want to change direction,
- have studied some science at A level but are missing particular subjects or grades that are crucial to the degree you wish to pursue, or
- are a mature student who is motivated, organised and ready for University study.
The programme
When you arrive at Reading you will be registered for the 4-year BSc Science with Foundation programme.** The Foundation Year is the first year of this programme. On successful completion, you can transfer into one of our world-class science or technology degrees.*
During the Foundation year you will study a collection of modules that cover core science material and are designed to give you the critical knowledge, skills and confidence you need to progress to your degree. You will attend lectures, discuss ideas, concepts and examples in tutorial and workshop sessions, and conduct experiments in laboratory practical classes.
Most Foundation Year students follow a programme involving three or four core science subjects, usually grouped into one of the following three possibilities
- Maths, Physics, Electrical Science, Computing
- Maths, Physics, Chemistry
- Maths, Biology, Chemistry
Progression Routes
You can progress from the Foundation Year into degree programmes in the following areas.
- Animal Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Cybernetics
- Electronic Engineering
- Environmental Sciences
- Food Biosciences
- Information Technology
- Meteorology
- Nutrition and Food Technology
- Pharmacy
- Robotics
- Systems Engineering
- Zoology
Completely Integrated
At Reading, we believe in providing the best for our students. This means that unlike some other foundation years, All of our classes are held on campus at the University in the lecture halls and labs used by our undergraduates, taught by University staff and with full access to the social and support facilities on offer to students at Reading.
Most Foundation Year students live in our University Halls of Residence and you have the same access to LEA financial support as any other new undergraduate.
On our Foundation Year in the Sciences you get high-quality, undergraduate-style teaching, pro-active support and guidance and the opportunity to play a full part in University life. Its the perfect way to prepare for one of our degrees.
Applying to the Foundation Year
The first thing to do is make sure the programme is right for you. If you have any questions contact the Admissions team who will be happy to help you. Think carefully about which of our degrees you would like to study after the Foundation Year. This prospectus has over one hundred science and technology degrees to choose from!* Even if you can't narrow things down to one particular programme, it's important for you to have a clear idea of the direction you want your studies to take.
Then simply apply through UCAS in the normal way. The UCAS course code you need is FGC0, BSc Science with Foundation Year. You should indicate your intended destination programme in the box marked 'Further Details - if requested in the UCAS directory'.
*The number of Foundation Year places available for progression to the B230 Pharmacy is strictly limited. Please contact the programme secretary before applying.
Mature Students
Some of our most successful students have been those returning to full time study after a break. Every year we have a sizable group of mature students following our programme and we welcome applications from organised, motivated, focussed people. Even if you haven't studied science beyond GCSE level, as long as your ready for university study, the Foundation Year in Sciences can be a great way to access your degree. However, the circumstances surrounding each individual can vary widely. There are many choices available to mature students both at the University and in a variety of educational contexts. If you're not sure where to start and would like to talk through options and possibilities, contact the Foundation Year office and we'll be happy to discuss your situation.