Course overview
The equal consideration deadline for this course is now closed. We are no longer taking applications for 2025 entry. This pathway is limited to a maximum of 10 candidates per annum.
The Foundation Year Programme offers a route to undergraduate study: giving you the skills, confidence and resilience required to succeed in Higher Education. After successful completion of the BSc (Hons) Veterinary Bioscience (with access to Veterinary Medicine) + Foundation Year will be eligible to transfer to the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree at the Harper and Keele Veterinary School providing transfer conditions are met.
You will learn key skills and knowledge, both core and subject-specific, and how your chosen area of study fits into the challenges and opportunities of the modern global landscape. Through reflective approaches, you will develop and monitor your own personal learning journey.
This programme will help you build on a foundation of skills and knowledge developed in the classroom and practical/vocational environment. This will enable you to undertake independent and collaborative tasks, supported by workshops, masterclasses (in person and online – delivered by internal and external experts) and targeted individual mentoring.
Your Foundation Year involves varied assessments that develop your personal skillset and also that relate to the programme which you will progress onto. You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills through verbal, written, practical and collaborative tasks that will provide a broad underpinning for your ongoing academic journey.
Entry requirements
This programme is targeted at those with limited vocational experience but with academic potential.
All applicants must have a minimum of at least four GSCEs at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), including English Language, Maths and a Science and level 3 qualification(s) as follows*
- BBB at A-Level
- D*DD for a BTEC Reformed Extended Diploma
- D*DD for a C&G Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (Examined)
- ABBB in Scottish Highers
- 2xH2 and 2xH3 Irish Leaving Certificate
- Access course - passed with 45 credits at level 3 to include 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted as equivalent to a full A-level.
- Distinction at T Level is accepted within relevant subjects. Please contact our Admissions Team in order to discuss applying with T Levels and the subjects needed.
Applicants who satisfy the academic entry criteria will be required to undertake a diagnostic reflective writing task prior to shortlisting for interview. All successful applicants will be required to pass a selection interview.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications to this course from students requiring a Student Visa to study in the UK.
*Notes
General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills or similar are not recognised in the grades required.
Alternatives such as key / functional skills / Level 2 BTECs are not normally accepted in lieu of GCSEs, although each application is assessed on its merits.
Progression criteria
- To transfer to Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, they will need to achieve an average of 70% across the Foundation Year Programme. Students will also be required to successfully pass the Harper Keele Vet School Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) assessment, which will be undertaken during the Foundation year. This pathway is limited to a maximum of 10 candidates per annum.
