Science Extended Degree leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

1 year full-time (Year 0 of a 4/5 years degree including placement year).

Entry requirements

A Level - CDD

BTEC - MMP

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

190

Chat with our students

About the course

Reasons to study

You could take the next steps toward achieving your goals by progressing onto the first year of a science degree.
Your learning will take place in new £18.2 million facilities and state of the art labs.
You'll be supported by an Academic Skills Tutors and a Personal Tutor to help you get ahead in your studies.

Ready to jumpstart your education in the sciences? Our Science Extended Degree leading to a BSc(Hons) degree aims to provide you with a solid foundational understanding of the four main disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics and maths. Throughout the one-year duration of this course, you’ll complete five modules in the following:

Maths and Physics
Biology
Chemistry in Action
Scientific Investigations
Science Skills

On successful completion of this year (you must pass all five modules), you'll be able to continue onto the first year of your degree in the following science subject areas: 

Biological Sciences*** 
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering* 
Forensic Science 
Optometry** 
Pharmacy**

Please note, many of the courses offered by the School of Applied Sciences are offered ‘with a research placement’. If you wish to progress on to a ‘with research placement’ degree, you will be required to achieve an overall pass of at least 50 per cent. 

*Progression onto Chemical Engineering BEng(Hons) is dependent on achieving a minimum pass mark of 60 per cent in the Maths and Physics module. Progression onto Chemical Engineering MEng is also dependent on achieving a minimum pass mark of 60 per cent in the Maths and Physics module, plus an overall pass mark of at least 70 per cent. 

**Progression onto Optometry and Pharmacy is dependent on meeting stringent performance levels in the Science Extended Degree. You must pass all modules with an overall pass mark of at least 70 per cent. Plus at least 70 per cent in the Chemistry module and 70 per cent in the Maths and Physics module. You may also undertake an interview with the Optometry or Pharmacy admissions staff. 

*** Progression onto Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) is subject to a pass in all modules with an overall pass mark of at least 50 per cent. 

Why study Science Extended Degree Leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree

You’ll be taught by academic and industry experts through lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals in our modern facilities and state-of-the-art labs. This course will challenge you, open your mind to potentially new learning techniques and equip you with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare you for your further studies.

Should you need any support throughout your educational journey, our team of professional, dedicated and friendly staff are available to assist you. You’ll even find support outside the classroom with the help of our academic skills tutors and your very own personal tutor. These tutors will aid you in developing your writing style, understanding the material, and preparing for exams.

Course detail

Modules:

Maths and Physics

This module introduces you to some of the basic concepts of science, mainly mathematical and physical concepts. The module will be delivered by a combination of lectures, self-paced online videos, tutorials, practicals and online quizzes. The tutorials and quizzes will reinforce the lecture and video content, and the practicals will develop data analysis and experimental skills.

Biology

This module seeks to provide a framework of knowledge of living systems for students with little or no advanced biological education. An introduction to cellular biology explains cell structure and function on the basis of the information stored in DNA and how it is used to produce active proteins. On the basis of this knowledge, inheritance of information through cell division and reproduction is considered together with evolution as a core to our understanding of life. Finally the major ways in which cells in a body communicate with each other - the nervous, transport and exchange and immune systems - are dealt with. The module is delivered by a combination of lectures and tutorials with practical work to give experience in the laboratory and illustrate some of the lecture material.

Chemistry in Action

This module intends to provide you with an appreciation of what chemistry is and why it is important. It will concentrate on the basic concepts underpinning chemistry and consider the wide variety of chemical processes that influence our daily lives. The course will be delivered mainly by traditional lectures and regular seminar sessions, and the practicals are designed to illustrate and augment the material.

Scientific Investigations

This module introduces you to the scientific method, including data acquisition, experimental design, statistical analysis, interpretation and evaluation of evidence. A core component of the module focuses on the application of statistical techniques to aid in the analysis of student generated data. This module will also involve the practical application of the research skills developed in the module Science Skills.

Science Skills

This module will help develop the skills required to successfully complete a scientific degree. You'll have the opportunity to learn what is expected of you at university, how to get the best out of lectures and tutorials and how to find and use information effectively. The material covered will have an employability theme running through it. Successful completion of the module will permit you to take greater control of your own learning and how to apply it to your future careers. This module will also introduce you to the key skills required for your future employment. You'll undertake self-assessment of your existing skill set and identify areas requiring development in your skills audit. You'll map these skills to your future potential careers to identify transferable skills required. A series of 'employability challenges' will help you identify and link your transferable skills. The course is delivered through a programme of lectures and tutorials supported by on-line resources and guest speakers. You are expected to expand and develop your knowledge of the main themes through independent study and completion of an e-portfolio.

Teaching and assessment

The course has a varied subject matter and is designed to give you the opportunity to improve your knowledge and understanding of science.

On average 27.8%* of the study time on this year is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc.

*based on 2023/2024 timetables

You will be taught through a series of lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory practicals. Assessment will include coursework, eportfolio, projects and laboratory work in addition to examinations.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the second term in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

Huddersfield is the only University where 100% of the teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.*

*permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching.

Further information

The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. As this is a full-time course you may have to attend every day of the week.

Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits. Should you progress onto a bachelor's qualification, there are up to an additional 480 credits in total and 360 credits in total if you choose not to take the supervised work experience year. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

Teaching excellence

The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

Entry requirements

CDDat A Level .

80 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

Pass at T Level in Science with C grade on core.

MMP in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. This does not need to be in a technical or science subject.

Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
80 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.
In addition you must have GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above or Grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Applicants may be invited to take a test and interview if their qualifications do not meet our minimum criteria.

Meet our students

Watch Nadine, Owen and Paul's film to learn more about how the Science Extended Degree helped prepare them for success on their chosen degree courses.

Facilities

Science Extended Degree students in lecture

Applied Sciences Joseph Priestley building

Applied Sciences Students' Hub

Career support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

So while you’re here (and even after you graduate) the Careers and Employability Service offer professional help, support and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs and one-to-one guidance sessions. Find out more about the service.

Inspiring Graduate

I'm enjoying working in an industrial lab, preparing and testing nicotine containing aerosols. The analytical techniques I learnt during my course such as hplc and gc-ms have the provided knowledge and experience required for this role.

Humera Kouser, graduated Science Extended Degree in 2016 and Forensic and Analytical Science MSci in 2020, now a Scientist at Broughton Nicotine Services.

Career support
Inspiring Graduate

Career support

I'm enjoying working in an industrial lab, preparing and testing nicotine containing aerosols. The analytical techniques I learnt during my course such as hplc and gc-ms have the provided knowledge and experience required for this role.

Humera Kouser, graduated Science Extended Degree in 2016 and Forensic and Analytical Science MSci in 2020, now a Scientist at Broughton Nicotine Services.

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fees - full-time

The full-time undergraduate tuition fee for 2025/26 entry will be £9,250.

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision and examinations. For more information about funding, fees and finance for UK students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see Fees and finance.

If you are an EU or international student coming to study at the University of Huddersfield, please visit the International Fees and Finance pages for full details of tuition fees and support available.

Please email the Student Finance Office or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.

Fees and Finance

Tuition Fees - full-time

The full-time undergraduate tuition fee for 2025/26 entry will be £9,250.

Please email the Student Finance Office or call 01484 472210 for more information about fees and finance.

Important information

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules:

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes:

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment, or pandemics.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.