Science Foundation Year
Start Your University Journey in Life and Biological Sciences
The Science Foundation Year at Dublin International Foundation College (DIFC) is part of our International Foundation Year programme – your direct pathway to top UK and Irish universities for science degrees.
Prepare for University Success in Biological and Human Sciences
Designed for international students, this intensive 7–9 month foundation year course combines academic knowledge, practical skills and English language proficiency to prepare you for a wide range of life sciences, biological sciences and human health degree programmes.
Alongside laboratory classes, small group teaching and a blended learning approach, you will begin to think like a scientist – developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and the scientific knowledge needed to thrive in university life and build a strong foundation for your future career.
Accelerate Your Pathway into Leading Science Degrees
Step confidently into your university journey with our focused Science Foundation Year designed to fast-track your progression into degrees such as Nursing, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy and Genetics, as well as Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Environmental Science.
Whether you plan to study in Ireland or the UK, this intensive course equips you with the academic preparation, practical skills, English language proficiency and expert guidance needed to succeed in your chosen science degree.
📅 Start dates: September (9 months) or January (7 months – fast-track)
📍 Location: On-campus in Dublin
💶 Tuition fees: €16,600 + registration fee
🎓 Guaranteed university progression on successful completion
Removing the Barriers to Direct University Entry
Bridge the Gap Between Your Qualifications and Your Dream Science Degree
Many international students find that their international qualifications or local high school diplomas don’t meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a three-year undergraduate degree in Ireland or the UK. Even if you’ve completed O-Levels, A-Levels, or the IB Diploma, differences in curriculum, English language proficiency, or visa requirements can delay your academic journey abroad.
Your Secure Pathway to a Science Degree
At DIFC, we have created the Science Foundation Year to bridge this gap. This foundation pathway helps you develop the academic and relevant transferrable skills you need, while giving you a secure route to your chosen science degree through successful completion of the programme.
Who Should Apply for the Science Foundation Year
If you are an international student with aspirations to study life sciences, biological sciences, or human health sciences, but your current qualifications or English level do not yet meet UK or Irish university entry requirements – this programme is designed to help you achieve your goals.
This foundation year course is ideal for students who:
✅ Are non-EU students, and who do not currently qualify for direct university entry in the UK or Ireland.
✅ Have completed high school or O-Level qualifications.
✅ Hold A Levels, IB Diploma, or equivalent but do not meet entry criteria for a science degree.
✅ Need to improve English language skills and academic writing before beginning university life.
✅ Would benefit from one-to-one university placement guidance and application support.
Bring your ambition to DIFC, and we will provide the pathway to your future in life and health sciences.
Your Fast-Track to a World-Class Science Degree
Gain Entry Requirements While Building Essential Scientific Skills
The Science Foundation Year is an intensive foundation year course that allows you to complete the equivalent of A Levels in just 7–9 months. Unlike traditional A Levels, which require two years and often include subjects unrelated to your future career, this foundation year focuses only on scientific disciplines that matter for your chosen undergraduate degree.
What You Will Study
When you join the Science Foundation Year, you will take four key modules, designed to enable students to gain the scientific knowledge, academic skills and practical experience needed to progress to a BSc (Hons) or equivalent undergraduate degree.
Core Modules
- English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
Build English language proficiency, academic writing and presentation skills for university life and beyond. - Mathematics for Science
Learn fundamental concepts, mathematical techniques and problem-solving skills used in scientific disciplines and degree-level study.
Specialised Science Modules
- Biology / Human Biology
This module introduces students to key concepts in human health, human sciences and biological sciences – including genetics, cell biology and physiology, with hands on classes to gain knowledge and practical experience. - Chemistry
Develop an in-depth knowledge of chemical sciences, covering topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions and practical sessions that prepare you for further study in biomedical sciences, environmental science or forensic sciences.
Throughout your foundation year course, you will benefit from independent study, small group teaching and access to learning resources that prepare you for your chosen science degree and future career.
Course details
The Science Foundation Year programme, offered by DIFC,
is an intensive 7 or 9 month foundation course,
designed to prepare international students for a place at top university.
.
September & January
In Campus
9 months (September intake) or 7 months (January intake)
€16,600 plus registration
Where Can This Foundation Year Take You?
After successful completion, you can progress to a three-year undergraduate degree in a wide range of science degrees, including:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biological Sciences / Human Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Nursing / Mental Health and Occupational Therapy
- Biochemistry and Genetics
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Sciences
- Human Health and Life Sciences
With over 90 degree programmes available at 60+ partner universities, the Science Foundation Year gives you flexibility to choose a degree course that matches your future career aspirations.
