BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Foundation Year

• Benefit from award-winning teaching in small groups and be inspired by staff who are world-leading researchers.
• Hone your practical problem-solving skills in our newly-refurbished laboratories, kitted out with the latest analytical instrumentation.
• Our tutorial system ensures that you receive the support and guidance you need to reach your full potential.
• 70% of assessment based on coursework.
• Experience chemistry in the real world and boost your employability by taking a work-based placement project in your final year, or working alongside PhD and post-doctoral researchers in our high specification laboratories.
• Graduate with in-demand skills for a range of career paths, from research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and lab-based roles in the food and energy industries, to positions in the science, engineering, healthcare, environmental or technology sectors.
• The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.
• Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the professional body representing chemistry in the UK.

• Foundation Year

• We introduce you to the world of chemistry, applying the principles across a wide subject area. We focus on practical, hands-on learning. You will also gain study and mathematical skills for science - from scientific writing and time management to mathematical skills and independent study.

  Core modules

  • Biology 1 (BIO012)

    This module introduces students to the study of biology and its fundamental importance as a cornerstone of modern science. No prior knowledge is required or assumed. The emphasis is on understanding some of the core principles of biology, and applying these across the breadth of the subject. To ensure that key practical skills are developed, the module will incorporate many hands-on learning experiences.

  • Applications of Chemistry (CHM001)

    This module develops a more detailed understanding of the application of Chemistry to real world scenarios through a series of case studies which instil in students a critical appreciation of the science and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it.

  • Chemistry 1 (CHM009)

    This module introduces students into the world of chemistry and its fundamental importance as a cornerstone of science. No prior knowledge of science is required and the emphasis is on applying the principals of chemistry across a wide subject area, with many hands-on learning experiences.

  • Chemistry 2 (CHM010)

    This module is designed to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills inculcated in CHM009 and to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of organic Chemistry at a level sufficient for entry to the degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering, including the Chemistry Degree programmes.

  • Study and Mathematical Skills for Science (GEES001)

    This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.

  Optional modules

  • Biology 2 (BIO013)

    This module builds on the core ideas introduced in BIO012, introducing a range of additional biological concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in biology, including many hands-on learning experiences to ensure that key practical skills are developed.

  • Mathematics and Statistics for Science (MATH019)

    This module provides the basic mathematical background to enable learners to progress to honours degree programmes in science.

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:

BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Foundation Year programme specification_5474

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Approximate cohort size is 20 students per year.

A levels: from a minimum of 2 A levels to include at least one pass in a science subject. Excluding general studies.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP – from a science related subject. 
12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP – from a science related subject. 

BTEC National modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access courses: pass Access course (preferably from a science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice.

T level: Pass (D or E on the core) 72 points or above. Any subjects related to Science/Engineering/Health.

GCSE: mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.

International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.

Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details.

Progression onto chemistry F100 - achieving 120 credits in the specified course and an average of at least 50 per cent across all 120 credits.

English language requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.