Biology with a Foundation Year

Studying living organisms in all their variety is truly fascinating, and helps us to identify critical threats and major opportunities, from the smallest scale to the largest.

Our Biology programme is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in the study of life and ecosystems. Alongside this, we will equip you with the scientific expertise and transferable skills needed to make meaningful contributions towards solving current environmental and societal challenges.

The breadth of the curriculum will allow you to develop your knowledge in relation to the biological principles that govern life on our planet, while building a clear understanding of species, habitats, and ecological processes.

Through a blend of fieldwork, lab research and theoretical study, you will develop the skills to investigate life, from a molecular scale right through to studying whole ecosystems, becoming an effective communicator and collaborative leader, that is ready to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change and other environmental crises.

Our degree uses ethical, sustainable and innovative approaches to fully prepare you for a range of meaningful careers in biology, ecology, conservation, and environmental management.

Biology at Swansea University has a strong reputation, and draws students from all over the world. You will be based on our Singleton Park Campus, set in beautiful parkland overlooking Swansea Bay.

You will be joining a high-performing department, which is currently ranked:
• 11th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
• 14th in the UK for Research – assessed under ‘Biological Sciences’ (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you will need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1.

Kickstart a bright future at Swansea University.

With around 300,000 residents, Swansea isn’t the biggest city this side of the Severn, but she’s got a big personality with a cost of living that’s refreshingly affordable compared to most other UK cities. Whether you like to explore the outdoors, take in a bit of culture, or anything in between, Swansea has something for everyone.

As a student at Swansea University, you'll benefit from a friendly, inclusive community and opportunities to gain skills that last a lifetime. Alongside first-class resources that include a mock court room, indoor athletics centre & virtual reality lab, you'll learn from leading academics, in a supportive and nurturing environment.

With 120 societies, 50 sports clubs and 12 months of must-see events, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy between lectures.

Whoever you are and whoever you want to be, you'll find yourself right at home in Swansea.