Undergraduate course

BDS

Dental Surgery with Integrated Foundation Year

An alternative dentistry route for students impacted by adversity, using Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) to build academic, personal, and professional skills and ease the transition into university life.

Ranked #1 best UK university for dentistry

Our student experience, feedback and career outcomes make Plymouth number 1 in the UK in the Guardian's league table of the best universities for dentistry in 2025.

Early clinical experience

From the first year, you'll learn in a practical learning environments with patients, building your confidence and experience with patients to enhance your communication skills and clinical competence.

Community engagement

At Plymouth, you can engage directly with the public as part of our Dental Outreach Team, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on local communities while honing your skills.
BDS Dental Surgery with Integrated Foundation Year
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About

Combining first-rate dental training with outstanding community dental care, this course will prepare you for a hugely rewarding career as a competent and caring dentist. From year one you will work with patients and the community, gaining early clinical experience and enhancing your communication skills. In our hands-on, practical and patient-centred environment you will develop the highest level of core dental skills and knowledge and leave ready to make a difference to people's lives.
Dental students in the SDLE
 
 

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
  • To build your confidence to study at university level.
  • To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.

This course is for you if...

you're passionate about providing patient-centred dental care and aspire to become a competent and caring dentist ready to make a difference
Toothbrush
you seek early clinical exposure to develop practical skills
Dental equipment
you value learning in state-of-the-art facilities alongside experienced professionals
Dentist chair
you're eager to engage with diverse communities to enhance oral health
Tooth

Details

Foundation year

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery with integrated Foundation Year 0 (BDSF) programme is designed for applicants who wish to study Dentistry but who are not currently appropriately qualified for entry to year one of the BDS undergraduate programme. The BDSF programme equips you with the scientific knowledge and study skills needed to become a confident, critically self-aware, independent learner ready for the challenges of Higher Education and University life.
You will be taught at the city centre campus where you will have the opportunity to meet your peers and academics, and where, from your very first day, you are part of the Faculty of Health. You will study alongside Dental Therapy & Hygiene, Diagnostic Radiography, Biomedical Sciences, and Medical students, preparing you for a collaborative, inter-disciplinary approach to learning and practice. Modules aim to develop an understanding of the science relating to a range of topic areas relevant to the study of Dentistry, and you can take advantage of academic support and guidance provided by a personal tutor. Meeting the requirements at the end of the Foundation Pathway enables you to progress onto stage one of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme, where you will learn and practice clinical and academic skills as part of the dental team.
Years 1–5 will follow BDS Dental Surgery.
Portland Square – Dental students in Phantom Head room in Portland Square

Core modules

BDT003
Learning Skills for Dentistry 20 credits

This module is designed to underpin learning in other modules, equipping students with the skills required to succeed at University level study. It will provide opportunity to acquire generalizable skills and help students to become effective independent learners.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

BHCS001
Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics 20 credits

This module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

BHCS002
Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences 20 credits

This module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.

100% Practicals

FMD001
Molecules to Cells 20 credits

This module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

FMD002
Introduction to Human Physiology 20 credits

This module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.

50% Practicals

50% Examinations

FMD004
Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) 20 credits

This module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline

100% Coursework

 
 
 

Alternative pathways

We pride ourselves on our close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all our students
Our range of dental and dental therapy courses have been designed with your career and the future needs of the NHS in mind.
Discover our full range of dentistry courses

My time as a Biomedical Science student gave me a great opportunity to explore Plymouth and solidified my decision to study dentistry at the Peninsula Dental School.

Sneha, a third-year Dental Surgery student, took an unconventional route to study dentistry at University of Plymouth's Peninsula Dental School

Exeter Dental Education Facility - SDLE

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BDS with Integrated Foundation Year Programme Specification 2024-25 7430

Experience

Starting patient care in the first year really helped me build confidence and connect the theory to real cases. It’s been so rewarding to see my skills grow, from learning simple fillings to doing a root canal treatment on a patient.

