University of Surrey International Study Centre

Life Sciences International Foundation Year

About this route

The Life Sciences International Foundation Year leads to a wide range of degrees in biology and chemistry-related subjects at the University of Surrey.

During the International Foundation Year you will study a core unit of general subject skills, and subject-specific units, which are carefully designed for your academic development.

If you need to improve your English language to reach the required level for your International Foundation Year, you can take our English Language Preparation programme.

Why study Life Sciences with us?

World-class academics
Our Life Sciences pathway leads to progression degrees in a range of exciting areas – each with their own reasons for study. Surrey’s biological degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, its chemistry degrees are vital to groundbreaking international research, and nutrition at Surrey was awarded a 100% satisfaction rate (National Student Survey 2019).

Practical work experience
After gaining a solid foundation on our Life Sciences pathway, you can progress to your undergraduate degree to continue developing your academic and employability skills. One way to do this is by taking a Professional Training Year, where you’ll be able to enter the workforce and put your practical skills to the test. As well as learning even more about your future career, a Professional Training Year is an excellent addition to your CV.

Develop transferable skills
Study with classmates planning to progress onto widely different degrees within Life Sciences. This means you’ll be working with a range of different people, developing transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving and communication – all valuable attributes when you’re working within a company setting.

Academic English Skills

Academic English Skills aims to provide you with thorough training in language and related academic skills, enabling you to best achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Biology 1 & 2

These units will encourage students to develop their interest in biology through study of the molecules of life, cellular processes, energy systems, genetics and systems of life in plants and animals.

Chemistry 1 & 2

You will study formulae, equations and moles, atomic structure, chemical bonding, redox reactions and thermodynamics. These units will also cover chemical equilibria, acid-base equilibria, reaction kinetics and topics in organic chemistry.

Core Maths & Statistics

In these units you will learn to recall arithmetic concepts, develop your knowledge of algebra and calculus and deepen your understanding of the role of mathematics in the world. You will study the use of graphs in solving equations, derivatives and integrals and concepts of statistical mathematics.

Study plans

September intake

IELTS requirement Length Sept-Dec Feb-Jun Jul-Aug Sept
5.5 2 semesters     Progress to your undergraduate degree

  International Foundation Year   Vacation

February intake

IELTS requirements Length Feb-May May-Aug Sept
5.5 2 semesters   Progress to your undergraduate degree

  International Foundation Year

Progression degrees 

This programme can lead to one of the undergraduate degrees in the table below. Grades and progression degrees are guidelines and subject to change.

All degrees listed include the option to undertake the Professional Training Year programme in year two of a four year degree. You will be able to select the option before you progress to the University. The University of Surrey will provide guidance and support in year one and two in helping you to find the right placement.

Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade
Biochemistry BSc (Hons) 65% 60% with min 50% in W, 40% all other skills
Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) 65% 60% with min 50% in W, 40% all other skills
Biomedical Engineering MEng (Hons) 70% 50% with 40% in each skill
Biomedical Engineering BEng 65% 50% with 40% in each skill
Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) 65% 60% with min 50% in W, 40% all other skills
BVMSci Veterinary Medicine and Science  BVMSci (Hons) 65% 70% with min. 50% in each skill
Chemistry BSc (Hons) 65% 50% with min. 40% in each skill
Chemistry MChem 70% 50% with min. 40% in each skill
Chemistry with Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons) 65% 50% with min. 40% in each skill
Chemistry with Forensic Investigation MChem (Hons) 70% 50% with min. 40% in each skill
Food Science and Nutrition BSc (Hons) 65% 60% with min 50% in W, 40% all other skills
Medicinal Chemistry BSc (Hons) 65% 50% with min. 40% in each skill

Please note:

There are limited places on offer for the BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Dietetics degree:

  • Suitable applicants are invited to an interview and offers are made based on your performance at interview.
  • If you are not offered a place on the Nutrition & Dietetics programme, you can progress onto the BSc Nutrition or the BSc Nutrition and Food Science programme (subject to achieving the required academic and English progression grades).

There are additional entry requirements for BVMSci Veterinary Medicine and Science:

  • Available for progression from ISC February intake only
  • Applicants wishing to be considered for Vet Med will need to submit their UCAS application by the earlier deadline of 15th October in order to be considered.
  • 4 weeks of work experience being required prior to UCAS application.
  • An interview is also required and offers are made based on your performance at interview. If you are not offered a place on the Veterinary Medicine and Science programme, you can progress onto the Veterinary Biosciences programme (subject to achieving the required academic and English progression grades).

Please see the University of Surrey website or contact admissions@surrey.ac.uk to find out if you are eligible.

Key facts

Course length:
Two semesters

Entry points:
February and September 

Term dates:

September 2020

Semester 1: 28/09/2020 – 05/02/2021

Semester 2: 08/02/2021 – 04/06/2021

February 2021

Semester 1: 01/02/2021 – 21/05/2021

Semester 2: 24/05/2021 – 20/08/2021

Age: you must be at least 17 years old to study at the International Study Centre and progress to the University.

Visit our entry requirements page for a list of academic, English language and country-specific entry requirements.

Download prospectus

Surrey prospectus image section

Our prospectus is now available.

Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences

Business students from Surrey University

A two-semester pathway to a wide range of undergraduate degrees in areas such as accounting, business management, law and politics. Find out what you will study and progression degrees.

Engineering and Physical Sciences

A Surrey ISC student in the engineering lab

A two-semester pathway to an undergraduate degree in fields related to engineering, science or mathematics. Find out what you will study and progression degrees.

We’ll get you to where you want to be – Read our latest guidance for current students, or find out more about online learning.