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Please note, we are showing standard entry requirements on this page. Clearing entry requirements are subject to change. The points will only be confirmed once you call the Clearing Hotline.

Are you passionate about science, and want a practical introduction that will help prepare you for your chosen degree pathway?

The course is designed to provide fundamental scientific knowledge and skills, to give you experience in a range of science fields before you choose your ultimate degree destination. These areas include Biology, Chemistry, Food Science and Forensic Science, establishing your laboratory skills, basic numeracy skills, data handling, ICT and study skills. Many of our students report that, having completed this foundation course, they feel more confident and much better prepared to begin their chosen degree.

This foundation year will allow you to hit the ground running in your chosen career path . With successful completion you can automatically progress on to one of our 11 full-time, accredited science degrees:

Applied Science Degrees

Take a closer look at our Applied Science courses by following the links.

  • BSc (Hons) Biology
  • BSc (Hons) Biology (Biotechnology)
  • BSc (Hons) Biology (Human Neurobiology)
  • BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
  • BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
  • BSc (Hons) Chemistry
  • BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Science
  • BSc (Hons) Food Science and Nutrition
  • BSc (Hons) Food Science and Nutrition (Human Nutrition)
  • BSc (Hons) Forensic Science

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    Course Information

    UCAS Code
    Y002

    Level of Study
    Undergraduate

    Mode of Study
    1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

    Department
    Applied Sciences

    Location
    City Campus, Northumbria University

    City
    Newcastle

    Start
    September 2025

    Fees
    Fee Information

    Modules
    Module Information

    Department / Applied Sciences

    The Department of Applied Sciences has an exciting and extensive portfolio of subjects including biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, food and nutritional sciences

    Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer.

    Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university videos and articles.

    Delve Deeper / Discover more about life at Northumbria

    Book an Open Day / Experience Applied Sciences Foundation Year

    Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study the Applied Sciences Foundation Year. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

    Entry Requirements 2025/26

    Standard Entry

    80 UCAS Tariff points

    From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

    Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

    Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

    Subject Requirements:

    There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

    GCSE Requirements:

    Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

    Additional Requirements:

    There are no additional requirements for this course.

    International Qualifications:

    We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

    If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

    English Language Requirements:

    International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

    *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

    Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

    UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535

    * The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


    International Fee in Year 1: £19,350


    Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

     


    ADDITIONAL COSTS

    Laboratory equipment such as spatula, lab book, marker pens and a scientific calculator are required and should cost no more than £25. You may be required to print some documents this should be no more than £10 per academic year.

    If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

    * At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

    Modules

    Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

    AP0306 -

    Scientific and Numeracy Skills (Core,20 Credits)

    You will get the opportunity to improve and practice key numeracy skills that will enable you to complete the tasks for the other modules you are studying during the foundation year. These will include calculations associated with experimental work in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, food science, nutrition, forensic science and sport science, such as making solutions of different concentrations using solid chemicals, preparing dilutions using stock solutions, serial dilutions, making buffers, calculating rates of reaction, equilibrium constants, enthalpies, interpreting outcomes of antibiotic sensitivity testing, processing histological, physiological and biometrics measurements, calculating biodiversity indices, etc.
    You will also review your IT skills to ensure you can easily access the eLP, library and other on-line resources, including guidance on correct referencing of scientific literature. You will use Microsoft Excel to process data similar to those that you will acquire experimentally in other modules, do simple statistics and produce graphical representations and tables of your data.
    You will learn about the style of scientific writing used in peer-reviewed publications and how to present scientific data in different formats, eg. scientific report using the IMRAD style, short summary, poster, oral presentation, mini-literature review, essay. You will also learn how to find relevant and reliable sources of information and you will practice extracting relevant details from such sources and presenting them in your own words.

    More information

    AP0307 -

    Practical Skills in Science (Core,20 Credits)

    You will learn and acquire key practical skills that are needed for subsequent study in your progression degree. You will learn techniques associated with the specialisms of Food Science and Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Forensic Science and Biology. You will learn how to use Excel spread-sheets to process experimentally acquired data and produce graphical representations of your results and you will learn how to present laboratory reports using the IMRAD style.