Mohammed Chohan, Year 4 BDS student
 
 

Community engagement

​Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) is a Community Interest Company (CIC). As such, everything it does is guided by the need to fulfil its ‘community interest statement’ which sets out its mission and reason for existence as a company.
Engaging directly with participants and service users in a unique and meaningful way. The team works alongside organisations and projects to support positive lifestyle choices; promoting dental health and well being.
Dental Outreach Team - two student dentists smiling with a teddy bear in a dental mask
Dental Outreach Team - group of dental students in a primary school classroom smiling
A group of dental students are visiting Ford Primary School to demonstrate oral hygiene to the pupils.

Award-winning contribution to dental training and community care

We received recognition at Times Higher Education Awards 2023 for our continued work to provide dental care and training.
The pioneering work of the Peninsula Dental School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise won the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category at the awards ceremony. It is recognition of the efforts of more than 100 staff and 400 students working and studying with the University, and in communities across Devon and Cornwall.
Dental dentistry students practising 

Each year we have an inter-professional engagement module which allows us to use our skills to develop the local community. We visited the Nomony Children’s Centre and it made me realise that regardless of age there is always a way you can get someone to understand the importance of their oral health.

Yewande made the most of her time as a dental student by taking on multiple entrepreneurial and humanitarian projects.
Yewande Oduwole
 
 

Explore our facilities

From progressive clinical spaces to Simulated Dental Learning Environments, you will benefit from exceptional dental education facilities throughout your time studying the programme.
Whether you're treating patients through our award-winning Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) or working in the wider NHS in Devon and Cornwall, you will encounter people with a variety of oral diseases and systemic conditions. This interaction with patients will develop your ability to think and perform as an expert, alongside your understanding of the impact and importance of working with a team of professionals.
Discover our dental education facilities
Derriford Dental Education Facility
 
 

Teaching and learning

We draw on the strengths of the University and NHS partners to deliver an exciting and innovative dental degree programme. Carefully structured to ensure you will possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for entry into your first clinical job.
We have exceptional facilities across five locations: Portland Square, Devonport and Derriford in Plymouth, and in Exeter and Truro.
Dental students with masks
 
 
 

Learn from experienced dental professionals

We pride ourselves on our cutting-edge, research informed curriculum which ensures that you are equipped with the latest evidence, as well as the research skills to support patients’ recovery.
Our staff are experienced dental professionals engaged in active research, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom, which you will apply in clinical practice.
Dr Amanda Addy Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education and Co-Lead Year 1


Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education and Co-Lead Year 1

Dr Araz Ahmed NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Oral Surgery


NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Oral Surgery

Dr Ness Avery Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education


Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education

Show all
 
 
 

Join Peninsula Dental Society 'DentSoc'

Since 2006, Peninsula Dental School has welcomed friendly, intelligent, and driven Dentistry and Dental Therapy and Hygiene students. A few years later, Peninsula Dental Society was founded. We offer revision sessions, volunteering opportunities and a variety of social events throughout the year, including a Christmas Dinner and an annual Summer Ball.
We are proud of the diversity among our students and are always looking for more ways to celebrate the differences in our cultures.
Join DentSoc
Dental students on a project with Plymouth Community Homes residents on a project on diet with a 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party'
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

The clinics taught us to see patients holistically – it's never just a case of treating a tooth then going home; there's so much else that you're taught and encouraged to explore, and it really kickstarted my career path.

Liz, BDS Dental Surgery, MSc Oral Surgery graduate
Director of Eilertsen Dental Care

Liz Eilertsen performing dentistry on a patient
 
 

Dentistry offers a huge variety of career pathways and I have taken full advantage of this to create an interesting and varied career that suits me.

