The Science Foundation Year provides:

  • A chance to sample science subjects at university level before making a final choice of Honours courses.
  • Intensive modules which provide the requisite background for specific science Honours courses for those without the necessary qualifications.
  • Access for non-traditionally qualified students to a full range of science courses.
  • A broad grounding in scientific principles and methods.

Entry Requirements

To enter the Science Foundation Year, students must normally have

  • at least 160 UCAS tariff points or
  • the equivalent in other qualifications or
  • relevant work experience

AND

  • GCSE English Language at grade C or
  • IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

AND

  • GCSE Mathematics at grade C

Students intending to progress to Principal Music as their second subject must have:

  • a practical music qualification to the equivalent of at least ABRSM grade 5 or
  • (for the non-performance route only) a  minimum of grade 5 Music Theory or GCSE Music grade C or equivalent, together with demonstrable musical experience.

How to apply

All applications must be made through UCAS.

Students should apply for a specific subject with a Foundation Year (see codes below and under each relevant subject section in the prospectus). Over the summer, prior to entry to Keele, students will be asked to decide provisionally which two Dual Honours degree subjects or Single Honours course they expect to take after the Foundation Year. Students can discuss options with a Foundation Year Tutor before arriving at Keele, and may be able to change their choice following discussions with Foundation Year staff.

Course content

All students take core modules in Numeracy, Communication and Learning. In addition, science modules are taken which are related to each of the science subjects to be pursued in the remaining three or four years of the degree programme. The choice of modules is individual to each student and made in consultation with a Foundation Year Tutor.

Numeracy
All students take at least the first of these two skills modules that cover the necessary background mathematics for the science modules in the Foundation Year, as well as providing a good grounding for the mathematical content of the science Honours courses. In addition, training will be provided in the use of software for data analysis and display.

Communication and Learning  
Scientists must be able to communicate efficiently and professionally, using the conventions of their disciplines, to a wide range of specialist and lay audiences. This includes writing documents, giving oral presentations and interpreting the work of others.

These modules provide training in all aspects of scientific communication, laying the foundation for the communication skills required in future years. Training in learning and study skills is also provided. On arrival at Keele students will be asked to assess their own learning style, strengths and weaknesses; they will be instructed in the use of software to help them do this. Students will then use this information to set themselves targets for improvement, in liaison with their tutors, and monitor progress during the year. These modules also address specific topics, such as time management, note-taking, group work and independent learning.

Science Modules
Most of these courses are designed to give the necessary subject specific training to enable Foundation Year students to meet the entry requirements of their intended Honours degree courses.

Option Modules
In addition, other modules are available which provide a broad coverage of a subject area. If students have a free choice of modules available after satisfying the relevant prerequisites for their degree subjects, then they can choose one or more of these to broaden their general scientific knowledge or to pursue specific interests. Students intending to progress to a science/non-science Dual Honours combination may take some non-science modules in the Foundation Year in order to meet prerequisites for entry into the non-science half of their degree.

 

"I would just like to give credit to the wonderful FY team for their constant support to all FY students who each are different in many aspects, whether it's the teaching staff/module leaders/personal tutors or the lovely ladies who collect our work in.  Many of the FY staff have bought a smile to my face. I am very proud to have been an FY student at Keele University as we can ask you many questions as long as we regularly keep up with the workload and e-mail checking.  I have had a beautiful FY year at Keele university."

Aqsa Halim:  Science Foundation Year 2011-2012, now studying Human Biology and Applied Psychology

 

Further Information

For further information, please contact:

Professor Peter Haycock
Director of Foundation Year Programmes
Foundation Year Centre
Keele University
Staffordshire ST5 5BG

Tel: 01782 734478
Email: p.w.haycock@Keele.ac.uk

Degree Courses

 

Single Honours CoursesUCAS
Biomedical Sciences: C933
Computer Science: G401
Environment and Sustainability: F750
Geography: F800
Geoscience: F646
Mathematics: G101
   
Dual Honours Courses  
Applied Environmental Science: F913
Astrophysics: F513
Biochemistry: C703
Biology: C103
Chemistry: F103
Forensic Science: F410
Geology: F603
Human Biology: CF10
Medicinal Chemistry: C723
Neuroscience: B143
Physical Geography: F803
Physics: F303


Please note that after the Foundation Year in the above subjects students will progress to a Bachelor’s degree in that subject, plus a second subject for Dual Honours.