Foundation leading to BSc Health Sciences

The programme will form an integral part of the following Honours degree programmes delivered within the Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences. Undertaking the foundation year will mean that the relevant full-time honours degree will take one extra year to complete. The foundation year will act as a year 0 and students wishing to undertake the foundation will apply for the relevant degree programme, using the relevant UCAS code for that programme and apply for entry point 0 on the UCAS website.

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Health, Exercise & Nutrition)
BSc (Hons) Environmental Health
BSc (Hons) Food Science & Technology
BSc (Hons) Nutrition
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage

Applicants can also undertake the foundation year for entry onto one of the following degree programmes, using the relevant UCAS code for the programme and applying for entry point 0 on the UCAS website:

BSc (Hons) Dental Technology
BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science
BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics
BSc (Ho​ns) Podiatry

Applicants should apply by the 25th January UCAS deadline. Applications received after this date cannot be guaranteed an interview and/or consideration. For these programmes, with the exception of Dental Technology, applicants will be invited for an interview. If successful at interview, applicants will be required to pass the foundation by the 31st August in the year of entry, on first attempt. Please see individual programme pages for the achievement required within the foundation.

The foundation programme will develop your confidence and competence in acquiring the study skills required to embark upon a health science-based Honours degree, whilst introducing you to a basic bank of knowledge on which you can build, either by the process of self-study or in, further programmes of directed study. You will be fully integrated into university life and the student community from day one. You'll be taught on our Llandaff campus and there are a range of accommodation options for you to look at. Those of you on the Sport pathway might want to request halls on our Cyncoed campus where our School of Sport & Health Science is based which is a short bus ride from where you will be taught.

The programme comprises six 20 credit Level 3 follows:

Term 1

FDN3200 Academic Skills Term 1 (20 credits)

FDN3201 Fundamental Science (20 credits)

FDN3202 Introduction to Laboratory Sciences and Data Analysis (20 credits)

Term 2

FDN3200 Biological Sciences (20 credits)

FDN3205 Chemical Sciences (20 credits)

FDN3203 Applied Laboratory Sciences and Data Analysis (20 credits)

Elements of Personal Development Planning (PDP) will be incorporated into the Academic Skills in Health Sciences module. In addition, this module will afford students the opportunity to receive guidance on the nature, scope and employment prospects of the undergraduate programmes delivered within the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences from relevant Programme Directors.​

The Programme Director is responsible for the organisation and overall operation of the programme.

Module Leaders will co-ordinate the delivery and assessment of each module.

Your Personal Tutor will be assigned to you during the first week and will be your first port of call for any difficulties you may have. Individual pastoral tutorials will be held at regular intervals throughout the programme, when you will have an opportunity to discuss with your Personal Tutor any matters which relate specifically to yourself.

How the programme team will help you to learn

Methods of Assessment

The Foundation programme is continuously assessed throughout the year. Most modules are assessed by a combination of both examinations/class tests and coursework, and students are required to attempt all elements of assessment in order to successfully complete the modules. A breakdown of the assessment pattern for each module will be confirmed with students by the module leaders in Induction Week. These areas will again be introduced in more detail during the first week of teaching and explored throughout the year.

Programme Regulations, attendance and codes of practice.

Students are required to attend all teaching sessions, undertake all assessment and show respect for their peers, tutors and the institution. Full guidance on the specifics of these regulations/codes of practice and where to find the information will form the basis of the sessions that take place in Induction Week. It is important that everyone attends these sessions.

Books/Resources/Support for students and their learning

A number of textbooks for each of the modules will be recommended to you at the start of teaching.

A range of support is provided for students which includes the following provision:

• Creation of a supportive learning environment
• Pre-enrolment details and comprehensive induction programme
• Cardiff Metropolitan University undergraduate student handbook
• Student programme handbook and detailed module guidance
• Library and study skills packages
• Library and learning resources
• IT facilities, including Moodle VLE and other online platforms
• Personal tutor
• Specialist science laboratories and online platforms such as Labster
• Dedicated drop-in workshops to support Level 3 module content
• Dedicated Chemistry & Physiology drop-in workshops to support Level 3 module content
• Access to a range of student support services​.
  

