Durham University
Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)
Durham University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 170 graduates of Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons) and other courses in biology (non-specific) at Durham University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in biology (non-specific).

Overall student satisfaction
90 /100
170 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in biology (non-specific)

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of biology (non-specific) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £29000 £29000 £33500
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £31000 £23500 - £35500 £28000 - £46500


Salary of all UK Graduates of biology (non-specific)

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24966 £22375 £26273
25-75 percentile range £20975 - £27992 £16894 - £27526 £20699 - £33736

Course Description

The Foundation Programme is designed for students from under-represented groups in higher education, who have the potential to achieve the standard for admission to Durham, but who, because of educational disadvantage or disruption, do not have the level of attainment or access to qualifications required for entry to a Durham University course. The Foundation Programme is delivered by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham’s Centre for Academic Development (DCAD). Each year it provides places for 100 students and supports them to progress to Level 1 study in over 33 academic subjects from every academic department in the university.

The Foundation Programme supports students to develop the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level. The content focuses on developing epistemological maturity, metacognitive skills, and independent learning, becoming increasingly specialised as the course progresses. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress to the first year of their degree C103 - Biological Sciences.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons) at Durham University

20% Welfare and housing associate professionals
15% Sales occupations
15% Teaching Professionals
15% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
10% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Design occupations
5% Elementary occupations
0% Artistic, literary and media occupations
0% Welfare and housing associate professionals
0% Administrative occupations

Grading & Study Time

This programme provides high-quality teaching and learning in a supportive and productive environment which encourages self-awareness, reflective practice, and cross-discipline awareness. The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials/workshops, and practical classes. Typically, lectures provide key information on a particular area, and this is consolidated through tutorials and/or workshops and practical classes where appropriate, particularly for laboratory skills. The course provides up to 16 contact hours per week, but further consolidation takes place through independent study and/or voluntary workshops provided outside the course’s formal contact hours. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence and classes are generally small, to ensure individual learning needs can be met. Students who require additional writing and academic support are normally provided with additional contact time and opportunities to take part in small group and individual tutorials. Towards the end of the year, greater emphasis is placed on independent study, not just in preparation for classes and reading around the subjects, but also with students completing an individual project related to their progression route. Throughout the course, all students also have access to an academic adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance. Students will normally meet weekly with their adviser. However, in addition, academic advisors and teaching staff are normally available to meet with students by appointment. After the initial year, you should refer to the teaching and learning information for your chosen degree subject.

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 4.5
    • Foundation
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees

This course is not available to International applicants. Any International applicant interested in studying a Foundation programme leading to further study at Durham University should visit www.durhamisc.com for more information.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Biological Sciences with Foundation, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)

Ireland £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1

Additional fee information

Year 1 relates to 1st year of study (year 0) for fee purposes

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of Durham University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 37 university rankings of Durham University

About Durham University

Founded in 1832, Durham University (DU) is located in the cathedral city of Durham, North East England. DU takes pride in having numerous subject fields ranked among the best in the world according to QS, as well as having an exceptionally large course catalogue without compromising the quality that students can expect. Apart from the impressive academic opportunities on offer, students can also participate in numerous sports, music, and art-based extracurricular activities on-site.

List of 211 Bachelor and Master Courses from Durham University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Durham University

undergraduates:
17140
postgraduates:
4365
Total:
21505
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Where is this programme taught

College allocation pending
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Durham City
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