Certificate in Medical Foundation Studies (9 months)
School of Allied Health
Our Certificate in Medical Foundation Studies is a level 3 qualification taught on the Crewe campus and is designed for those students who wish to study any of our BSc (Hons) Allied Health or Health Sciences programmes but do not currently meet the entry requirements and require additional preparation prior to undergraduate level study. Enrolling students for this programme are expected to study towards becoming a healthcare professional/scientist, whilst wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in the natural sciences. This programme, therefore, is designed to provide a rigorous natural sciences syllabus with a healthcare emphasis.
GCSEs
- Required grades: Grade B or 6 equivalent in Maths, English and Science
A Levels
- Required grades: DDD
- Total equivalent Tariff Points of 72
International baccalaureate
- Required points: 25 points (excluding EE and TOK points) including a HL 3 in a Science or Maths AND 3 subjects taken at Standard Level (SL)
Subject requirements
- Required subjects: None
- Preferred subjects: Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics or a combination of sciences and non-Sciences
Equivalent Qualifications
Typical Offers
Each application is considered on its own merit. Usually, applicants will have evidence of up to year 12. Mature students can apply with evidence of work experience.
Home student/School leaver under 21
If you are a UK student who has not taken the usual entry qualifications for a healthcare degree programme (i.e. you do not have A-levels in Biology and Chemistry or have not achieved the required grades at the first attempt).
Alternative level 3 qualifications that demonstrate academic ability in the natural sciences but are not equivalent to BBC at A-Level for direct entry to our BSc.
Mature home student (over 21)
The age range of our student body varies from those who have recently completed A-Levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from mature students. Your experience in the world of work will be considered alongside any qualifications you hold.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country. For countries not listed, we will use ECCTIS or establish the equivalence of your qualification to entry requirements. A recognised formal English language test will be required.
English Language requirements
If your first language is not English, you will also need an an IELTS UKVI Academic score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component. (IELTS General Training is not suitable for this level; other recognised Secure English Language tests (SELTs) can be found on the GOV website).
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
Selection Process
Each application is considered on its own merit. You may be invited for an informal interview. If you are an international student the informal interview will be held on Microsoft Teams.
Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on 01280 820229 or get in touch via email FMHS-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk
Terms and conditions for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer.
The programme is taught using a range of teaching methodologies such as lectures, small group tutorial sessions, problem-based learning, student-led sessions and practicals including wet labs and In silico labs. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal.
The programme also tests knowledge, understanding and practical skills through a variety of assessments for learning strategies including:
- Essay
- Presentation
- Poster with discussion
- Examination
- Timed open-source task
- Closed-book in-class test
- Wet lab report
- Case study
The course offers students a strong understanding of medical science taught at foundation level. You will take the following modules:
Level 3 (January – September)
- Genes, Cells & Development
- Atoms, Molecules & Reactions
- Measurement in the Life Sciences 1
- Investigation in Biomedicine
- Tissues, Systems & Regulation
- Periodic & Organic Chemistry
- Measurement in the Life Sciences II
- Medicine, Disease & Society
Programme progression
The Certificate in Medical Foundation Studies provides access to progression onto a range of health science degree programmes. It is ideal for those who wish to enter the healthcare profession but do not currently meet the academic entry requirements and require additional preparation prior to undergraduate level study.
Upon successfully completing the course, you can apply to join a BSc Biomedical Sciences or another related degree in an Allied Health subject at The University of Buckingham. Such degree programmes are undertaken by those seeking to be an allied health practitioner, scientist or technician.
Please note that the first nine months of this programme constitute the Foundation stage. Students are expected to pass in all the Foundation modules with an overall average of 60% in order to progress to a BSc course.
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 2024 Full-time (9 Months) | UK | £12,816 | £12,816 |
| INT | £20,520 | £20,520 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
*The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
The following fee illustrations provide an insight into the cost savings which can be made by studying at The University of Buckingham.
You may also find it useful to visit the following fee-related information on our site:
Discounts
Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:
- 33%, those with a first-class honours degree from Buckingham
- 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham
Scholarships
The University of Buckingham Bursary aims to support students on low incomes or from low-income families. The bursary is worth £2000 per year and students receive this as a termly reduction in tuition fees (£500 reduction per term). Read about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Details of other scholarships can be found on our main Bursaries and Scholarships page.
Apply directly
You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the bottom of this page.