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BSc (Hons) Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Mathematics

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Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: G101
Institute code: H36

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points A Level BTEC Access Course Tariff IB Requirement
48 DD PPP Overall pass 48 points

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C at English Language, Mathematics and Science
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
48	DD	PPP	Overall pass	48 points

Why choose this course?

The Extended Science Degree is designed as a preparatory year to enable you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to progress onto the first year of many of our science undergraduate degrees.

Studying on this Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Mathematics, you will:

Have the opportunity to progress onto one of the full degrees below at the University of Hertfordshire following successful completion of your initial year.
Get to study at one of our four large, partnered, further education colleges (of your choice) while also being registered with the University of Hertfordshire which grants you access to double the facilities, including accommodation, learning resources, general science laboratories and computing facilities.
Enjoy studying in small class cohorts and benefit from further support and one to ones with your programme leaders.
Gain comparable career prospects to those who directly apply to study for an individual degree at Herts.
Get to choose which of our four colleges you want to study at but can be assured that all have comparable quality in student learning experience and provision of resources.

After your initial year you will have the opportunity to progress onto one of the following degrees (some require an interview):

The initial year is very flexible, and you can also choose to progress onto one of the routes offered by the sports*, psychology, geography and environmental sciences, mathematics* or physical sciences* Extended Degree.

What's the course about?

On completion of this extended degree, there will be at least three undergraduate courses you’ll have the option to progress onto, allowing you multiple opportunities to gain entry to a Batchelor degree at Herts.
Students studying this course are registered full-time but typically attend college three days a week, providing a flexible learning schedule.
This course is moderated and informed by subject specialists and admissions tutors within the university who are in turn guided by the professional accreditation bodies associated with each of university degree programmes. This enhances the quality of the education you will receive to prepare you for when you apply for an undergraduate degree.
You will have access to a virtual learning environment where you can collaborate with other students, college staff, and Herts staff. This platform may also be used to deliver lectures and talks from industry speakers.
This course is not a foundation course and does not lead to a qualification, instead, it is a unique opportunity that allows you to progress onto a bachelor’s degree at Herts, starting at level 4.

Please note that on completion of this course there is no guaranteed progression onto a desired pathway, although it is highly likely. Should your performance prove adequate, you will have the option of choosing an alternate course within the wide range of progression pathways available.

Who is this course for?

This course could be for you if:

You need specific subject choices to get onto a desired degree, whether this is due to a change in career direction or whether it’s because you didn’t have the choice of taking a particular subject at school.
You want to study for a specific degree but did not meet the requirements the first time around. This is an alternative opportunity to get onto the desired course with lower entry requirements in compromise for completing an additional year.
You need additional support before embarking on a full undergraduate degree. This course is typically less challenging than an undergraduate course, making it an ideal stepping stone for you if you have been out of education for numerous years and would like to gradually get back into learning.
You are seeking a gradual transition to university from a schooling environment, where additional support would be desirable to ease you into self-directed learning and independent study required at undergraduate level. Similarly, this route could be for you if you are overwhelmed by the thought of attending university, living away from home, and engaging in large class cohorts.

Study Location

You will study your first year at North Hertfordshire College and then you have two options. You can either progress onto a full-time University of Hertfordshire degree for another 3 years (totaling 4 years), or you can progress onto studying a sandwich year (totaling 5 years).

Upon successful completion of the initial year, you will continue onto a degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

Each of the colleges we work with provides different types of support to help you get the most out of your extended degree. You can access financial support, information support, and support services that help with student learning and welfare.

Learning support services, include:

Computer suites
Learning Resources Centre incorporating hard copy and online resources
Support in mathematics and English
Higher Education learners study hub
Study skills support, including a range of printed and online materials
Learning support for students with learning or physical disability

Welfare and counseling include:

Safeguarding
Mental health and wellbeing
Childcare support
Careers advice
Food facilities
Sports clubs

What will I study?