    More information

    AP0308 -

    Inspirational Science (Core,20 Credits)

    This module will teach you about important and inspirational areas of science, focusing on how chemistry and other sciences are embedded in the development of new technologies, medicines, materials and processes. The module is broken down into four main areas namely; Spectroscopy and Analysis; Drugs and Molecule, Material of the Future and Energy. Within each of these key areas you will learn about the fundamental science that underpins these important research areas, why these areas are so important to us all and how recent developments in these fields helped industry, research and understanding.

    More information

    AP0309 -

    Research and Science Communication Project (Core,20 Credits)

    This module will teach you how to expand your scientific research, science communication and team work skills through the collaborative research and presentation of a scientific research project. Lectures and seminars will be delivered teaching you how to research a scientific subject, how to work as team in doing this and how to condense large amounts of information into a concise message. All of these are essential core skills for a career in science.

    More information

    AP0310 -

    Introduction to Biology (Optional,20 Credits)

    As Biology is the “Study of Life”, in this module we will explore different aspects of the living world around us. In the first teaching block, we will delve into evolution – how did all the different life forms we see around us come into being? How does evolution work? In order to study life, we need to have a good overview of what different life forms there are. This brings us into the realm of Biodiversity and Classification. We will give an overview of the different Kingdoms that dwell on Earth, and with whom we share this planet and are connected in multiple ways.
    We then look inwards, and unravel the secrets of our genomes. Our genetic information is stored in our DNA – but how are genes organised, and how do they work? Can the study of genetics help us to understand the world in- and around us, can it help us to “improve” the world by genetic manipulation?
    In the last teaching block, we focus on human beings, and explore aspects of our physiology and neurobiology. How does the human body function, how does our nervous system work?
    Though the teaching is organised in three blocks (Evolution and Diversity, Genetics, Human Biology), this division is somewhat arbitrary as there are multiple links connecting these areas of study. “In the living nature, nothing happens that isn’t somehow connected to nature as a whole” (Goethe, 1749-1832) In this module, we will regularly explore these connections.

    More information

    AP0311 -

    Introduction to Biomedical Sciences (Optional,20 Credits)

    You will receive an introduction to basic biological concepts relating to the organisation of the human organism.
    You will learn to describe the molecular, cellular (cytology) and tissue (histology) organisation of mammals, with particular emphasis on humans, and explain relationships between form and function at each level.
    You will find out about the basic principles of genetics including the structure and role of DNA in transmission of heritable information and the principles of Mendelian inheritance.
    You will begin to describe the biochemical characteristics of living organisms and explain how the human form is built up by the physical and chemical processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation of food and how energy is supplied at cellular level by respiration.
    You will learn about the concept of transport in humans by investigating gaseous exchange and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide round the body by the heart, lungs and vascular system.
    You will receive an introduction to the defence functions of the blood and characteristics of mammalian vascular systems which are important in understanding and managing disease (blood pressure, heartbeat, white blood cells, phagocytes, antibody production, blood groups).
    You will be introduced to aspects of co-ordination, response and control in the human organism with reference to the processes of homeostasis and the endocrine and nervous systems.

    More information

    AP0312 -

    Introduction to Chemistry (Optional,20 Credits)

    In this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning the subject of chemistry. Through discussion of theory and engaging in practical experimentation you will improve your knowledge of the five core areas of chemistry:
    1. Organic chemistry: where you will study atomic structure, bonding and reactivity of organic compounds.
    2. Analytical chemistry: where you will study reactions to detect specific functional groups, alongside instrumental techniques such as mass spectrometry.
    3. Molecular modeling: where you will study how to represent chemical structures using a computer, in addition to developing a better understanding of molecular geometry and isomerism
    4. Inorganic chemistry: where you will study the structure and properties of metals and their complexes.
    5. Physical chemistry: where you will study factors affecting the rate and progress of chemical reactions.
    You will also spend time developing chemistry-focussed laboratory skills including considering the implications of risk management and safety, which is a critical skill for all practising chemists.

    More information

    AP0313 -

    Introduction to Food Science and Nutrition (Human Nutrition) (Optional,20 Credits)

    You will learn about the biological basis of food and nutrition and will be introduced to a range of elements and compounds which are essential for life. The principles of healthy eating based on UK guidelines and the role of food in maintaining health including the role of microbiota will be explored whilst providing an understanding of the nutritional needs of a population. You will explore through lectures and laboratory practicals some important aspects of food microbiology, food processing, preservation and brewing.

