A course with a foundation year is for you if…
- You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
- You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
- Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
- You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
- You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
- You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
Key features
An alternative entry route into dentistry
Preparing for practice
Early clinical contact with a strong patient focus
Benefit from expert partnerships
First choice for health
Course details
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Foundation year
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The Bachelor of Dental Surgery with integrated Foundation Year 0 (BDSF) programme is designed for applicants who wish to study Dentistry but who are not currently appropriately qualified for entry to year one of the BDS undergraduate programme. The BDSF programme equips you with the scientific knowledge and study skills needed to become a confident, critically self-aware, independent learner ready for the challenges of Higher Education and University life.You will be taught at the city centre campus where you will have the opportunity to meet your peers and academics, and where, from your very first day, you are part of the Faculty of Health. You will study alongside Dental Therapy & Hygiene, Diagnostic Radiography, Biomedical Sciences, and Medical students, preparing you for a collaborative, inter-disciplinary approach to learning and practice. Modules aim to develop an understanding of the science relating to a range of topic areas relevant to the study of Dentistry, and you can take advantage of academic support and guidance provided by a personal tutor. Meeting the requirements at the end of the Foundation Pathway enables you to progress onto stage one of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme, where you will learn and practice clinical and academic skills as part of the dental team.Years 1–5 will follow BDS Dental Surgery.
Core modules
BDT003
Learning Skills for Dentistry 20 creditsThis module is designed to underpin learning in other modules, equipping students with the skills required to succeed at University level study. It will provide opportunity to acquire generalizable skills and help students to become effective independent learners.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
BHCS001
Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics 20 creditsThis module will provide an introduction to microbiology and the human immune system. Students will learn the fundamental biology relating to bacteria, helminths, viruses and fungi. And also develop an understanding of how our immune system has evolved to combat infection. The module will also explore methods to control microbial contamination and therapeutic strategies to prevent disease.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
BHCS002
Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences 20 creditsThis module examines the role of science in addressing key contemporary issues in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences. The module aims to take an integrative approach, aiming to develop in students both a critical appreciation of the ways in which issues in Human Biology can be approached and resolved, and to develop an understanding of the skills and attributes needed for effective study of such issues at undergraduate level.
100% Practicals
FMD001
Molecules to Cells 20 creditsThis module introduces key concepts involved in cell regulation including genetic inheritance, metabolism and protein expression. The important role of enzymes in the control of biochemical pathways will be introduced, as will an introduction to cell signalling. Cellular organisation within different tissues will also be outlined, enabling students to recognise links between structure and function. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
FMD002
Introduction to Human Physiology 20 creditsThis module will provide a foundation of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Using example systems, it will emphasise relationships between structure and function and examine homeostatic regulation in these systems. Students should develop sufficient theoretical and practical understanding to enable progression to relevant honours degree programmes.
50% Practicals
50% Examinations
FMD004
Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning) 20 creditsThis module is designed to enable learners to develop key skills required for working in multidisciplinary teams. Students will be encouraged to work with their colleagues to manage tasks and tailor learning according to their own particular discipline
100% Coursework
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
Entry requirements
Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * | |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
International | £25,000 | £25,000 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
*UK Government announcement on tuition fees
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Additional costs
How to apply
Faculty of Health
The John Bull Building
Plymouth Science Park
Plymouth
PL6 8BU
Our dentistry courses scored 100 out of 100, making them number 1 in the UK in the Guardian's league table of the best universities in 2024.
From the first year, you'll learn in a practical and patient-centred learning environment, gaining hands-on experience working with patients that enhances your communication skills and clinical competence.
This course is for you if...
- you're passionate about providing patient-centred dental care
- you seek early clinical exposure to develop practical skills
- you're eager to engage with diverse communities to enhance oral health
- you value learning in state-of-the-art facilities alongside experienced professionals
- you aspire to become a competent and caring dentist ready to make a difference
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Help & enquiries
- Admission enquiries
- meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
- +44 1752 583222
- PlymUniApply
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Starting patient care in the first year really helped me build confidence and connect the theory to real cases. It’s been so rewarding to see my skills grow, from learning simple fillings to doing a root canal treatment on a patient.
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Explore our facilities
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Each year we have an inter-professional engagement module which allows us to use our skills to develop the local community. We visited the Nomony Children’s Centre and it made me realise that regardless of age there is always a way you can get someone to understand the importance of their oral health.
Meet our alumni
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Meet your expert teaching staff
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Dr Charles Affourtit
Associate Head of School - Research
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Dr Louise Alldridge
Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences (Education)
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Dr Maysa Falah
Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
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Dr Simon Fox
Associate Professor in Molecular Pathology (Education)
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Dr Lee Hutt
Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
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Dr Kris Jeremy
Deputy Head of School
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Mrs Jennifer Jones
Associate Professor in Radiography (Education)
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Dr Tina Joshi
Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology
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Dr Shagun Khera
Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
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Dr Paul Laurance-Young
Associate Head of School for Marketing, Recruitment & Admissions
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Dr Nicola King
Associate Professor of Cardiac Physiology
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Dr Tracey Madgett
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology
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Dr Kathy Redfern
Lecturer in Human Nutrition
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Dr Philip Warburton
Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology
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Dr Feisal Subhan
Associate Professor of Physiology (Education)
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Dr Vikram Sharma
Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences
Community engagement
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Budding Black Dentists
- equip aspiring dental applicants with the necessary tools needed for each stage of their dental journey
- help to educate the black community on the importance of oral health and what dentistry entails via outreach programmes
- create a strong support network of aspiring and qualified black dentists for the facilitation of mentoring schemes.
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Award-winning contribution to dental training and community care
The pioneering work of the Peninsula Dental School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise won the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category at the awards ceremony. It is recognition of the efforts of more than 100 staff and 400 students working and studying with the University, and in communities across Devon and Cornwall.
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Prepare for the real world by joining a dedicated community of researchers
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