This course focuses on teaching you the fundamentals of applied science taught within an industrial context. It is essential that you have good knowledge and understanding of science, as this is a requirement for all the progression pathways available upon completion of this extended degree.

During your initial year, you will be taught over two semesters (A and B) where you will have core modules, advised modules, and optional modules dependent on the undergraduate course you are interested in pursuing. Please refer to the Programme Specification for full details, supporting your progression pathway of choice.

Typically, most of you will study the following:

In semester A, you will study four core modules in Mathematics and Computational Modelling.

In semester B, you will study two core modules which are an Individual Project, Advanced mathematics, and Statistics.

Application process

Students will need to apply through a standard UCAS application where you will be required to submit a supporting personal statement.

The personal statement should:

Sum up why you want to study your chosen subject.
Show your suitability for the course by demonstrating your interest in your chosen subject.
Show you have relevant academic skills/ knowledge to do well on this course.
Show you have the personal qualities required to cope with the demands of studying at university.

Progression is dependent on meeting grade tariffs but will also consider life experience. Interviews are only required for students seeking to progress onto a healthcare pathway.

Level 0

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Introductory Biology	15 Credits	Compulsory
• Cell theory, describing how cells do the things they do; typically, we will look at the major organelles such as the mitochondria and demonstrate how structure relates to function. • Biochemistry, giving a closer look at the molecules of which living organisms are made; the organic systems composed of chemicals reacting together; the major groups of chemicals usually including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and DNA. • Body systems, demonstrating how the human body is the sum of its parts; this section will typically include the circulatory and respiratory systems and will normally incorporate cell theory and biochemistry.
Introductory Chemistry	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide the students with an introduction to chemistry. Topics covered include atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding and its relationship to physical properties, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Completion of the module will typically develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other. The development of practical skills such as titration and carrying out experiments safely will be important. This is the foundation knowledge in chemistry which will allow students to continue to study chemistry at a higher level.
Introductory Physics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will typically enable students to gain an understanding of physics to support other sciences and prepare for the Physics module through a combination of lectures, practical workshops and directed study. Topics covered typically include: reflection and refraction of light; diffraction and interference of waves; the properties of the waves across the electromagnetic spectrum; the relationship between heat and temperature; electrical power and energy; speed, distance, acceleration and force. Presentation skills will typically be developed though presentation of researched information to groups of learners. Topics may be chosen to provide supporting knowledge and understanding of the use of apparatus and equipment in biology and chemistry.
Individual Project	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will give students the opportunity to plan and carry out an approved project. The project must be a practical scientific investigation which will typically allow students to collect data and will usually involve several laboratory sessions. Students will be expected to carry out sufficient research on the investigation to plan an extended piece of practical work. These practical's should be risk assessed by the student who will then carry out the investigation demonstrating safe working within the laboratory environment. Students will present a project report and poster presentation, demonstrating appropriate IT skills, which will summarise their findings both from their research and the practical investigation, usually leading to their conclusions and evaluation.
Chemistry	15 Credits	Optional
This module will provide students with an opportunity for further study in chemistry building on the concepts studied in Introductory Chemistry. It is particularly suitable for students wishing to study a course in biological sciences. This module provides candidates with a quantitative study of physical chemistry including rates of reaction, equilibrium and acids and bases. Organic chemistry is further developed in the context of aromatic chemistry, isomerism and the reactions of several functional groups. Students will typically carry out experimental and investigative activities integrated with the theory to develop their practical skills.
Physics	15 Credits	Optional
Topics will be covered by lectures supported by practical activities that are designed to highlight the interaction of the theoretical and practical aspects of Physics. Students will carry out work to understand the effect of forces in linear and circular motion as well as the conservation of momentum in interactions. Electric circuits will be investigated with components such as resistors and capacitors in simple and combined circuits. The relationship between electricity and magnetism will investigated through the electromagnetic effects leading to the development of the electric motor, dynamo and transformer. Students will study the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei and the energetics of nuclear fission and fusion. Practical work will be used to develop analytical skills, including an appreciation of the combined effects of experimental uncertainties in the precision of final results. Students will be able to draw and interpret graphs and use them in the analysis of their results.