The majority of modules are assessed by a balanced approach of general written examination, assignment work and, where relevant, a practical portfolio, with each element being weighted accordingly.

Assessment has been designed to be more challenging and demanding as the programme progresses. Specified learning outcomes will be assessed using a combination of coursework assignments together with formal closed-book examinations and class tests. Coursework ranges from short answer questions, referenced assignments and essays, practical reports, problem-solving and data analysis exercises plus oral presentations. The range of assessment methods used are deemed the most appropriate by each module team.

The personal tutorials and schedule of assessment will provide a continuing audit of effective learning activity.

Students will be issued with an assessment schedule for each module, detailing the balance between coursework and examinations, and the dates of any coursework assignments and examinations. The overall mark obtained from a module will contribute to the student's performance.

In addition to the general assessment regulations, there are a number of specific programme regulations which are:

Late Submission of Coursework

Students will be advised in writing of the deadlines for submission of coursework. Because of the educational need for students to learn self-management and for the University to process marks as quickly as possible, the importance of meeting submission deadlines must be stressed. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that coursework is submitted in the appropriate manner and to receive written confirmation of acceptance.

Students who for illness or other good reason know they cannot hand in an assignment on time must apply in writing for an extension and submit an Appeal for Mitigating Circumstances form for consideration by the relevant School Committee. It is the responsibility of the Programme Director to sign off the assignment submission form in an appropriate manner where an extension has been permitted.

Late submissions are treated as non-submissions unless an Appeal for Mitigation Circumstances for a late submission has been successfully upheld

Module assessment

A module is normally deemed to have been passed if a module mark of 40% or above is attained. A module is normally deemed to be passed with Distinction if a module mark of 70% or above is attained. There is no provision for the award of a Merit in the Foundation modules. Other considerations in the assessment of modules on this programme are:

• All elements of assessment within each module must be attempted before a module mark can be calculated.
  
• All modules must be successfully completed before progression to a higher Academic Level is permitted.
  

Applicants should normally have five GCSEs including English Language (or Welsh First Language), Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy and Science at grade C or above / grade 4 or above plus one of the following:

• 56 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent at an appropriate standard for entry into Higher Education at Year 1, but in subject areas which fail to meet the entry requirements for their intended undergraduate degree programme.
• 56 points from at least 2 A level qualifications or their equivalent in subject areas relevant for their intended undergraduate degree programme, but at a standard which fails to meet the entry requirements to Higher Education at Year 1.
• Prospective students who do not meet the above criteria may be considered on an individual basis and will be called for interview.​

*For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search. Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

Personal Statement

Please ensure that your personal statement on your UCAS application clearly references your area of interest. Please see additional requirements below for specific programmes:

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science:
Awareness of and expectations of the programme and career aspirations in relation to Healthcare Science should be evident.

BSc (Hons) Dental Technology:
Work experience and knowledge of the work of a dental technologist including when and where this was undertaken, together with evidence of communication skills should be listed clearly.​

BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics:
Work experience and knowledge of the work of a dietitian including when and where this was undertaken, together with evidence of communication skills should be listed clearly.

BSc (Hons) Podiatry:
a) To have arranged and undertaken your own observation of podiatrists/chiropodists at work in a clinical setting.
b) To have a basic awareness of the scope of podiatry as a profession and of the everyday work of a podiatrist.
c) To demonstrate enthusiasm for and commitment to podiatry as a career choice.
d) To have a basic awareness of the demands of podiatry training.

International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Selection Procedure:
Selection is made on the basis your UCAS application. In certain circumstances, applicants may, at the discretion of the programme leader, be requested to attend for interview.

The following programmes require applicants to attend interview as part of the selection process:

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science*
BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics*​
BSc (Hons) Podiatry*

*Follow the 25th January deadline due to the interview process. Applications received after this date cannot be guaranteed an interview.

If you are a mature applicant, or have relevant experience that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.

How to Apply:
Further information on how to apply can be found here.

Mature students

A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found here.

For Admissions enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk​​

For specific enquiries relating to the foundation year only, please contact the programme leader:

Dr Paul Foley:
Email: PFoley@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 02920 205632

For enquiries regarding the individual degree programmes, please refer to the individual course pages for contact details.