    More information

    AP0314 -

    Introduction to Forensic Science (Optional,20 Credits)

    You will experience the forensic application of science to crime investigation. This module will enable you to understand how your scientific thinking and practical laboratory skills can be deployed in a real world context. You will cover how forensic science is utilised to assist a crime investigation, following a case specific example to illustrate key points along the investigation process. You will further develop your microscopy and pipette skills through laboratory practicals designed around the recovery, examination and analysis of forensic material of relevance to a particular case. Your attention to detail, precision and inquisitive mind will be core skills covered during the laboratory practical.

    You will also explore how science is communicated to others. Forensic scientists have a high level of scientific understanding that underpins the forensic evidence that they give in a statement or court room. However, the audience - police, jury - aren't expected to have any scientific knowledge or experience but do need to understand how the scientific forensic evidence assists a crime investigation. This requires the forensic scientists to 'translate' complex information and relay it to others at a level that they can confidentally understand it. You will work together with colleagues in small groups to prepare a poster, conveying complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience.

    Your involvement in this module will help you learn what it is to be a professional scientist, understanding the importance of observations, attention to detail and clear communication. These are key transferable skills for those in the scientific profession and are directly applicable to all of the degree programmes that you could progress onto after successful study of your foundation year.

    More information

    Modules

    Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

    AP0306 -

    Scientific and Numeracy Skills (Core,20 Credits)

    You will get the opportunity to improve and practice key numeracy skills that will enable you to complete the tasks for the other modules you are studying during the foundation year. These will include calculations associated with experimental work in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, food science, nutrition, forensic science and sport science, such as making solutions of different concentrations using solid chemicals, preparing dilutions using stock solutions, serial dilutions, making buffers, calculating rates of reaction, equilibrium constants, enthalpies, interpreting outcomes of antibiotic sensitivity testing, processing histological, physiological and biometrics measurements, calculating biodiversity indices, etc.
    You will also review your IT skills to ensure you can easily access the eLP, library and other on-line resources, including guidance on correct referencing of scientific literature. You will use Microsoft Excel to process data similar to those that you will acquire experimentally in other modules, do simple statistics and produce graphical representations and tables of your data.
    You will learn about the style of scientific writing used in peer-reviewed publications and how to present scientific data in different formats, eg. scientific report using the IMRAD style, short summary, poster, oral presentation, mini-literature review, essay. You will also learn how to find relevant and reliable sources of information and you will practice extracting relevant details from such sources and presenting them in your own words.

    More information

    AP0307 -

    Practical Skills in Science (Core,20 Credits)

    You will learn and acquire key practical skills that are needed for subsequent study in your progression degree. You will learn techniques associated with the specialisms of Food Science and Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Forensic Science and Biology. You will learn how to use Excel spread-sheets to process experimentally acquired data and produce graphical representations of your results and you will learn how to present laboratory reports using the IMRAD style.

    More information

    AP0308 -

    Inspirational Science (Core,20 Credits)

    This module will teach you about important and inspirational areas of science, focusing on how chemistry and other sciences are embedded in the development of new technologies, medicines, materials and processes. The module is broken down into four main areas namely; Spectroscopy and Analysis; Drugs and Molecule, Material of the Future and Energy. Within each of these key areas you will learn about the fundamental science that underpins these important research areas, why these areas are so important to us all and how recent developments in these fields helped industry, research and understanding.

    More information

    AP0309 -

    Research and Science Communication Project (Core,20 Credits)

    This module will teach you how to expand your scientific research, science communication and team work skills through the collaborative research and presentation of a scientific research project. Lectures and seminars will be delivered teaching you how to research a scientific subject, how to work as team in doing this and how to condense large amounts of information into a concise message. All of these are essential core skills for a career in science.

    More information

    AP0310 -

    Introduction to Biology (Optional,20 Credits)

    As Biology is the “Study of Life”, in this module we will explore different aspects of the living world around us. In the first teaching block, we will delve into evolution – how did all the different life forms we see around us come into being? How does evolution work? In order to study life, we need to have a good overview of what different life forms there are. This brings us into the realm of Biodiversity and Classification. We will give an overview of the different Kingdoms that dwell on Earth, and with whom we share this planet and are connected in multiple ways.
    We then look inwards, and unravel the secrets of our genomes. Our genetic information is stored in our DNA – but how are genes organised, and how do they work? Can the study of genetics help us to understand the world in- and around us, can it help us to “improve” the world by genetic manipulation?
    In the last teaching block, we focus on human beings, and explore aspects of our physiology and neurobiology. How does the human body function, how does our nervous system work?
    Though the teaching is organised in three blocks (Evolution and Diversity, Genetics, Human Biology), this division is somewhat arbitrary as there are multiple links connecting these areas of study. “In the living nature, nothing happens that isn’t somehow connected to nature as a whole” (Goethe, 1749-1832) In this module, we will regularly explore these connections.

