Applicants must:

1. Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent) and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or equivalent); and

2. Have attained passes in four different subjects, of which one should be at GCE A level or equivalent and three at GCSE Level (Grades A, B or C) and/or AS Level, or alternative approved qualifications; and

3. Have a minimum of 48 UCAS points
or

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 Experiential Learning (APEL) process. In such cases, contact the Course Director for the programme who will advise further.

In the event of over-subscription, entry criteria may be enhanced. Refer to South West College’s general entry requirements.

Course International Entry Requirements:

International students must meet the general entrance requirements for admission to any College First Degree, Honours Degree Top-up, Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma.

International students (for whom English is not their first language), must demonstrate their competence in written and spoken English at IELTS – Academic 6.0, with minimum 5.5 in all four elements of the test. Trinity ISE - Pass at Level 3 also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Assessment will be carried out through a variety of means including coursework, practical assessments, short class tests and end of module examinations, throughout the duration of the course. There are also two mandatory Work Based Learning modules, totalling 40 Credits which students are responsible for securing and must be approved by the college.

On successful completion of this course, several progression opportunities exist. Learners can apply to Ulster University to seek admission to the a full or part-time degrees in:

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

BSc (Hons) Biology

BSc (Hons) Food and Nutrition

BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition

BSc (Hons) Nursing

BSc (Hons) Personalised Medicine

BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Nutrition

Successful applicants can normally progress onto the second year of these programmes.

Applicants can also apply to first year entry on a number of degrees including BSc Hons Nursing and BSc Hons Personalised Medicine. There is also a Distance Learning degree - BSc (Hons) Applied Biosciences (Healthcare Sciences), where successful applicants can normally progress onto the final year.

In all cases applicants must meet the awarding bodies own entrance requirements.

As a result of completing this course you may also explore employment opportunities in this field which could include: Pharmacy Technician, Dietetic Assistant, Cardiology Technician, Audiology Technician, Basic Level Pharmacology staff, School Technicians and other similar roles.

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

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.

2025/26 fees:

£2,800 (payable for each year)

For 2025/26 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.