Key information
Gain foundational knowledge in science and get prepared for degree level studies. This is an alternative route where after your first year you will progress onto second-year study of an undergraduate degree.
Find out more about our 3 year honours degree option.
- UCAS code
- GC35
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 3-4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September, January
The BSc (Hons) Science with Foundation gives students a strong grounding in scientific study while developing the academic skills needed to succeed at university.
Through a combination of mathematics and science courses, students build the knowledge and confidence required for progression to a range of science degree pathways.
The programme develops wider skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, independent learning, research and communication. Students also gain practical laboratory experience in subjects such as physics and chemistry, helping them apply scientific concepts in real-world settings and prepare for further study.
During the second semester, you will have the opportunity to work closely with your academics to identify which undergraduate degree programme you will progress onto in second year. It can be overwhelming choosing a degree before starting university, so this approach allows you to make your decision based on your learning and academic experience.
Degree pathways
Successful completion of this programme offers a direct pathway to a wide range of professionally relevant degrees:
- Chemistry with Placement, MChem
- Brewing and Distilling, BSc (Hons)
- Mathematical Physics, BSc (Hons)
- Chemistry, BSc (Hons)
- Chemistry, MChem
- Physics, BSc (Hons)
- Physics, MPhys
- Mathematics, BSc (Hons)
- Mathematics with French, BSc (Hons)
- Mathematics with Statistics, BSc (Hons)
- Mathematics with Finance, BSc (Hons)
- Mathematical, Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, BSc (Hons)
- Master of Mathematics (MMath)
- Mathematical Statistical and Actuarial Sciences and Diploma in Industrial Training, BSc (Hons)
- Mathematics with Finance and Diploma in Industrial Training, BSc (Hons)
- Actuarial Science, BSc (Hons)
- Statistical Data Science, BSc
- Combined Studies, BSc (Hons)
Your student experience
The BSc (Hons) Science with Foundation programme is delivered by experienced academics with expertise across a range of scientific disciplines.
The teaching team brings extensive experience of supporting students as they transition into higher education and prepare for degree-level study. Students learn in a supportive environment shaped by best practice in STEM education.
All teaching staff are associated with the Higher Education Academy, helping to ensure a high-quality learning experience that prepares students for progression to undergraduate study.
Go Global
Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.
Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai
Inter-Campus Transfer: Malaysia
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
In first year, you will take four year-long courses of 30 credits each.
Optional September
- Computing A
- Physics A
- Chemistry A
- Maths A
Mandatory September
- Academic Skills Project A
Optional January
- Computing B
- Physics B
- Chemistry B
- Maths B
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project B
January Intake - Edinburgh
In first year, you will take four year-long courses of 30 credits each.
Optional January
- Computing A
- Physics A
- Chemistry A
- Maths A
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project A
Optional May
- Computing B
- Chemistry B
- Physics B
- Maths B
Mandatory May
- Academic Skills Project B
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Academic testimonial
Students on the BSc (Hons) Science with Foundation will be prepared for entry into the second year of their chosen degree programme through developing best academic practice, fundamental mathematical skills for STEM study, and a strong understanding of core science subjects within a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £10,050 |
| International | £20,880 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Entry requirements
If joining us in September 2027, please see the entry requirements below. Heriot-Watt offers different entry requirements, depending on your background.
Academic background equivalent to A Levels DEE/CD + GCSE English and Maths at C/4. Subject relevance to be dependent upon articulation degree.
Academic entry requirements
- Highers CCD including a science or maths + National 5 Maths & English at Grade C
- A-Levels DEE/CD including a science or maths. GCSE English and Maths at C/4
- International Baccalaureate 26 points including H5 + H4 OR H4+H4+H3. Science / maths subject is required at H4. S4 at Maths & English
- BTEC Extended Diploma Not accepted
International academic entry requirements
- China - Senior High 2 - average grade of 70% or Senior High 3 at an average of 65%
- Ghana - West African School Certificate (WAEC) - or Senior School Certificate in four subjects with grades 1-6 (A-C)
- Hong Kong - Form 5 in four academic subjects (grades will be assessed on a case by case basis) or HKDSE with grades 223 in relevant subjects
- India - Standard 10 + 1 - 70% or Standard 10 + 2 at 55%
- Indonesia - SMU 2 - Grade 7.0 or SMU 3 Grade 6.5 (five relevant subjects required)
- Iran - High School Diploma (3 years) - average grade of at least 14 (in relevant subjects)
- Jordan - Tawjihi - 80% in 4 relevant subjects
- Kazakhstan - ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education - grade average of 4
- Kuwait - Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama - passmark of 80% in relevant subjects
- Libya - Secondary Education Certificate - average of 80%
- Malaysia - Form 5. Ter, 2 or Mid-Year Transcript - A-C in five relevant subjects
- Nigeria - WAEC or SSC - grades 1-6 in four relevant subjects.
- Qatar - Thanawaya Aam Qatari - average grade 80% in relevant subjects
- Saudi Arabia - Tawjihi - average of 80% in relevant subjects
- Thailand - MAW5 - GPA of 2.5 or of MAW 6 with a GPA of 2.0 in six relevant subjects
- United Arab Emirates - Tawjihi - 80% or above in relevant subjects
- Ukraine - ATTESTAT/11th Grade Certificate of Secondary Education - grade average of 7.0
- Vietnam - Completion of Year 12 at Secondary School with average grade of 7.0
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.