Physics degree with a Foundation Year

For mature students seeking a change in career, or for those who have not studied Physics and Mathematics to A-level standard, we offer the Foundation Year.

This is not a refresher course for those with poor marks in physics and maths. Rather, it is a one-year course in physics and maths with accompanying laboratory work. Following successful completion, students may transfer to the first year of any of our Physics degrees.

Examples of entry qualifications

The Foundation Year is open to various categories of applicants. For example an applicant may have taken three subjects at A-level, but these did not include maths or physics or both. In this case an offer is likely to be made conditional on achieving a grade B in the three subjects that were taken.

For some potential applicants who may not have taken any A-levels, but may have other qualifications such as HNC, and provided there is evidence that the applicant has the academic ability to complete the Foundation Year, an offer would be made appropriate to the qualifications to be taken, or already completed.

Admission is also open to candidates from overseas who have achieved suitable grades in their own national examinations. Such applications are considered on an individual case by case basis.

For those applicants who have passed alternative qualifications equivalent to A-levels in maths and physics at the required grade, entry would normally be sought directly into the First Year rather than the Foundation Year.

Foundation Year and variable tuition fees

Foundation Year Home/EU students are liable for a small annual fee of £210 for 2008/9. In order to offset this cost there is a bursary scheme for which Home/EU students may apply -- see the next paragraph for details. International students from outside the EU are still liable for full tuition fees as they would be for any undergraduate course.

For us to assess your eligibility for the Bursary you will need to apply for means-tested support by completing the Student Finance Form PN1. In 2008/9 this will pay you a bursary of £250 if your assessed household income is less than £40,000 per annum and £200 if your assessed household income is more than £40,000 per annum. If you have any questions regarding the Foundation Year Bursary you can contact the Student Financial Support Unit by emailing student-financial-support@york.ac.uk or telephoning 01904 434145.

UCAS Code

Physics w/Foundation Year (BSc or MPhys): F304