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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 is ranked second in the UK by both the Complete University Guide 2021 and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.

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.

Core Units

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 (Hons) 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:

The degrees listed below have additional conditions

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:

February 2021

Semester 1: 01/02/2021 – 21/05/2021
Semester 2: 24/05/2021 – 20/08/2021

September 2021

Semester 1: 27/09/2021 - 04/02/2022
Semester 2: 07/02/2022 - 03/06/2022

January 2022

Semester 1: 31/01/2022 - 20/05/2022
Semester 2: 23/05/2022 - 19/08/2022

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.