Science Foundation Programme
Students on the Science Foundation Programme in St Andrews experience teaching and research in the university from the first day of their course. They go to lectures and practicals in the Science Schools but they also get special academic, personal and language support from the staff in ELT. ELT has had many students who have passed the Science Foundation Programme and have gone on to study for degrees in St Andrews or other universities and have then gone on to Masters or doctorate programmes or into employment.
Why study at St Andrews?
St Andrews is a world class teaching and research university. Graduates regularly rate it as one of the best universities to be a student at in the UK. They like it because they make friends easily, it's safe and comfortable, and they have many opportunities in their studies. The staff in the Science Schools enjoy working closely with young international students to help them become the best. Employers and graduate schools also understand the high quality education that St Andrews student get.
Course aims
By the end of the course, the students should have proved that their science, language, and study skills are good enough for them to succeed on a university module. This will then support them to be successful on their university degree. If students do well on the Science Foundation Programme, they may be permitted to enter the 2nd year of a degree in science in the University of St Andrews, with the exception of Sustainable Development. Former ELT students who have studied science have gone on to take postgraduate Masters and Doctorate courses, or have gone to work in research, industry or business.
Course structure
Students can follow one of these routes, combining English language and study skills and:
- Biology and Chemistry
- Biology and Geography (for a degree in Sustainable Development*)
- Computer Science and Mathematics
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics and Mathematics
- Geoscience
* There is no possibility of direct entry to the second year of a degree in Sustainable Development
Term 1
In term 1, the students start their studies by understanding the principles of an undergraduate course of studies, and how courses in science are organised. They attend lectures and practicals in the University in Biology, Computer Science,Mathmatics or Physics. They also revise aspects of English grammar, and start to enlarge their vocabulary and knowledge of how to write well for university assessments, how to read university texts, how to listen and take notes, and how to speak with other students. ELT also helps the students to put in their applications for university.
Term 2
In term 2, the students take examinations in Biology, Computer Science, Mathmatics or Physics, and continue to improve their ability in academic writing, reading, and listening. They also learn how to include references in academic writing, and to make oral presentations. They start new modules in Chemistry, Geography, Computer Science or Physics, and prepare for the IELTS exam.
Term 3
In term 3, students start to work more independently. They are now asked to show how much they have learned, and to show their ability to present information they have read or heard through written projects, seminars, and oral presentations. They should also be able to show their ability to judge and explain what is accurate and ethical and what is not. The final assessments include a written project, an oral presentation, and exams in reading, writing, and listening.
Students also take examinations at the end of Chemistry, Geography, Computer Science or Physics modules.
Entry requirements
Students should have good grades in science subjects and English at high school graduation level in their country, and must demonstrate English ability (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent). They should send high school transcripts, references and language certificates with their application.
