Modules

You will study four mandatory units:

• Foundations of Chemistry (40 credit points)
• Foundations in Biomedical Sciences (20 credit points)
• English Language and Academic Skills for Aspiring Clinicians (20 credit points)
• Personal and Professional Development for Aspiring Clinicians (International) (40 credit points)

Teaching methods

Our teaching helps you transition into university life.

Small groups

You will learn in small groups in the following modules:

• Personal and Professional Development (International Foundation)
• English Language and Academic skills for Aspiring Clinicians

You will benefit from closely supervised teaching. You'll get to know members of staff and they will be able to monitor your engagement and progress. They will help make sure you are performing to your potential.

Larger groups

You will learn in larger groups in the following modules:

• Foundations of Chemistry
• Foundations in Biomedical sciences

You will also work with students on other programmes in these modules.

Mix of learning styles

You'll experience a variety of learning environments and teaching styles. This includes:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical classes
• Work experience involving clinical observation
• Regular meetings with a personal tutor

This mix will help you to transition from high school study to supported but increasingly independent university study.

Develop your skills

Units within the programme offer many opportunities for study skills development. You can take advantage of the Bristol Futures programme. This includes study skills learning resources. The programme also helps you to engage more widely with the University community.

Assessments

The assessments on this course help you to transition from school assignments to the coursework that you will experience on a Dentistry degree. 

There are regular formative assessments. These assessments help you to monitor your own progress and engage with opportunities to improve your performance. 

You will be assessed through a variety of methods which are frequently used in professional programmes. These assessments include:

• Laboratory practicals
• Completion of an ePortfolio
• Essays
• Multiple-choice and short-answer questions
• Joint oral presentations.

These assessment methods are designed to get you used to the assessment types and expectations you will encounter on dental degree courses.

Progressing onto Dentistry courses

Find out about progression onto Dentistry or other courses following the International Foundation Programme.

Application process

Find out how to apply