Health and Life Sciences

International Foundation Year in Health and Life Sciences

Prepare for your first year of a degree in health and life sciences

Is this programme for me?

This programme is for students with the ambition to study at a high-ranking UK university and want the skills to have a successful academic journey and career in health and life sciences. On this Health and Life Sciences route, you’ll:

  • build strong academic English skills needed to succeed in a UK university environment
  • gain a solid foundation in biology and chemistry, covering topics like human body systems, cells, atomic structure, and chemical reactions, preparing for degree-level study
  • develop practical lab and research skills, data analyst skills, scientific report writing through hands-on experiments and projects

What will you study?

Over the two-semester programme, you’ll study a number of core and elective modules that relate to your chosen progression degree. The modules have been designed by expert academics at the International Study Centre, in collaboration with the University of Bath, to ensure you have the academic foundation and skills needed to succeed upon progression to the University.

Modules

The aim of this module is to train students in the language competency and practical academic skills they’ll need for undergraduate University courses. This includes developing students' accuracy and range of written and spoken English while teaching academic conventions and processes for writing, effective reading strategies, participation in research-based discussions and listening to and recording information from lectures. The AES course also aims to ensure that students can achieve a CEFR B2+ level in reading, listening, writing and speaking.

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to fundamental biological concepts. The module covers topics in cellular biology, biological molecules, and human body systems. It also develops practical skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific report writing, preparing students for more advanced biological studies and fostering a deeper appreciation of the biological world.

The chemistry module is a comprehensive module that establishes a strong foundation in chemistry principles. The module covers fundamental topics in atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, and thermodynamics. Through hands-on laboratory experiments and analytical problem-solving exercises, students gain a deep understanding of chemistry.

This module is a cornerstone for students' future studies in chemistry, as it provides them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in both academic and professional settings. Chemists are in high demand in a variety of fields, including medicine, materials science, and environmental science. The Chemistry Module equips students with the skills they need to contribute to these and other important fields.

The Statistics with Project Skills module aims to enhance students’ understanding of statistics and its application to address complex sustainability challenges within the fields of Science, Engineering and Business, aligning with the United Nation's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goals. By integrating sustainability, students will learn to apply statistical expertise in solving real-world problems.

This module is divided into two phases. In the first phase, students will utilise statistical methods to solve intricate problems specific to their respective areas within Science, Engineering and Business. This will aid in the development of their disciplinary expertise and foster an appreciation for diverse perspectives. In the second phase, students will engage in an investigative project, collaborating, if possible, within multidisciplinary teams to explore and resolve sustainability challenges. This phase will enable them to apply statistical techniques to real-world scenarios and further enhance their analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.

Why study health and life sciences at the University of Bath?

  • The University of Bath is highly research-intensive, with 92% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), which means you’ll learn from cutting-edge discoveries that directly impact healthcare and society. In life sciences, research spans major global challenges such as: drug discovery and cancer treatment, antimicrobial resistance, food security and biodiversity.
  • You’ll be taught by active researchers which means the courses are kept up-to-date and you’ll have access to state-of-the-art labs and specialist centres, such as the Milner Centre for Evolution - home to a world-leading centre for evolutionary biology research, Pharmacy Practice with simulation suites, first-class sport facilities, and more. 
  • Courses have professional accreditations: Pharmacy MPharm is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC); Biosciences courses have been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for several years; Psychology BSc is accredited by and confers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society; and more.
  • Many courses are offered with a professional placement or study abroad year. You can take advantage of industry links and research institutions to gain extra experience for your CV, make new contacts or try out a career option.

Ranked 3rd

in the UK for graduate prospects in Biological Sciences.

(Complete University Guide 2026)

Ranked 1st

in the UK for Sports Sciences and named Sport University of the Year  

(The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

Progress to your degree

Once you complete your International Foundation Year in Health and Life Sciences and achieve the required grades*, you can enter your chosen degree at the University of Bath.

If you are progressing to Pharmacy MPharm (Hons), you will also need to have a progression interview during your foundation year to secure progression on to the degree.

*Progression requirements are provisional and subject to approval 

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
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What to do next

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application.