This four-year extended degree includes a preparatory year (Year 0) that provides the knowledge necessary for entry on to one of our science or psychology-based BSc (Hons) courses. Aimed at those with little or no scientific background, the course is also suitable if you wish to change your subject area or for those whose secondary level science grades have not matched their expectations.

This extended degree course is ideal if you’re keen to pursue a career in science or psychology but currently have little or no scientific grounding. Some of your teaching and learning will take place in our £30 million Science Centre. There, you'll have access to our 280 state-of-the-art workstations, which will allow you to gain practical skills and work independently on different experiments. Taught by experts in the field, you’ll benefit from their years of experience within the industry.

During your preparatory year, you’ll gain the knowledge and key skills you need in biology and scientific studies by studying core modules that are essential for a career in science or psychology. You’ll also have the chance to study an optional module from a list of topics including biochemistry, and nutrition and sports science.

Once you have gained the core knowledge required, you’ll be ready to progress on to one of our Science or Psychology BSc (Hons) degrees, where you’ll study a wide variety of core and optional modules designed to give you the skills, qualifications and expertise necessary for a rewarding career. Depending on the course you choose, you may also have the option to undertake a work placement, giving you invaluable connections and practical industry experience.

This course is recognised by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). If you are eligible, funding for the preparatory year will follow the standard undergraduate funding regulations. Assessment consists of progress tests, online tests, coursework, practical reports and presentations. You’ll also receive feedback throughout the course.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

At least one A level at grade C (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma)
English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent)

You may apply if you have Level 3 qualifications such as A level, BTEC Extended Diploma or Access to Higher Education qualifications with high UCAS points and grades, but not in the relevant subject areas (eg biology and chemistry) which are required to study BSc programmes in the School of Human Sciences.

If you meet the UCAS points criteria but who obtained a D (grade 3 from 2017) in English and/or maths at GCSE, you may be offered a University test in these areas. All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

After the course

If you satisfactorily complete the preparatory year and reach the necessary academic criteria, you can progress to Year 1 of many of our science or psychology-based BSc (Hons) courses. Some degree programmes, such as our Dietetics and Nutrition BSc, and Biomedical Science BSc degrees, have higher entry criteria (in terms of grades obtained for topics on the preparatory year), and you may be required to attend an interview.

Completion of a science or psychology-related degree opens up a huge range of career options, as well as a route into further specialist training or postgraduate study. Our graduates are working as biotechnologists, sports coaches, clinical psychologists and many other professions in industries all over the world.