International Foundation Year in Science

Build a transformative science career in the UK with hands-on learning and cutting-edge research opportunities.

The NCUK International Foundation Year prepares you for studying at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. You will develop your subject knowledge, study skills and English language competency, allowing you to choose from thousands of degree courses across 60+ leading universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and more.

You will be eased into university study with classroom teaching that is interactive and supportive. In this programme, you will get used to university-style teaching whilst building your abilities to study effectively through 24 hours of class teaching per weeks and regular personal tutorial sessions.

Accreditation

Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
The Institute of Physics (IOP)
Chartered Institution of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)

Graduate careers

Research Scientist
Biomedical Scientist
Microbiologist
Forensic Scientist
Clinical Scientist
Analytical Chemist Biologist

Degree modules you will study:

Scientific Investigations
Data Analysis
Science Communication
Laboratory Skills and Techniques

Key facts for the International Foundation Year (IFY)

Modules

You will study the following modules:

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Mathematics
Plus the optional choose of modules between Physics or Biology

Start dates

September 2025
January 2026

Tuition fee

£17,600

Scholarships

Some students may be eligible for certain scholarships

Application deadline

End of June

Deposit deadline

End of July

CAS deadline

Early August

Additional fees

Enrolment fee

£150.00 (mandatory and non-refundable)

Textbooks (3 term)

£240.00

Airport pick ups

£100 (London Airport) / £135 (Other London Airport)

Social programme

£60.00

Entry requirements

Minimum English language Level

UKVI IELTS 5.0 with no component below 4.5

PTE Academic UKVI with 43, with no component below 43

LanguageCert ESOL UKVI at B1 pass, with no component below 40

Academic entry requirements

Academic Entry Requirements vary depending on where you studied. Please see the link for details for your country.

Minimum age requirement (September intake)

16 years of age. All students must turn 17 years of age by 31 December 2025.

Minimum age requirement (January intake)

All students must be 17 years of age.

Гарантия NCUK

All students who pass are guaranteed a conditional place on a relevant undergraduate degree at an appropriate NCUK university. To gain entry to any NCUK university, you should ideally pass all subject modules. You will also need to have a sufficient command of English. Please see the details on the NCUK guarantee here.

Some degree courses will require minimum grades in specific subjects. University admissions staff may also take into account previous academic attainment.

Assessment

You will be assessed during the programme in a two ways:

Regular coursework – this could include assignments, in class tests, and report writing.

Mid-course and end-of-course examinations – these will be formal examinations that we’ll help you prepare for.

Where could you go next? Discover top progression routes for Science

Example progression routes

University

Course

Typical offer

Queen Mary University of London

Biochemistry

ABB, EAP Grade B

Queen Mary University of London

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

ABB, EAP Grade B

Kingston Univeristy

Chemistry

BCC, EAP Grade C

Brunel University

Biomedical Sciences (Human Health)

BBB, EAP Grade V

Brunel University

Mathematics for Data Science

ABB, EAP Grade C

The University of Manchester

Biomedical Sciences

ABB, EAP Grade C

The University of Kent

Mathematics with a Year in Industry

ABB, EAP Grade B

The University of Leeds

Chemistry

AAB, EAP Grade B

The University of Bristol

Компьютерные науки

AAA, EAP Grade B

Manchester Metropolitan

Mathematics

BCC, EAP Grade B

Liverpool John Moore

Forensic Science

CCC, EAP Grade B

This is just a small selection of the most popular options, but there are hundreds of progression opportunities into top courses at leading universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and more.

Use the NCUK Course Finder to discover the right programme for you.

Careers in Science

Studying Science in the UK offers students a dynamic education in a country known for scientific innovation and research excellence. UK universities provide diverse science programmes combining theoretical study with practical experimentation, fieldwork, and access to cutting-edge labs.

Emphasising inquiry and evidence-based approaches, UK science education prepares students to explore the natural world and tackle global issues such as climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development.

Graduates benefit from a wide range of career opportunities in research, healthcare, education, industry, and policy, gaining the expertise to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving world.

My favourite modules on my course so far have been Maths, Physics and English because my teacher helps me understand information by breaking it down really well.

Чиома из Нигерии

—International Foundation Year in Science

Prepare for university success

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