Zoë, BDS Dental Surgery graduate
Lecturer and Dental Associate 

Dr Zoe Brookes
Studying dental surgery at the University of Plymouth will enable you to commence a rewarding career within the health sector. With an ongoing demand for dentists across the UK, employment prospects for dental surgery graduates remain very good.
As a dentist, you’ll usually oversee a team of dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, and technicians, providing care to a diverse range of patients, from young children to older adults. Additionally you could specialise in areas such as academic, hospital, community of armed forces dentistry.
  • ]

    100% of dental surgery graduates in highly skilled work

  • H

    100% of graduates find their current work meaningful

  • b

    100% of graduates are utilising what they learnt in their studies in their current work

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
We are unable to accept international applicants for this programme going forward (2024 entry onwards).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

BDS Dental Surgery with Integrated Foundation Year is designed to make the study of Dentistry more accessible to those who have faced challenges in their education. For this reason, you must meet both the academic and non-academic entry requirements in order to be considered for this programme (those who do not meet the required contextual markers should consider the 5 year A206 BDS Dental Surgery programme).
Please note the following information concerning academic entry requirements:
  • None of the typical offers listed below are necessarily the threshold for interview selection. Other factors including the number of applications received may influence the threshold for interview selection.
  • Applicants for this course must not meet the A level and GCSE grade requirements for the five-year BDS Dental Surgery (A206) course, including the re-sit policy. However, if you meet either the GCSE or A level requirements for A206 but not the other, then you would be considered for the foundation course.
  • We will only consider an application from each candidate for either BDS Dental Surgery or BDS Dental Surgery with Integrated Foundation Year. Offers will not be made for both programmes.
  • The UCAT is not required for this course.
  • We are unable to consider any applicants who have already completed a first degree.
  • We are only able to consider Level 3 qualifications completed within five years of the start of the application cycle. For example, qualifications completed since 2016 would still be valid when applying in September 2021.
  • Applicants must meet the GCSE and Level 3 criteria to meet the academic entry requirementsWe aim to build a picture of the circumstances that may have adversely affected an applicant’s education and academic potential. When assessing an application we will consider a range of educational, social, family, and individual characteristics and experiences. Applications for this course will therefore only be considered if the contextual entry requirements are met alongside the academic criteria.
We are unable to accept international applicants for this programme.
Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

GCSE
Applicants need to achieve 5 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects:
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Two science subjects - either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics
We are unable to consider functional skills in lieu of GCSEs.

Level 3 qualifications
A Level
The typical offer is BBB at GCE A level which must include the following:
  • Grade B in Biology
  • Grade B in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
  • Your third A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. When shortlisting for interview we do not give preference to those who complete three Science A Levels. General Studies is not accepted
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DDM in a relevant subject, which must contain units covering sufficient Biology and another science.
BTEC National Diploma
  • DM in a relevant subject, which must contain units covering sufficient Biology and another science
  • GCE A Level grade B in Biology
City & Guilds Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing
Grade Distinction + 2 A levels at grade BB (to include Biology and a second science out of Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Psychology).
NEBDN
NEBDN Dental Nursing qualification with 1 A Level - B in Biology.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma in a predominantly science subject area, meeting the following criteria:
  • 60 credits overall to include 45 level 3 credits, of which 15 level 3 credits must be in Biology or Human Biology
  • You must achieve Distinction in 33 level 3 credits, and Merit in the remaining 12 level 3 credits
Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge can be considered in place of a third A Level alongside Biology and a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBB to include the following:
  • Grade B in Biology
  • Grade B in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
International Baccalaureate
28-32 points overall to include the following:
  • Higher Level 5 in Biology
  • Higher Level 5 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Other UK qualifications
Other UK qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.ukfor advice, ensuring you provide all details of your qualifications.

