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Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc
Main Site
Full Time
SEP-25
2 Years
Select a course option
Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc
Main Site
Full Time
SEP-25
2 Years
Select a subject
Select a an exam type
- Gain the skills and experience needed for a variety of career opportunities in this growing sector- Enhance your learning with work placements such as coral research and shark conservation both in the UK and abroad- Experience the industry in depth by visiting UK and international fish farms, coastal sites and research centres- Develop wide-reaching skills and knowledge in biological science – from physiology to ecology and evolution- Be taught by experts in unrivalled on-site facilities, including the 650m² purpose-built Aquatic Research and Conservation Centre (ARCC), the Salmonid Rearing and Trials Centre and our own mixed coarse fishery lake.
What makes UCS special?University Centre Sparsholt is recognised worldwide for its expertise in providing education in fishery, aquaculture and marine studies. Our lecturing staff are known to be the
experts in the industryand can often be found at conferences and industry forums discussing the latest techniques and their supporting research.Students gain real industry experience on and off-site that is underpinned by the high level of technical lecture content to prepare them for a range of careers or progression to courses at Master’s level. Our industry contacts enable
great employment prospects. Typically over 50% of our 3rd year students return from work placements to sit their final exams with jobs already secured for graduation.
What will I learn?Marine ecology and conservation systems are studied in depth in this programme as you explore the impact of factors such as coastal developments, over-fishing, non-native species and worldwide climate change.The course includes significant work experience in marine aquaculture, coastal fisheries, marine aquaria and research establishments both at home and abroad. Previous placements range from working in the
Cornish Seal Sanctuaryor for the
Manta Trustin the UK, to
Natal Shark Boardin South Africa and Malta, whale and dolphin conservation in Tenerife, and
Coral Cay Conservationin the Philippines.
How will I be assessed?Assessment includes coursework (such as practical portfolios, laboratory reports, case studies and essay style assignments) plus formal exams. Research opportunities are also a feature, often enabling data collection within organisations such as the
Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority.
Where can I go from here?After completing this course, you can progress to the
BSc (Hons) Top-up in Marine Biologyat the University of Portsmouth for third year of study or enter the industry. Sparsholt students now work in national wildlife trusts and marine research
Exam type
A levelA level:
CEE Grades / Points required
Scottish Advanced Higher:
C Grades / Points required
UCAS Tariff:
64 - 80 Grades / Points required
Access to HE Diploma:
M:24,P:21 Grades / Points required
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:
24 Grades / Points required
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):
H4,H4 Grades / Points required
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma:
MM Grades / Points required
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma:
MMP Grades / Points required
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):
MM Grades / Points required
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):
MMP Grades / Points required
T Level:
Pass (C and above) Grades / Points required
Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (64 UCAS tariff points)
In a relevant subject/science (74 UCAS tariff points)
Dependent on qualifications
Pass in a relevant subject/science, with science units at Merit (74 UCAS tariff points)
Including a relevant subject/science at H4 or above with Maths and English at S3 if no GCSE or equivalent (74 UCAS tariff points)
Including one in a relevant subject/science (72 UCAS tariff points)
In a relevant subject/science (64 UCAS tariff points)
In a relevant subject/science (80 UCAS tariff points)
In a relevant subject/science (64 UCAS tariff points)
In a relevant subject/science (80 UCAS tariff points)
In a relevant subject/science (96 UCAS tariff points)
Students living in
England
£9,000 per year
Students from England
This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,000 per year
Students from Scotland
This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,000 per year
Students from Wales
This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,000 per year
Students from Northern Ireland
This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£9,000 per year
Students from Channel Islands
This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£13,000 per year
Students from EU
This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.
£13,000 per year
Students from International
£13000 Per year