• Academic Skills & Statistics
• Chemistry and Biology for Bioscience
• Chemistry and Pharmacology
• Developing Skills for Industry – Laboratory Skills
• Physiology and Anatomy
• Professional Practice and GxP
• Biochemistry
• Work Based Learning (WBL1&2)
• Cell Biology, Genetics & Molecular Biology
• Microbiology & Immunology
• Analytical Methodologies

UK: Applicants must have attained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of:

• A levels (at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Health & Life Sciences or equivalent),

• -National Awards (in a science related subject) or a

• Pass in Access Diploma with an approved science module at 55% or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.

• Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (eg. GCSE) or

• have alternative approved qualifications.

• In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English Language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a

• C grade in GCSE English language (or equivalent) and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).

Where an applicant does not hold the formal academic requirements for entry to the programme but can demonstrate relevant experiential learning across a range of industries, they may apply for admission through the College Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process. In such cases, contact the Programme Director for the programme who will advise further.

Please note, all applicants to the programme will be required to attend an interview.

RoI: 48 UCAS points consisting of passes in five approved subjects to include a minimum of:

• 3 at Higher Leaving Cert Pass (Grade D/H6), one of which should be in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or equivalent) and

• OLC (Grade 04 or above) to include Maths and English.

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may be considered for entry. For more details visit www.swc.ac.uk/apply. Please note, all applicants to the programme will be required to attend an interview.

Course International Entry Requirements:

Any applicant whose first language is not English should demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English. Usually, the minimum English language entry requirement is IELTS (academic) of 6.0 (with no band score of less than 5.5 in all four elements of the test).

We accept a wide range of alternative English language examinations and tests so please contact us for an updated list of other accepted tests.

Lectures will be delivered face to face and you will be supported through hybrid learning. You will normally be assessed through class tests, oral presentations, individual and collaborative coursework assignments and examinations. A virtual learning environment will be used to support learning and all aspects of assessment.

Work based learning will be part of the Programme in Year 2 when a 3-month work placement in industry will allow you to complete a project based on the workplace that you are working in. Furthermore, you will learn academic and career enhancement skills which will support successful study on the Programme.

Graduates from this programme may progress to a range of related degree programmes at Ulster University such as Year 3 of BSc (Hons) Biology; Year 2 of MSc Pharmaceutical Biosciences; BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science (DPP) (Pathology); BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (DPP) (Industry); BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (FT & PT); BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Food & Nutrition; or they may enter Year 1 of a wide range of degree programmes. Progression to other Universities at various points of entry may also be possible. 

Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s admission and progression requirements before enrolling on a programme at the College.

Your future career:

After completing this programme, you may also explore employment opportunities in this field which could include; Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology Technician, Research Assistant, Environmental Health & Safety, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmacy Technician, Dietetic Assistant, Cardiology Technician, Audiology Technician, and Assistant Grade Professionals. 

This Foundation Degree covers analytical and biomedical sciences with an emphasis on practical and experimental skills. Graduates of this programme will be well placed to gain employment in analytical laboratories and in biomedical sectors or to continue their studies in associated subjects.

Fees are payable annually.

The course will be delivered over 4 semesters which is equivalent to 2 years of study.

2026/27 fees:

£2,800 (payable for each year)

For 2026/27 fees, please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy on the College website.

During your course you should budget for incidental expenditure e.g. costs of purchasing your own text books, additional costs for printing and photocopying (above the free allowance provided to all students). This figure may be in the region of £100 or more per year.

Students are required to:

Comply with College policies and procedures, rules and regulations (available in your Higher Education Student Handbook, on-line via the College website: Policies, Reports and Strategies | South West College and on the College Virtual Learning Environment - VLE).

Course work and assessments must be submitted by specified dates, coursework submitted without consent after the deadline shall not normally be accepted. Students should comply with South West College’s attendance policy and that of Ulster University.