Why Choose DIFC for Your Science Foundation Year?
Choosing the right foundation year is the first step to unlocking your university and career goals. At DIFC, we prepare international students for success in scientific disciplines, combining academic teaching, practical sessions and personalised university placement support.
Here’s why students choose our Science Foundation Year
✔️ Guaranteed University Progression
Secure your place at an NCUK partner university on successful completion, with no stress or uncertainty.
✔️ Flexible Pathways Across Life and Human Sciences
Progress to degrees in biomedical sciences, human biology, environmental science, and other science degree programmes aligned with your future career.
✔️ Practical Learning and Transferable Skills
Engage in classroom learning, practical sessions and research projects that develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving and good laboratory practice.
✔️ Personalised Support and University Guidance
Our teaching staff and colleges admissions service provide one-to-one guidance tailored to your personal circumstances, from student finance advice to degree course selection and interview preparation.
✔️ Accelerated and Cost-Effective Route to University
Complete your Science Foundation Year in just 7–9 months, starting your academic year sooner and avoiding the extra time and expense of traditional routes. This foundation programme is academically equivalent to GCE A Levels but can be completed in less than half the time – saving you around €30,000 and getting you to university faster.
✔️ Experience Dublin – A Hub for Science and Innovation
Join students from around the world in a vibrant and friendly city that blends rich culture with strong research and technology sectors, giving you a taste of your future career environment.
One Foundation, Endless Science Opportunities
Through the Science Foundation Year, you will gain practical experience, develop academic skills and build in-depth knowledge across key scientific disciplines. This course doesn’t just prepare you for degree level study – it equips you with the transferable skills and confidence to excel in your chosen undergraduate degree and future career.
Start your academic journey today and unlock a world of science degrees and career possibilities.
What our students say
“My time at DIFC was simply exceptional. The support I received from the staff of DIFC has helped me grow in countless ways over a short period of time. Being a class rep, I make a lot of observations and I have seen a similar growth in my classmates from different nationalities. On arrival to Dublin, I was quite timid and did not know what to expect in Ireland, but with help from the DIFC Student Services, I settled in quickly.”
“My time at DIFC was simply exceptional. The support I received from the staff of DIFC has helped me grow in countless ways over a short period of time. Being a class rep, I make a lot of observations and I have seen a similar growth in my classmates from different nationalities. On arrival to Dublin, I was quite timid and did not know what to expect in Ireland, but with help from the DIFC Student Services, I settled in quickly.”
“My time at DIFC was simply exceptional. The support I received from the staff of DIFC has helped me grow in countless ways over a short period of time. Being a class rep, I make a lot of observations and I have seen a similar growth in my classmates from different nationalities. On arrival to Dublin, I was quite timid and did not know what to expect in Ireland, but with help from the DIFC Student Services, I settled in quickly.”
Related Courses
Health Science (Medicine) Foundation Programme
Engineering Technology Foundation Course
Sciences Foundation Course
Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers to common questions here.
Do I need a Visa to study International Foundation Programmes at DIFC coming from UAE?
If your application is successful and you secure your place at DIFC with a deposit, you will receive your final offer letter and we can start your Study Visa application process. In order for you to enter Ireland you will require a Study Visa; some countries don’t require a Visa but you can check if you require one on the INIS website. One of the requirements for your Visa application is the required score on a recognised English test. This is overall 5.0 on an IELTS test, which are organised by the British Council. As Irish Study Visas for Middle Eastern students are processed in Irish embassies in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh, the process is quite quick, usually taking no more than 4 weeks, which makes your Application Process much quicker. And don’t let the thoughts of a Visa Application scare you, our team at DIFC will help you along the way, step by step, if needed.
Why Middle Eastern students choose to study Foundation at DIFC?
DIFC offers these International Foundation Year programmes leading to over 4,000 university courses. The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a qualification designed specifically for international students to prepare you for first year entry to undergraduate degree courses. The programme is run over 7-9 months and combines academic study, intensive English language preparation, study skills and cultural orientation. Studying in Ireland is a great opportunity for you, not to just broaden your horizons but to explore a new culture and experience a highly respected education system and qualifications that are recognised internationally.
The best place to study abroad?
With stunning natural landscapes, a fun-loving culture, vibrant history, and a lower cost of living than many places in Europe, (not to mention English being the main language of instruction), the reasons why Ireland is an ideal location to study abroad surely weighs more than a pot of gold!
Let’s chat
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please use our form or give us a call.
