At Aston we want to give you the best start to your academic life and chosen future career. By undertaking our Foundation Programme in Science: Biosciences and Pharmacy, specifically designed for students who do not meet direct entry requirements, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to progress on to the related degree of your choice.

You’ll study key bioscience and pharmacy topics from human anatomy and physiology to chemistry and mathematics, as well as being introduced to clinical practice and scientific research methods.

What courses will this prepare me for?

Upon successful completion, you will have guaranteed progression* onto one of the following degrees:

• BSc Biochemistry
• BSc Biological Sciences
• BSc Biomedical Science
• BSc Neuroscience
• MPharm Pharmacy

*Progression is subject to qualifications, performance and progression pathway, see full details here. 

International students who require a foundation qualification and are interested in one of the above courses will need to apply to our specialist International Foundation Programme in Science.

For those interested in one of our health science courses, including Audiology, Optometry and Psychology, we offer a Foundation Programme in Science: Health Science.

Course outline 

The course content you will study has been specifically selected to ensure you are ready to progress onto undergraduate level. This includes a combination of science and numeracy-based topics as well as practical professional skills. You’ll have access to a wide range of academic and research expertise, modern facilities, and cutting-edge technology.

In addition to your subject specific knowledge, our foundation course aims to build your key skills, such as team working, leadership and interpersonal abilities to start you on your path towards your future career.

Modules

Core modules

• Senses and Perception
• Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Mathematics for Health Scientists
• Professional Skills
• Foundation Chemistry I
• Foundation Chemistry II
• Biological and Biochemical Science Foundations

Optional modules

Choose one from the following three options:

• Physics for Health Scientists
• Identities and Inequalities
• Introductory Marketing

Please review the typical offer entry requirements below in consideration of which course you’d like to progress onto. You should state your intended progression route upon application. Our admissions team will then assess your application against the criteria for the progression route that you have stated.

Upon completion of the Foundation Programme, entry onto one our undergraduate programmes is dependent on meeting set grade progression requirements. Full details of these requirements and additional information on progression can be found here.

For EU applicants, if you have achieved a lower IELTS score than: 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each test then you will be required to complete the International Foundation Programme.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with ugadmissions@aston.ac.uk prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

More advice on applying to Aston and full details of our admissions policy can be found here.

Typical offers

GCSEs

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 which must include Maths and English Language. Please note we do not accept Key skills or Functional skills in place of these.

A Levels

• Biosciences (Biochemistry, Biological Sciences or Biomedical Science): CCC in three subjects, must include Biology.
• Neuroscience: CCC in three subjects, must include Biology or Chemistry.
• Pharmacy: You need achieve a total of three A Levels and the grades will vary depending on how many science subjects you are taking. We accept the following sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. 0 Sciences – BBB. 1 Science – BBC. 2 Sciences – BCC. 3 Sciences - CCC.

The following subjects will not be considered as one of the core three A Levels - General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies.

BTEC

We consider BTEC qualifications in any subject which are taken with the relevant A Level subjects as listed below. Please note we welcome the following subjects as an additional A Level, but not as one of required A levels listed in the table - General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies.

Programme	BTEC Qualification	Grades and A Level requirements
Biosciences: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences and Biomedical Science	Extended Diploma	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction (DDD) in Applied Science subject only.
	Diploma/National Diploma	Distinction, Distinction (DD) in any BTEC subject PLUS grade C in A Level Biology.
	Subsidiary/National Extended Certificate	Distinction (D) in any BTEC subject PLUS two A levels at grade CC which must include Biology.
	90 Credit Diploma	Distinction, Distinction (DD) in any BTEC subject PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include Biology.
	National Foundation Diploma	Distinction (D) in any BTEC subject PLUS two A levels at grade CC which must include Biology.
Neuroscience	Extended Diploma	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction (DDD) in Applied Science subject only.
	Diploma/National Diploma	Distinction, Distinction (DD) in any BTEC subject PLUS grade C in A Level Biology or Chemistry.
	Subsidiary/National Extended Certificate	Distinction (D) in any BTEC subject PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include Biology or Chemistry.
	90 Credit Diploma	Distinction, Distinction (DD) in any BTEC subject PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include Biology or Chemistry
	National Foundation Diploma	Distinction (D) in any BTEC subject PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include Biology or Chemistry
	National Foundation Diploma	Distinction (D) in any BTEC subject PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Physics OR Maths.
MPharm - Pharmacy	Extended Diploma	Distinction, Distinction, Distinction (DDD) in Applied Science subject only PLUS grade C in A Level Chemistry.
	Diploma/National Diploma	Distinction, Distinction (DD) in Applied Science PLUS grade C in A Level Chemistry.
	Subsidiary/National Extended Certificate	Distinction (D) in Applied Science PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include Chemistry.
	90 Credit Diploma	Distinction, Distinction (DD) in Applied Science PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include Chemistry.
	National Foundation Diploma	Distinction (D) in Applied Science PLUS two A Levels at grade CC which must include Chemistry.

IB

• Biosciences (Biochemistry, Biological Sciences or Biomedical Science): 27 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 4, 4, 4 which must include Biology.
• Neuroscience: 27 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 4, 4, 4 which must include Biology or Chemistry.
• Pharmacy: 29 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 5, 5, 4, which must include Chemistry and either Biology, Physics or Maths. 

During your foundation year, you’ll have excellent support from our expert academics who come from a wide range of life and health science specialisms and backgrounds. We also have the Learning Development Centre that can provide additional support, and a peer-assisted learning scheme.

You will be taught via a variety of learning methods such as:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• lab sessions
• practicals
• online activity
• reading and other independent study.

You’ll also complete group projects, designed to give you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and build a network of peers who will share your university journey.

This one-year course is worth 120 credits, with each credit equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include but are not limited to lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab sessions, practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback, field trips and work placements.

Fees: £9,250 per year Home/ EU.

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

You can explore the costs involved in studying at university and the financial support that may be available to you here.

Why study the Foundation Programme in Science: Biosciences and Pharmacy at Aston?

This course has been designed specifically for students who don’t initially qualify for Bioscience, Neuroscience or Pharmacy undergraduate study with us. You’ll experience a unique mix of hands-on study and theoretical learning, in world-class facilities, working with passionate expert staff.

We’ll work with you to help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to progress onto your course of interest; and to be ready for an exciting and enriching career solving some of the world’s most pressing scientific problems.

What degree courses could I progress onto after this foundation programme?

Successfully completing the Foundation Programme in Science: Biosciences and Pharmacy will allow you to progress to a diverse range of degree courses such as:

• BSc Biochemistry
• Bsc Biological Sciences
• BSc Biomedical Science
• BSc Neuroscience
• MPharm Pharmacy

Take a look at our progression criteria page to ensure you are aware of the additional qualification and performance criteria for your course of interest.