CertHE Foundation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics
2026 entry
Course summary
The Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Maths is a one-year introductory course, designed to prepare you to progress to undergraduate study in a non-clinical science, engineering or mathematics degree subject.
The course is for students returning to education who have not recently studied Level 3 qualifications (such as A-level or equivalent) and includes tailored support to help you transition to degree-level study. You will meet with a personal tutor and have access to the library, peer mentoring and academic skills development, such as essay writing.
We offer progression degrees covering the full range of fundamental and applied science and engineering at Bristol, as well as interdisciplinary degree courses in subjects such as biomedical sciences, data science, engineering design, environmental science and palaeontology and evolution. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be guaranteed a place on an undergraduate degree, dependent on your foundation pathway (Chemistry or Physics) and your foundation maths unit results.
Chemistry degrees
Earth Sciences degrees
Engineering degrees
Geographical Sciences degrees
Life Sciences degrees
Mathematics degrees
Physics degrees
*this excludes all Biological Sciences and Zoology degrees unless an A in A Level in biology is also held or predicted.
Choosing to study a science, engineering or life sciences degree allows you to develop knowledge and a range of transferable skills that employers value. Our graduates are highly employable, with skills in areas such as numeracy, teamwork, report writing and problem-solving. Bristol graduates are in demand and the University's high academic standards and excellent teaching attract many recruiters.
This course is for students with a 'Home' fee status. 'Overseas' fee status students should refer to our International Foundation Programmes. For information on how to check your fee status, please see our fee status information pages.
Applications are made directly to the University. You can find information about making an application on our how to apply page. If you have questions about the foundation year or the application process, please contact choosebristol-ug@bristol.ac.uk
Course structure
The course comprises five units: A core laboratory science unit, two maths units, a STEM skills unit and a group research project unit.
You will choose either a chemistry or a physics pathway depending on the degree subject you aim to study after the course. You will also take core units in maths, building your confidence and ability to use maths to solve problems in science and engineering.
We offer two different levels of mathematics, Discovering Foundation Mathematics and Extension Foundation Mathematics, depending on the degree subject that you wish to pursue after the Foundation Year. If invited to interview, you will also sit a maths test to assess your current level. Your test result is not used in deciding whether or not to offer you a place.
You will need to dedicate around 13-15 hours each week to lectures and seminars and at least 20 hours per week for independent study.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
No academic qualifications are required for entry to this course. Applications will be assessed on personal statement and interview (including a maths problem). We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate the potential to succeed on the course.
If we receive a high number of applications, priority may be given to applicants without prior experience of higher education and/or who do not hold a qualification at QCA-level 3 (for example A-levels or an Access to HE Diploma) and/or to applicants from one or more of the University's widening participation categories.Holders of specific science qualifications are not eligible for this course as follows:
Applicants who have taken any of the following science A-levels or equivalent QCA-level 3 qualifications* in the last five years are not eligible: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics.
Applicants who have taken more than one of the following science-related subjects at A-level (or equivalent QCA-level 3 qualifications*) in the last five years, are not eligible: Biology, Computer Science, Design and Technology: Product Design 3D, Electronics, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Marine Science, Economics, Computing, Geography, Geology, Information Communication Technology, Psychology, Statistics.
*We will consider applicants who have achieved or who are currently taking Access to HE or BTEC Level 3 qualifications, as long as those qualifications do not already facilitate direct entry to their desired undergraduate degree via UCAS. In this case, applicants are advised to check the prospectus or contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk, to consider applying directly through UCAS for our undergraduate-level courses.
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Foundation in Science, Engineering and Mathematics can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.