This course is subject to change for 2027 entry. Full details will be advertised here, and on our webpages in summer 2026. **Course details** **About our Foundation Programmes**\ The Foundation Programme is designed for students from under-represented groups in higher education, who have the potential to achieve but who, because of educational disadvantage or disruption, do not have the level of attainment or access to qualifications required for standard entry to a Durham University course. Please note there are eligibility criteria (For more details please scroll to “How to Apply” below for link information). **What we do**\ Our Foundation Programmes are delivered by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham’s Centre for Academic Development. Each year it provides places for 100 students and supports them to progress to Level 1 study in various academic subjects from most academic department in the university. The content focuses on developing an understanding of how knowledge is constructed within the degree programme, metacognitive skills, and independent learning, becoming increasingly specialised as the course progresses. We support students to develop the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress to the first year of their degree - Biological Sciences BSc. **Biological Sciences**\ Developing the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your understanding of the world around you; from the detailed structures of biomolecules to evolution at the level of global populations. For full details please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
All applicants need to meet Eligibility Criteria to be considered: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-development/study/foundation/eligibility/ If you achieved or have predicted grades that meet the standard offer for your Durham University degree course without Foundation, then you should apply for direct entry, as you will not be considered for the Foundation Programme. Academic Criteria: It is not necessary to have Level 3 qualification to apply to the Foundation Programme but you must be able to demonstrate the potential to have achieved the qualification above. If you have completed Level 3 qualifications within three years or are currently taking them, you need to achieve at least grade C for each A-level, and/or each BTEC at least grade Merit; or at least a Merit in all level 3 modules for an Access to HE course. Applicants over 21 should have ideally achieved GCSE grade 5 in Maths and a Science subject, and GCSE grade 4 English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects. Applicants under 21 must have achieved GCSE grade 5 in Maths and a Science subject, and GCSE grade 4 English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects.. All applicants for this route should have ideally achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in Chemistry, or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in this subject. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements. You should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/
**Durham Education 2027** The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree. For current module information please visit our course page.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Tuition fees remain subject to parliamentary approval. Durham University will charge home rate tuition up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. If a student progresses from their foundation year to the first year of their course at Durham University, the tuition fee will rise to at least £10,050, or whatever the maximum tuition fee determined by the UK Government is for the year in which they progress. Fees for subsequent years of the course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. As a student you may also get involved in optional activities which incur additional costs. To find out more visit https://www.dur.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/additional-charges/. — 27/28 Foundation - Classroom based
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