This extended degree course is ideal if you’re keen to pursue a career in science or psychology but currently have little or no scientific grounding.
Some of your teaching and learning will take place in our £30 million Science Centre. There, you’ll have access to our 280 state-of-the-art workstations, which will allow you to gain practical skills and work independently on different experiments. Taught by experts in the field, you’ll benefit from their years of experience within the industry.
During your preparatory year, you’ll gain the knowledge and key skills you need in biology and scientific studies by studying core modules that are essential for a career in science or psychology. You’ll also have the chance to study an optional module from a list of topics including biochemistry, and nutrition and sports science.
Once you have gained the core knowledge required, you’ll be ready to progress on to one of our Science or Psychology BSc (Hons) degrees, where you’ll study a wide variety of core and optional modules designed to give you the skills, qualifications and expertise necessary for a rewarding career. Depending on the course you choose, you may also have the option to undertake a work placement, giving you invaluable connections and practical industry experience.
This course is recognised by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). If you are eligible, funding for the preparatory year will follow the standard undergraduate funding regulations.
Assessment
Assessment consists of progress tests, online tests, coursework, practical reports and presentations. You’ll also receive feedback throughout the course.
After the course
If you satisfactorily complete the preparatory year and reach the necessary academic criteria, you can progress to Year 1 of many of our science or psychology-based BSc (Hons) courses. Some degree programmes, such as our Dietetics and Nutrition BSc, and Biomedical Science BSc degrees, have higher entry criteria (in terms of grades obtained for topics on the preparatory year), and you may be required to attend an interview.
Completion of a science or psychology-related degree opens up a huge range of career options, as well as a route into further specialist training or postgraduate study. Our graduates are working as biotechnologists, sports coaches, clinical psychologists and many other professions in industries all over the world.
What is an extended degree?
Extended degrees provide applicants with an alternative route into higher education. If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing an extended degree. Extended degrees include a Year 0, which is also known as a foundation year. Once you successfully complete this initial year of study you will progress on to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree.