Mandatory non-academic entry requirements
All applicants, in addition to meeting or exceeding the published academic criteria above will need to meet a minimum of three of the following contextual indicator options.
Where you are required to provide evidence, please ensure that this is submitted at the same time as your application and no later than the UCAS deadline. We are unable to consider evidence if it is sent to us late.
  • Local to South West
    Local Living in a local South West region (Devon/Cornwall/Bristol/Dorset/Gloucestershire/Somerset/Wiltshire)
  • POLAR4
    Living in a low participation neighbourhood as determined by your postcode (POLAR4 quintiles 1 and 2).
  • Indices of Mass Deprivation
    Living in an area categorised as being in Indices of Mass Deprivation (IMD) 1–4 or 20% most deprived as determined by your English postcode, Northern Ireland postcode, Scottish postcode, and Welsh postcode.
  • School performance
    Attended a low performing school/college whilst completing your level 3 qualifications e.g. 16-18 performance in the ‘below’ or ‘well below average’ classification. This must be the school/college where you undertook your level 3 qualifications. If you attend a secondary school or college in England, please visit the Compare School and College Performance gov.uk website. If you attend a secondary school or college in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, please contact meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
  • UCAT
    If you have taken the UCAT during your level 3 studies and were entitled to a UCAT bursary please provide evidence at the point of UCAS application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • EMA or 16–19 bursary
    Bursary entitlement to be evidenced by an official award letter or a school letter submitted at the point of UCAS application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • Free school meals
    Being in receipt of free school meals whilst completing your level 3 qualifications, at the school/college you undertook these qualifications – evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • Peninsula Pathways
    Significant engagement in our Peninsula Pathways programme. Significant engagement includes completion of the five-day summer Work Experience Programme, being a member of the e-Mentoring scheme and attended a minimum of three of the various Peninsula Pathways workshops by the end of Year 12.
  • Estranged from parents
    We recognise students aged 18 to 24 who are 'estranged' to have no communicative relationship with both of their living biological, step or adoptive parents and often their wider family networks.
  • Refugee/Asylum seeker
    Evidenced by official document by official documentation/Home Office letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • Carer/Care leaver
    Evidenced by official documentation submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).

Re-sit applicants
Re-sit applicants
Re-sit applicants are considered for this course, with the following requirements:
  • If you are applying with predicted grades, a minimum of BCC must be achieved on first sitting of A Level
  • Where BCC is not achieved on first sitting, applicants must re-sit the required qualifications and apply once suitable grades have been achieved
  • A Level or accepted equivalent qualifications must be completed in no more than 3 years of study, unless otherwise advised
  • A suitable qualification profile must be achieved on first re-sit attempt
We do not have an AS Level resit policy, however, full A Levels must be completed within the above timeframe.
For re-sit criteria of other qualifications, please contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Selection and admissions process
Selection and admissions process

Applications should be made through UCAS by the published deadline. This is typically the 15th October. You can apply to no more than four of the same clinical course choice, so although you cannot apply for five medical courses, four medical courses and one dental course would be permitted. Further information on this is available through the UCAS website. You may also wish to consider an alternative course such as Biomedical Science or Medical Sciences as your fifth choice.

All decisions on applications are made by the Admissions Advisory Panel, which consists of academics, clinicians and senior members of the administrative team.

The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team process applications as follows:

1. Shortlisting for interview– Applicants are considered for interview based on relevant academic qualifications and non-academic criteria alone. We do not currently consider personal statements or work experience when selecting for interview

The Admissions Advisory Panel consider many factors when choosing who will be invited to attend an interview, including the number of places available on the course and the number of applications received, alongside the academic profiles of all of our applicants

2. Interview – Successful applicants are invited to attend an interview process. We use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) as the format for our interviews – view full details of our selection and admissions process.

Following interviews, candidates are ranked based on the score achieved and the top performing applicants are offered a place on the course

3. Offer – Offers are made via UCAS. Within all offers, candidates are required to complete a series of health and police checks, full details of which are communicated to firm offer holders by the Admissions Team.

Practising as a doctor requires the highest standards and we take seriously our commitment to only enrol and teach students with the integrity required of the profession. Full details can be found on our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.

 View full details of our selection and admissions process.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
A205
Institution code
P60
Duration

6 years
(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  
    We are unable to accept international applicants for this programme.
     
     
    UCAS course code
    A205
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    6 years
    (with placements)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

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