Manchester integrated foundation year for science

What a level grades did you get?

Reply 2

Original post by Lemonlime100

So I got accepted into an integrated foundation year today for earth and planetary science at Manchester and was wandering if anyone had any experience or knowledge as to what to expect?
For example how hard is it to get onto the main course, will I still be seen as a regular student etc.?

Hi!

I'm a home student who has been on the integrated foundation year at the University of manchester, so I can help you out hopefully.

So the structure of the course is as follows:

•

there are 12 modules altogether (taken over 2 semesters which are 12 weeks long each)

•

3 of them being "non-academic" i.e essay writing, referencing, ICT skills etc

•

4 of them are maths modules (ON1 is very fun)

•

3 being chemistry modules

•

2 being physics modules (phys1 is easier than phys2 btw)

There are 4 super units (bundles of 3 modules):

•

in which you need a certain average in the super units

•

In the mathematics super unit you need an average of 50%

•

In the chemistry super unit you need an average of 60%

•

In the physics + 1 math module super unit, you need an average of 60%

•

In the 'non-academic' module you need an average of 60% most people get 80-90% in each assignment this isn't really a concern IMO

Additionally, you are able to switch onto other stem available stem courses and pass through to 1st year in that progression so long as you meet the grade requirements (I switched from physics to mechatronic engineering) as well as doing the correct math courses required (doing the math modules 0B1 and 0B2 allows you to switch to any stem course offered in the foundation year)

I had a fear of being seen as less compared to others who are in their first year however this has not been the case even one time, everyone I've met sees me as an equal or even more intelligent which is pretty surprising I've faced no judgement as a result of doing a foundation year.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask

Reply 3

Original post by Anonymous

Hi!
I'm a home student who has been on the integrated foundation year at the University of manchester, so I can help you out hopefully.
So the structure of the course is as follows:

•

there are 12 modules altogether (taken over 2 semesters which are 12 weeks long each)

•

3 of them being "non-academic" i.e essay writing, referencing, ICT skills etc

•

4 of them are maths modules (ON1 is very fun)

•

3 being chemistry modules

•

2 being physics modules (phys1 is easier than phys2 btw)

There are 4 super units (bundles of 3 modules):

•

in which you need a certain average in the super units

•

In the mathematics super unit you need an average of 50%

•

In the chemistry super unit you need an average of 60%

•

In the physics + 1 math module super unit, you need an average of 60%

•

In the 'non-academic' module you need an average of 60% most people get 80-90% in each assignment this isn't really a concern IMO

Additionally, you are able to switch onto other stem available stem courses and pass through to 1st year in that progression so long as you meet the grade requirements (I switched from physics to mechatronic engineering) as well as doing the correct math courses required (doing the math modules 0B1 and 0B2 allows you to switch to any stem course offered in the foundation year)
I had a fear of being seen as less compared to others who are in their first year however this has not been the case even one time, everyone I've met sees me as an equal or even more intelligent which is pretty surprising I've faced no judgement as a result of doing a foundation year.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask

Hey! I’m currently doing my A levels and I honestly thinkI’m going to fail them. May I ask what you got in your A levels to be accepted onto the foundation year? I hope everything is going well for you!

Reply 4

Original post by linhhhx

Hey! I’m currently doing my A levels and I honestly thinkI’m going to fail them. May I ask what you got in your A levels to be accepted onto the foundation year? I hope everything is going well for you!

Hi!

I applied for physics at manchester (A*A*A) and I changed my course to the foundation year as I came to the realisation I was extremely burnt out and mentally couldn't take it anymore, I got ABB (Maths, physics chem respectively) my offer for the foundation year was BBB but its lower depending on what you want to get into for first year, what were you thinking of doing?

Reply 5

Original post by linhhhx

Hey! I’m currently doing my A levels and I honestly thinkI’m going to fail them. May I ask what you got in your A levels to be accepted onto the foundation year? I hope everything is going well for you!

Dont worry things will fall into place just work as hard as you can until then !!

Reply 6

Original post by Anonymous

Hi!
I applied for physics at manchester (A*A*A) and I changed my course to the foundation year as I came to the realisation I was extremely burnt out and mentally couldn't take it anymore, I got ABB (Maths, physics chem respectively) my offer for the foundation year was BBB but its lower depending on what you want to get into for first year, what were you thinking of doing?

Earth and planetary sciences which is BBB as I only have two relevant subjects. I honestly and realistically think I’ll get BCC which is so bad. I don’t know what to do and I’m so burnt out too which sucks. I don’t know what to do with my life 😭

Reply 7

Original post by linhhhx

Earth and planetary sciences which is BBB as I only have two relevant subjects. I honestly and realistically think I’ll get BCC which is so bad. I don’t know what to do and I’m so burnt out too which sucks. I don’t know what to do with my life 😭

If it makes you feel any better I had someone on my course get let BCD and somehow got onto the foundation year, what subjects ar you doing?

Reply 8

I am doing maths, physics and English literature (bio got a bit too much for me so I swapped it with English). Thinking back, I really wish I did bio but it was too in depth and extra hassle for me tbh! Yours was the foundation year for physics I assume? For earth and planetary sciences foundation year, the requirement is one grade lower (BBB instead of ABB for two relevant subjects) so that’s really pleasant to hear, especially with someone on your course achieving BCD. :smile:

Reply 9

Original post by linhhhx

I am doing maths, physics and English literature (bio got a bit too much for me so I swapped it with English). Thinking back, I really wish I did bio but it was too in depth and extra hassle for me tbh! Yours was the foundation year for physics I assume? For earth and planetary sciences foundation year, the requirement is one grade lower (BBB instead of ABB for two relevant subjects) so that’s really pleasant to hear, especially with someone on your course achieving BCD. :smile:

Ah okay, if you're burnt out I think IMO doing well in maths is the most important, the style of the physics modules is different and honestly for the better its more mathematical in the foundation year than memorising lots of facts which serves no purpose to anyone really.

Tbh getting through the door probably will be the most difficult part as course works make up a certain % of your grade in most modules the max is 20% leaving only 30-40% needed in exams but its weighted so half marks or a bit more with full marks on CW means you pass.

As for the person achieving BCD I wouldn't count on it because the person had no idea how they'd even let him in despite missing the grades

If you have anymore questions please ask!

When I was entering the foundation year I had no knowledge of what was to come, I've nearly come out the end fine but knowing what was coming woulve been nice lol

Reply 10