Statistics	15 Credits	Optional
This module introduces descriptive statistics, probability theory and some statistical inference. Descriptive statistics will typically include the study of averages (such as the mean, mode and median) and of measures of dispersion (such as the standard deviation) and may also consider the use and interpretation of statistical graphs (such as correlation and regression from a scatter graph). The study of probability theory will usually include the use of formal set notation, tree diagrams, conditional probability and the evaluation of simple normal probabilities. The study of statistical inference may cover the use of rank correlation and at least one of the non-parametric sign tests.
Mathematics for Scientists	15 Credits	Optional
This module gives students the opportunity to develop mathematical skills that are needed for the continued study of science. The module majors on the use of number skills, algebra and basic trigonometry. Graph work typically includes the drawing of graphs, the recognition of different forms of graphs and the role which graphs have frequently played in scientific research. Data is portrayed with summary statistics and graphs, usually involving both manual work and the use of appropriate IT. Inferences about the data will usually be drawn from graphs or summary statistics.
Mathematics	15 Credits	Optional
The module majors in the differential calculus, typically enabling students to differentiate polynomials and a selection of other simple functions. Appended to this is an exploration of the initial steps in the integral calculus, typically enabling students to reverse the differentiation of the most basic functions. Topics such as exploration of logarithmic and exponential functions with some experience of their applications will be explored. There will be some further treatment of algebra and an initial exploration of vectors. Two dimensional geometry will also be treated using the techniques of trigonometry and Cartesian coordinate geometry.
Advanced Mathematics	15 Credits	Optional
The module develops skills in integral calculus, typically enabling students to integrate using inspection, substitution and by parts. Partial fractions and trigonometric identities may be used to simplify functions prior to integration. The course also develops skills in solving trigonometric equations typically by considering the key properties of the functions. Simple graph transformations may be used to determine the number of solutions to a trigonometric equation. Simple proofs using established identities may be used to simplify and solve a variety of trigonometric equations.
Applied and Environmental Biology	15 Credits	Optional
The module looks at the ways in which Biochemistry of DNA and protein synthesis is applied in industry and research. Students will study the principles of Genetics, Gene technology, Inheritance and what this means to the individual and the species. They will relate these to the ways in which they are applied commercially and they will also examine the impact of agriculture on plant cultivation and basic ecology. The module also studies the biochemistry of energy production and the pathways through which the energy is transferred in the biome and ways in which we seek to control the outcomes. The module gives a wide understanding of the relationships between living things and their environment, which gives a context for more specialised study at a higher level. This module will provide students with the opportunity for further study in Biology, and is particularly suitable for students wishing to study a degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics or Environmental Science.
Mammalian Physiology	15 Credits	Optional
This module has been designed to provide students with a background in mammalian physiology and will include: • Hormonal control of mammalian reproduction, particularly focusing on maternal physiology. • Mechanical and chemical aspects of heterotrophic nutrition including enzymatic digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. • Homeostatic mechanisms – investigating the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in regulating body temperature, blood glucose and water content of mammals.

Alumni Stories

Heather Tymms

Meet Institute of Mathematics prize-winner Heather, who loved her time at Herts and was determined not to let her sight-loss become a barrier to getting fully involved with student life and achieving a first-class degree.

Read more stories BSc (Hons) Mathematics

Current job role	Data Science and Analytics Advisor for GHD
Year of graduation	2022
Course of study	BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Placement Year

Studying at Herts with a disability

Heather hadn’t planned to go to university straight after A-Levels as she lacked the confidence. However six years ago she lost the majority of her sight and wanted to find her independence again. This was when she decided she needed a challenge and a new qualification. Her journey has led her to achieving a first-class degree in Mathematics, winning a school prize from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Heather says, ‘I can’t believe how far I have come. I have grown so much, and the future is brighter than I ever imagined it to be. When I started at Herts I would never have dreamt of being able to commute to London. Herts has given me the confidence to achieve more and provided me with the skills and ambition I needed to equip myself for a professional career in a fascinating sector!’

