Peninsula Dental School

BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year

The BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year is designed for applicants who wish to study Dental Therapy and Hygiene but who are not currently appropriately qualified for entry to year one of the undergraduate course. The course equips you with the scientific knowledge and skills needed to become a confident, critically self-aware, independent learner ready for the challenges of higher education. The course may be particularly of interest for qualified Dental Nurses.

First choice for health logo

First choice for health

Delivered by professional experts, our programmes are tailored to you and your career. Together, we address today's most challenging healthcare issues, through research-informed teaching and active, real-world learning.

#firstchoiceforhealth

Key features

  • The integrated foundation year provides an opportunity to study the biomedical and life sciences which underpin the contemporary clinical BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene programme in dedicated facilities with expert staff, before embarking on year one of the BSc course.
  • Prepare for patient-centered shared care by learning in an inter-disciplinary team alongside students from biomedical sciences, medicine and dental therapy and hygiene.
  • Your learning will be supported by dedicated study skills sessions and academic tutors, helping you get the most from your studies.
  • Specialist modules will give you the opportunity to choose your own areas of interest to study further.
  • By successfully completing the foundation year, you will have the opportunity to progress onto a pioneering, clinical course with state of the art facilities provided by established Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), a Community Interest Company (CIC). Further details can be found on the BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene page. 
  • Applications are particularly welcomed from qualified Dental Nurses looking to advance their careers by training as a dual qualified Dental Therapist and Hygienist.
  • The integrated foundation year is specifically designed to make the transition to a BSc as smooth as possible, with dedicated learning outcomes tailored to your profession. You will also have the opportunity to experience the assessment methods you will encounter in years one, two and three. 

Course details

  • Year 1
  • Core modules

    • BHCS001 Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics

      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.

    • BHCS002 Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences

      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.

    • FMD001 Molecules to Cells

      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.

    • FMD002 Introduction to Human Physiology

      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.

    • FMD003 Learning Skills for Healthcare

      This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the learning environment of higher education by developing an independent, reflective and managed approach to learning, study skills, scientific communication, mathematical skills and aspects of programme specific practice.

    • FMD004 Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning)

      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

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:

Dental Therapy and Hygiene Foundation Year Programme Specification 20 21 4660

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.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

GCSE: Mathematics and English at 4/C, plus one of the Level 3 qualifications outlined below.

A level: a minimum of 2 A levels to include at least one pass in a Science subject.

International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include English, Mathematics and one Science subject.

National Diploma/Certificate in Dental Nursing: pass grade in National Diploma/Certificate in Dental Nursing.

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP from a Science related subject.

BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP from a Science related subject.

Access: pass an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, such as Science, Combined Studies, Natural Sciences or Nursing.

GNVQ and AGNVQ: passes in Science subjects.

Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without Science qualifications at Level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This programme is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications. Please note that the GCSE criteria outlined above, or equivalent qualifications, are essential.

Please note that the typical offers above are not necessarily the threshold for selection for interview, which may vary depending on the number of applications received by the Faculty of Health.


Extended entry requirements

  • English language requirements
  • We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. Please note that from 2021 entry applicants from the EU will be considered international students for fee paying purposes and may be required to obtain a visa to allow study in the UK.

If you intend to practice in your home country post-graduation please ensure you check with the nations’ dental council before committing to study with us. Individual requirements are often not very transparent and you should confirm whether our degree is transferable overseas before submitting an application.

Selection and admissions process

We have outlined our selection and admissions process, providing information from interviews to deferred entry.

Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise

Please view our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.

Fees, costs and funding

The UK is no longer part of the European Union. EU applicants should refer to our Brexit information to understand the implications.

New Student 2021 2022
Home £9,250 To be confirmed
International £14,200 To be confirmed
Part time (Home) £770 To be confirmed
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. For more information about fees and funding please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/money.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Health and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Health additional costs.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Professor Christopher Tredwin, Head of School

With our state-of-the-art facilities we are committed to producing dental practitioners and dental therapists and hygienists with clinical skills of the highest order and a strong sense of social awareness.

.

Learn about the roles and research interests of our school staff

Student insight – Yewande Oduwole

No matter what you are studying there is always a way that you can make an impact and a positive change in someone’s life.

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

Find out more about Yewande's story

Your voice counts

Our programmes in Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Healthcare Sciences all achieved student satisfaction rating in excess of 92 per cent in 2014.

We are proud of our exceptionally high level of student satisfaction as measured in the National Student Survey (NSS).

Supporting your learning

The course has many features which will enhance your learning experience.

From technology-enhanced learning and our Life Sciences Resource Centre and much more.

Find out more about the course's features

Discover more about the programme

The school draws on the strengths of its University and NHS partners to deliver the most exciting and innovative undergraduate dental therapy and hygiene degree programme.

It is carefully structured to ensure you will possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for entry into your first clinical job.

Find out more about the programme

The interview

Before receiving an offer to study on one of our programmes you will be invited to attend an interview.

This attempts to find out whether you have the personal attributes required to become a doctor or dentist of tomorrow.

Find out more about the interview process

The Community Engagement Team (CET)

Engaging directly with participants and service users in a unique and meaningful way.

The CET works alongside organisations and projects to support positive lifestyle choices; promoting dental health and well being.

Find out more about the Community Engagement Team

Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise 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.

​Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) is a Community Interest Company (CIC).

Find out more about Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC

Our research

Our oral health and disease research brings together laboratory scientists, health service researchers and practitioners enabled by a strong collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, to drive translational research.

Research into the causes, treatment and prevention of oral and dental disease and improved oral health.

Find out more about our oral health research

Let our graduates inspire you

People