2023/24 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year

Total credits: 120

Entry requirements:

A-level: CDD or above excluding critical thinking and general studies

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

GCSE: English, mathematics and science at grade C/4 or above or equivalent. Applicants wanting to progress on to degree courses offered by the Schools of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computing, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Food Science & Nutrition, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Physics & Astronomy will need GCSE mathematics at grade B/6 or above, or equivalent.

Other course specific tests:
Due to the competitive nature of many of the Interdisciplinary Science progression pathways the admissions team takes into account a wide variety of factors which include, but are not limited to, actual academic performance to date and predicted results for qualifications currently being studied. Mature applicants are encouraged to apply early. Competitive progression pathways (Healthcare, Medicine, Dental Surgery and Engineering degrees) may be closed earlier in the year.

Applicants wishing to progress onto the courses below have specific GCSE requirements:
- Medicine and Surgery MBChB – GCSE English Language and mathematics at grade C/4 or above (this progression is available to mature applicants only).
- Dental Surgery BChD and Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc – GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above.
- Nursing (Adult) BSc, Nursing (Child) BSc and Nursing (Mental Health) BSc – normally five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, to include, English, mathematics and and a science.
- Midwifery BSc – five GCSEs: English, mathematics and science at grade B/5 plus two others at grade C/4.
- Audiology BSc, Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc and Radiography BSc – five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above to include English Language, mathematics and science.

Additional entry criteria
As well as the academic requirements above, you must live permanently in the UK and meet at least one of the following:
- Your permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education.
- You attended a school which achieved less than the national average of five grade A*-C or 9-4 passes at GCSE or attainment 8 score at GCSE
- You grew up in public care.
We actively encourage applications from mature students. Further consideration will be given to the life experience of mature applicants and the circumstances in which they gained prior qualifications.

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

Lifelong Learning Centre

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Lifelong Learning Centre

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

None - level zero

Programme specification:

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2023. For students who entered the programme before September 2023, you can find the details of your programme: BSc Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year(For students entering from September 2023 onwards)


The BSc Interdisciplinary Science is an extended degree. It is designed for applicants who can benefit from a programme that begins with a foundation year which provides intensive, well-structured support to enable development of scientific skills and knowledge. The foundation year of the programme is delivered by the University's Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) which has extensive expertise in supporting learners with diverse previous learning and life experience. On successful completion of the foundation year and subject to meeting the specific requirements for progression, you will progress onto your pre-agreed degree course at the University of Leeds.


During the foundation year, students receive an intensive introduction to the academic and life skills, qualities and techniques that are necessary for success as STEM undergraduates at the University of Leeds. These attributes are fundamental to our strategy of providing opportunity. Our curriculum has a strong emphasis on digital literacy, ethics and diversity. Core modules in mathematics and a choice of sciences are taken to develop an interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts and principles within and across each of the scientific disciplines. Students also gain skills for scientific inquiry in practical, laboratory and field work. The importance of helping students to prepare for employment or career enhancement following graduation is recognised from the very beginning of the programme and staff will help students to make the most of opportunities for professional development during their course.


There is a strong emphasis during the foundation year on helping participants to achieve to their full potential and develop as independent, self-directed learners. Teaching is inclusive and supportive to make sure that students are intellectually stretched and helped through any sticking points in their learning. Group sizes vary based on module choice, allowing foundation year students to engage actively and develop team-working skills with their peers. Methods of assessment during the foundation year reflect those that students will find later on in their degree, to ensure that learners are well prepared for their continuing study.


The foundation course is designed specifically for students from a widening participation background (who meet our additional entry criteria) and who don’t currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree. Therefore, this course does not accept students with previous higher education experience, including other foundation years. 

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Students take 50 credits of core compulsory modules, 50 credits of pathway specific compulsory modules and 20 credits of pathway optional modules.

Optional modules:

Candidates on the Chemistry pathways will be required to take the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Candidates on the Chemistry pathways will be required to take 20 credits from the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Candidates on the Engineer and Physical Science pathways will be required to take the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Candidates on the Engineer and Physical Science pathways will be required to take 20 credits from the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Candidates on the Earth pathways will be required to take the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Candidates on the Earth pathways will be required to take 20 credits from the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Candidates on the Biology pathways will be required to take the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Candidates on the Biology pathways will be required to take 20 credits from the following modules:
(The choice of module will be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended
progression choice.)

Last updated: 23/11/2023 11:37:19

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