    More information

    AP0311 -

    Introduction to Biomedical Sciences (Optional,20 Credits)

    You will receive an introduction to basic biological concepts relating to the organisation of the human organism.
    You will learn to describe the molecular, cellular (cytology) and tissue (histology) organisation of mammals, with particular emphasis on humans, and explain relationships between form and function at each level.
    You will find out about the basic principles of genetics including the structure and role of DNA in transmission of heritable information and the principles of Mendelian inheritance.
    You will begin to describe the biochemical characteristics of living organisms and explain how the human form is built up by the physical and chemical processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation of food and how energy is supplied at cellular level by respiration.
    You will learn about the concept of transport in humans by investigating gaseous exchange and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide round the body by the heart, lungs and vascular system.
    You will receive an introduction to the defence functions of the blood and characteristics of mammalian vascular systems which are important in understanding and managing disease (blood pressure, heartbeat, white blood cells, phagocytes, antibody production, blood groups).
    You will be introduced to aspects of co-ordination, response and control in the human organism with reference to the processes of homeostasis and the endocrine and nervous systems.

    More information

    AP0312 -

    Introduction to Chemistry (Optional,20 Credits)

    In this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning the subject of chemistry. Through discussion of theory and engaging in practical experimentation you will improve your knowledge of the five core areas of chemistry:
    1. Organic chemistry: where you will study atomic structure, bonding and reactivity of organic compounds.
    2. Analytical chemistry: where you will study reactions to detect specific functional groups, alongside instrumental techniques such as mass spectrometry.
    3. Molecular modeling: where you will study how to represent chemical structures using a computer, in addition to developing a better understanding of molecular geometry and isomerism
    4. Inorganic chemistry: where you will study the structure and properties of metals and their complexes.
    5. Physical chemistry: where you will study factors affecting the rate and progress of chemical reactions.
    You will also spend time developing chemistry-focussed laboratory skills including considering the implications of risk management and safety, which is a critical skill for all practising chemists.

    More information

    AP0313 -

    Introduction to Food Science and Nutrition (Human Nutrition) (Optional,20 Credits)

    You will learn about the biological basis of food and nutrition and will be introduced to a range of elements and compounds which are essential for life. The principles of healthy eating based on UK guidelines and the role of food in maintaining health including the role of microbiota will be explored whilst providing an understanding of the nutritional needs of a population. You will explore through lectures and laboratory practicals some important aspects of food microbiology, food processing, preservation and brewing.

    More information

    AP0314 -

    Introduction to Forensic Science (Optional,20 Credits)

    You will experience the forensic application of science to crime investigation. This module will enable you to understand how your scientific thinking and practical laboratory skills can be deployed in a real world context. You will cover how forensic science is utilised to assist a crime investigation, following a case specific example to illustrate key points along the investigation process. You will further develop your microscopy and pipette skills through laboratory practicals designed around the recovery, examination and analysis of forensic material of relevance to a particular case. Your attention to detail, precision and inquisitive mind will be core skills covered during the laboratory practical.

    You will also explore how science is communicated to others. Forensic scientists have a high level of scientific understanding that underpins the forensic evidence that they give in a statement or court room. However, the audience - police, jury - aren't expected to have any scientific knowledge or experience but do need to understand how the scientific forensic evidence assists a crime investigation. This requires the forensic scientists to 'translate' complex information and relay it to others at a level that they can confidentally understand it. You will work together with colleagues in small groups to prepare a poster, conveying complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience.

    Your involvement in this module will help you learn what it is to be a professional scientist, understanding the importance of observations, attention to detail and clear communication. These are key transferable skills for those in the scientific profession and are directly applicable to all of the degree programmes that you could progress onto after successful study of your foundation year.

    More information

    To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

    Applied Sciences Foundation Year

    Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

    International applicants please apply using the links below

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    * At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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