Destination pathways
Initially, when you apply for the Foundation Year, you will be required to specify a subject pathway choice. However, there is the possibility to change your choice during the Foundation Year. Progression onto year one of your chosen degree course will be automatic assuming that you take the appropriate modules and pass them to the required standard.
From the Science Foundation Year you can progress onto one of a variety of interesting degree programmes in the following subject areas:
Biology
Biology graduates enter a wide range of careers building on their knowledge of Biology, but also on their transferable skills including data-handling problem-solving and communication. Career opportunities range from biological research to management and finance, from education to conservation, from wildlife photography to retail and from public health and the caring professions to pharmaceutics.
Pathway Requirements
If you take this pathway, your subject choices will typically include the following Core (compulsory) and Optional modules:
Core Modules
Study Skills, Foundation Biological Science, Chemistry and Foundation Mathematics for Biologists
Optional Modules
Computer Methods, Introduction to the Web, Foundation Behavioural Science, The Universe, Introduction to Algorithms, Introduction to Programming and English Language and Study Skills
Please note that alternative modules may be substituted for the ones shown here. All modules offered are subject to availability and demand.
On successful completion of this pathway, you would normally progress onto one of the many courses offered by the following destination school:
The School of Biology
The School of Biology situated at University Park is one of the leading Biology Schools in the UK, recognised for excellence in both teaching and research with a score of 23 out of a possible 24 in the last teaching quality assessment and with the Centre for Genetics and Genomics being awarded a rating of 5A in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.
Biosciences
Our degree courses offer a sound preparation for a wide range of careers – employers value the strong academic foundation and transferable skills gained by our students. Career opportunities include business management, finance and marketing, environmental consultancy, product development, production management, computer science, publishing and teaching, academic and industrial research, agricultural supply, animal products and care, pharmaceutical development, nutritional advice and medical research.
Pathway Requirements
If you take this pathway, your subject choices will typically include the following Core (compulsory) and Optional modules:
Core Modules
Study Skills, Foundation Biological Science, Introductory Chemistry and Foundation Mathematics for Biologists
Module Options
Computer Methods, Introduction to the Web, Foundation Behavioural Science, The Universe, Introduction to Algorithms, Introduction to Programming and English Language and Study Skills
Please note that alternative modules may be substituted for the ones shown here. All modules offered are subject to availability and demand.
On successful completion of this pathway, you would normally progress onto one of the many courses offered by the following destination school.
Please note that progression to the first year of the MSci Nutrition course is also subject to a successful interview.
The School of Biosciences
The School of Biosciences is one of the University’s most successful schools and is recognised as a leading international centre for teaching and research in agricultural and environmental sciences, animal physiology, food and nutritional sciences and plant science. The School scored 23 out of 24 marks in the most recent assessment of its teaching quality and was rated ‘excellent’ (5A) in the latest independent research assessment. Students are taught by leading specialists and focus on a diverse range of environmental issues, plant and animal growth and reproduction, agricultural production, food quality and preservation, health and nutrition.
Computer Science
Computers are now a simple fact of everyday life, having found their way into a huge variety of domestic, work-related, research, educational and entertainment situations. The role of the computer scientist is a very flexible one. They might design large scale systems involving networks of machines and users, design and/or write software to control those systems or support individuals using a computer in a more focussed task, or go inside the machine and produce software and/or hardware components of a single computer. In recent years, computer science has become increasingly interdisciplinary, expanding into and drawing on results from areas as diverse as psychology, physics, biology, engineering and business. Almost anything is possible!
Pathway Requirements
If you take this pathway, your subject choices will typically include the following Core (compulsory) and Optional modules:
Core Modules
Study Skills, Foundation Calculus, Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Algorithms, Foundation Algebra and Mathematical Techniques
Optional Modules
Computer Methods, Introduction to the Web, Electricity and Magnetism, Foundation Behavioural Science, The Universe, Light, Waves and Electrons and English Language and Study Skills
Please note that alternative modules may be substituted for the ones shown here. All modules offered are subject to availability and demand.
On successful completion of this pathway, you would normally progress onto one of the many courses offered by the following destination school:
The School of Computer Science
The School of Computer Science has been established for nearly twenty years. The courses it offers provide a solid grounding in Computer Science, along with opportunities to look more deeply at specific key areas and applications such as the design of software systems artificial intelligence, formal methods, digital business, mathematics and robotics. The School's research is internationally recognised and it has close ties with a variety of related industries.
Mathematical Sciences
The study of mathematics is generally perceived to provide students with a variety of general intellectual skills and subject-specific skills associated with quantitative methods and problem solving. As a mathematics graduate wide opportunities are available throughout business, commerce and industry, the public and private sectors, with large employers and small organisations.
Pathway Requirements
If you take this pathway, your subject choices will typically include the following Core (compulsory) and Optional modules:
Core Modules
Study Skills, Foundation Calculus, Foundation Algebra and Mathematical Techniques
Optional Modules
Mechanics, Computer Methods, Introduction to the Web, Electricity and Magnetism, Foundation Behavioural Science, The Universe, Introduction to Algorithms, Light, Waves and Electrons, Introduction to Programming and English Language and Study Skills
Please note that alternative modules may be substituted for the ones shown here. All modules offered are subject to availability and demand.
