Preliminary Year Courses

There are often good reasons why able students do not have the appropriate GCE A-level/AS qualifications to enter the first year of a degree scheme but instead have other forms of qualification or have qualifications in other disciplines, which may include arts subjects. A number of preliminary courses are available to students who find themselves in this position.

Preliminary Year Courses 

Biomolecular Sciences UCAS Code C762

Biomolecular Sciences with Professional Training Year UCAS Code C763

Biological Sciences UCAS Code C902

Biological Sciences with Professional Training Year UCAS Code C903

Biomedical Sciences UCAS Code B900

Biomedical Sciences with Professional Training Year UCAS Code B901

Chemistry UCAS Code F105

Earth Sciences UCAS Code F641

Earth Sciences with Industrial Placement UCAS Code F643

Physics UCAS Code F301

Foundation Courses

Engineering - UCAS Code: H101
Medicine - UCAS Code: A104
Dentistry - UCAS Code: A204

Students seeking admission to the Preliminary Year should apply to the admissions tutor for the School in which they intend to pursue their degree studies. On beginning the Preliminary course the student becomes a member of that School. The total length of the degree scheme is increased by one year for students entering through the Preliminary route. Successful completion of the Preliminary Year will result in the student proceeding to the next year of his/her degree scheme.

The main subjects within the Preliminary Year programmes are biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Modules will be drawn from some of the above subjects. Modules may also be drawn from other subject areas. This arrangement provides flexibility to respond to each student’s prior qualifications and to the requirements of the chosen degree programme.

The combination of modules will be decided by the individual admissions tutors in discussion with the student.

Cardiff School of Engineering also has a Foundation Year Programme.

Entry Requirements

 All candidates must (through the appropriate admissions tutor) satisfy the University as to their competence to pursue a scheme of advanced study leading to the award of a degree. Enquiries and applications from mature age students with alternative qualifications are welcome.

Part-time Preliminary Science Course

Part-time access to science, dentistry and medicine courses at Cardiff University is now available through the part-time Preliminary Science programme.

This programme is aimed at those who do not have the appropriate subjects for direct entry to a science degree, or who have little or nothing in the way of traditional qualifications. It has been designed for those who cannot make a full-time commitment to studying at present, but who would like to pursue a degree in the sciences, medicine or dentistry in the near future.

Individuals accepted onto the scheme will be offered a place on the science degree course of their choice. They can commence their degree once they have completed the Preliminary Science programme successfully.

Students will have up to three years to complete the Preliminary Science programme on a part-time basis following the Preliminary Year Science modules taught in the day-time at Cardiff University.

For further information about the full-time or part-time Preliminary Science Programme please contact the Admissions tutor of the degree programme you are interested in.

For general enquiries please contact: Dr Felicity Savage, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3TL. Tel: (029) 2087 9114, Fax: (029) 2087 5964.