Heather chose to study at Herts as it was her local university and because she knew she would be able to get the support she needed.

‘Being new to having a disability, I needed some extra help and guidance along the way. The Wellbeing Team at Herts provided me with lots of support and resources. Before I started, I was taken on a tour to familiarise myself with the campus so I could learn the best routes between my lectures. This was very useful, as I can get anxious in new places. I also had help in the lectures because I couldn’t see the board! My lecturers were very accommodating and changed timetabled classrooms to improve access for me if required. I was able to claim the Disabled Students' Allowance, which enabled me to buy a specialist laptop with assistive technology and a magnifier.’

‘I stayed closely connected with my lecturers and the Wellbeing Team through my studies, and I was able to help improve the experience of other disabled students on campus. For example, working with university staff on signage and communication around building sites to enhance safety measures. The university staff were always happy to help improve the safety of all their students.’

‘I really benefited from the support I received from my school careers advisor. Through this service, I had help to secure both a placement and graduate job. I received expert practical advice to help me apply for jobs, they helped improve my confidence with job interviews, and showed how I could disclose my disability to employers in a covering letter.’

Life at Herts

Heather had a brilliant student experience and got involved with lots of extra-circular activities.

‘I really enjoyed my course, I found the lecturers extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable, something which I really valued. I also enjoyed meeting and working with people from all different backgrounds. Herts is a truly diverse and inclusive place to study, and I benefited from collaborating with so many different people.

‘My favorite place on campus was the library. It has such a good atmosphere, and this was where I could concentrate on course work with friends.’

‘I also got involved with the Physics, Astronomy and Maths Society (PAMsoc) and in my final year, I was the society chair. Through PAMsoc activities I was able to learn and make friends with like-minded people, enriching my student experience. We did quizzes, pub nights, discussion groups, and invited our lecturers to speak to us about their personal career paths and the cutting-edge research they are doing.’

Heather’s future career aspirations

Heather is passionate about Maths and says, ‘You can do so many different things with a Maths degree, and not just teaching. You learn transferable skills, critical thinking, elements of computer science, and physics.’

‘I was introduced to the data sector in my placement year at Sainsbury's Digital, where I got to work on interesting projects like using data analysis to improve the experience of customers at the supermarket checkout. I now work for an Engineering Consultancy, GHD, a company who are committed to solving global challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation, values which align to my own. I do a job that I love using data models and python, skills learnt on my course.’

‘I do miss academia sometimes and I may like to do further study in the future.’

Heather’s advice for other students

‘At Herts, you can learn about your chosen subject, but also learn about yourself. Make sure you take the time to reflect and understand both you and your passion throughout your studies and take every opportunity you can. Say yes to new things but know your own limit and don’t burn yourself out. At Herts, there is always support available to you, so seek out help if you need it.’

What's next for my career?
When you complete your chosen degree you may apply for jobs/ further training in the industry/ service of your choice. Your career options will depend on your chosen degree from subjects including:
- applied biology
- astrophysics
- geography
- pharmaceutical science
- environmental studies
- sports sciences and nutrition.
Some examples of eventual careers are: scientific work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry; environmental science; teaching; management; and in the food industry and retailers.
View our Alumni profiles

Heather Tymms
Key staff

Linda Paterson
Programme Manager

Course fact sheets
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Mathematics	Download
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Mathematics	Download

Programme specifications
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Mathematics	Download
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Mathematics	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No
Course length	Full Time, 4 Years
Location	North Hertfordshire College

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
15/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £6165 for the 2023/2024 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

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BSc (Hons) Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Mathematics

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Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: G101

Institute code: H36

Additional requirements