On successful completion of this pathway, you would normally progress onto one of the many courses offered by the following destination school:
The School of Mathematical Sciences
The School of Mathematical Sciences is a large and thriving centre with high standards in both undergraduate education and postgraduate research. External reviews rank us among the top places in the UK to study mathematics.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is a rapidly expanding major field of study for scientists interested in improving our knowledge of the brain and peripheral nervous system in both health and disease in humans and animals.
Studying neuroscience provides information on how neurones in the brain operate and how their activity underlies behavioural responses, such as learning and memory. Signalling between neurones and the effects of drugs on neural circuits are important aspects of neuroscience. Neuroscience integrates discoveries and concepts from neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, molecular biology, genetics and psychology to provide a sound understanding of how the central nervous system operates.
The School of Biomedical Sciences offers the following range of courses, enabling you to choose the “flavour” of neuroscience that suits you best:
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BSc in Neuroscience (3 years)
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BSc in Neuroscience with Pharmacology (3 years)
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BSc in Neuroscience with Biochemistry (3 years)
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MSci in Neuroscience (4 years, inc placement year, subject to progression regulations)
A degree in neuroscience from Nottingham offers excellent training and diverse career prospects. The main career paths that neuroscience graduates follow are teaching, research, scientific administration, consultancy or clinical medicine.
Pathway Requirements
If you take this pathway, your subject choices will typically include the following Core (compulsory) and Optional modules:
Core Modules
Study Skills, Foundation Biological Science, Foundation Chemistry 1, Foundation Chemistry 2, Foundation Mathematics for Biologists, Behavioural Science 1
Optional Modules
Computer Methods, Introduction to the Web, Behavioural Science 2, The Universe, Introduction to Algorithms, Introduction to Programming and English Language and Study Skills
Please note that alternative modules may be substituted for the ones shown here. All modules offered are subject to availability and demand.
On successful completion of this pathway, you would normally progress onto one of the Neuroscience courses offered by the following destination school:
The School of Biomedical Sciences
The degrees are organized and taught largely by staff from the School of Biomedical Sciences within the Medical School, Queen’s Medical Centre, next to University Park. There are also contributions from clinicians, psychologists, mathematicians and other scientists allowing the course to provide a wide experience of neuroscience. The School is an ideal place to build an independent scientific career. We have a strong reputation for multidisciplinary research, and in the last research assessment exercise, 85% of our output was recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour, with many areas classed as world leading.
Physics and Astronomy
A degree in Physics is very versatile and is highly regarded by employers providing a very broad range of career options in scientific, engineering and finance sectors.
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Further education and research in academia (PhD, post-doctoral work)
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Financial and Management Sectors (e.g. modelling of economy)
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Research for industry (aerospace, transport, energy, electronics, meteorology, MOD, etc)
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IT and communications
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Teaching
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Medical physics
Pathway Requirements
If you take this pathway, your subject choices will typically include the following Core (compulsory) and Optional modules:
Core Modules
Study Skills, Foundation Algebra and Mathematical Techniques, Foundation Calculus, Electricity and Magnetism, Molecules on the Move, Inside the Atom and Mechanics
Optional Modules
Computer Methods, The Universe, Introduction to the Web, Foundation Behavioural Science, Introduction to Algorithms, Light, Waves and Electrons, Introduction to Programming and English Language and Study Skills
Please note that alternative modules may be substituted for the ones shown here. All modules offered are subject to availability and demand.
On successful completion of this pathway, you would normally progress onto one of the many courses offered by the following destination school:
The School of Physics and Astronomy
All undergraduate courses are accredited by the Institute of Physics. The School of Physics and Astronomy is strong in teaching and research with a broad range of specialisation among the academic staff; Astronomy, Particle Physics, Condensed Matter, Quantum Physics, Nanoscience and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The School hosts a Nobel prize winning MRI centre and recent major grant awards include £6M for the establishment of a new research group in Bose-Einstein Condensates.
Psychology
Please note that the Psychology route is only open to applicants with international qualifications
Nottingham Psychology graduates have excellent employment prospects. They gain many useful interdisciplinary skills including literacy, numeracy, IT skills, interpersonal awareness, written and spoken communication skills, and critical evaluation. Psychology graduates are sought after in areas such as market research, social work, management consulting, advertising, and human resources. Typical psychological careers include Clinical, Occupational, Educational and Forensic Psychology. Students are eligible to apply for the many masters courses in psychology offered by the University of Nottingham and other Universities.
Pathway Requirements
If you take this pathway, your subject choices will typically include the following Core (compulsory) and Optional modules:
Core Modules
Study Skills
Optional Modules
Mechanics, Foundation Biological Science, Computer Methods, Foundation Calculus, Introduction to the Web, Electricity and Magnetism, Foundation Psychology, Introductory Chemistry, The Universe, Introduction to Algorithms, Light, Waves and Electrons, Foundation Algebra and Mathematical Technology, Introduction to Programming and English Language and Study Skills
Please note that alternative modules may be substituted for the ones shown here. All modules offered are subject to availability and demand.
On successful completion of this pathway, you would normally progress onto one of the many courses offered by the following destination school:
The School of Psychology
The School of Psychology is consistently ranked amongst the top Psychology Schools in the UK and is among the leading centres for research and teaching in the world. Our teaching was rated as ‘excellent’ and our research was awarded a grade 5A (excellent) when the Higher Education Funding Council last assessed the School.