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Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Dentistry) (Year 0)

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Ready to apply? You can apply for this course online now using the UCAS website. The deadline for UK students to apply for this course is 29 January 2025.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.

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  • University name: University of Liverpool
  • Course: Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Dentistry) (Year 0) 0AAW
  • Location: Main site
  • Start date: 22 September 2025

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Bachelor of Dental Surgery

A Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

A year zero foundation programme, designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional qualifications, which leads to access onto a Dental Surgery BDS programme.

Introduction

The University of Liverpool, in collaboration with local FE partners, has developed a year zero foundation programme for Home students that leads to access onto a variety of vocational Health Studies programmes. Our Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Dentistry) course is for students seeking entry to to undertake the Dental Surgery BDS (A200) programme.

Students seeking entry to Dentistry will study at Carmel College, St Helens. Carmel College is located in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus.  The College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement.

This programme is specifically targeted at Home (UK) mature and non-traditional students, who typically have taken a break from studies.

Please note that we will not consider applications from prospective students who have multiple UCAS applications for a variety of programmes, as this does not demonstrate a clear commitment.

What you'll learn

  • Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
  • Undertaking a variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
  • A breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population
  • How to provide compassionate, evidence-based, holistic dental care to patients
  • How to continually adapt to respond to the current, as well as future, challenges in a dynamic world
  • Real-world clinical, team working, and leadership skills

Routes

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year zero

In all modules at year zero, the study skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level are developed. Students are also introduced to a variety of learning methods, such as formal taught sessions, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, as well as a variety of assessment tasks, such as written assignments, in class data handling, written and practical examinations to provide a good grounding for vocational programmes.

There are some shared modules for all foundation year students, and then route-specific modules to ensure the students are prepared for their chosen undergraduate programmes.

Compulsory modules

BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL001)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 1

This first semester module is part of the one year Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and aims to facilitate knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of the mammalian body at a cellular level which is required before students study HEAL002 Biology for Health Sciences 2 in semester 2. It is designed for all routes through the programme to include Allied Health Professions, Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dental therapy and Veterinary Science.
It can be delivered either face to face or through a blended approach using small group e-lectures and e-tutorials based upon DoFE guidelines at the time of delivery. Support tutorials will be offered alongside laboratory teaching sessions onsite to promote development of practical skills relevant to the biological sciences and independent learning strategies.
The module is assessed by continuous coursework based on the practical laboratory skills and an end of semester multiple choice examination to assess knowledge of structure and function of mammalian cells.

BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL002)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 2

This second semester module is part of the one year Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and is designed to build on the knowledge and understanding of mammalian cells developed in the semester 1 HEAL001 Biology module. It is delivered to all students on the programme to include Allied Health professions, Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Therapy and Veterinary Science routes. The module introduces the student to more complex physiological processes in mammals and to some aspects of gross mammalian anatomy. The module can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach with some face to face and small group e-lectures, as well as on-site tutorials to include laboratory work which develops practical skills relevant to the biological sciences and promotes independent learning strategies. The mode of delivery will depend upon DoFE guidance. The module is assessed by coursework and an end of semester written examination to assess knowledge of the systems explored.

CHEMISTRY FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY 1 (HEAL008)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 1

This first semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten different professional routes leading to a clinical career. HEAL008 Chemistry for Medicine & Dentistry 1 is designed specifically for students on the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Therapy routes and facilitates their knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts associated with the subject. It prepares students for HEAL009 Chemistry for Medicine & Dentistry 2 delivered in semester 2, further study on their chosen professional degree and supports application in their clinical practice eg when prescribing medicines. The material can be delivered either face to face or through a blended approach using lectures/e-lectures, tutorial/e-tutorials and on-site practical sessions in the laboratory to develop practical skills . The delivery mode is subject to change and DoFE guidance.
The module has two elements of assessment: on-going coursework comprised of a series of reports based upon onsite laboratory tasks, and an end of semester unseen written examination.

CHEMISTRY FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY 2 (HEAL009)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 2

This second semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten professional routes leading to a vocational degree and a clinical career. The module builds on HEAL008 Chemistry for Medicine and Dentistry 1 delivered in semester 1 and explores more complex chemical interactions. It is designed specifically for the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Therapy routes.
The module facilitates knowledge and understanding of the foundations of Chemistry and expands on the chemical concepts previously introduced, as well as introducing new more complex aspects associated with the subject. The material can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach through lectures/e-lectures, tutorials/e-tutorials and on-site practical sessions in the laboratory. The mode of delivery will follow DoFE guidelines in place at the start of the academic year.
This module has two elements of assessment: on-going Coursework comprising a series of practical experiments written up as lab reports presented in a log book, and an end of semester unseen written examination .

FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (HEAL005)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

This module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and is delivered over both semester one and semester two. All students take this module, apart from those on the Veterinary Science route who have their own professional studies module (HEAL012). The foundation route has ten health professional pathways leading to a vocational career where an understanding of health and social care is essential. This module is designed to introduce the Allied Health, Nursing, Medicine, Dental and Dental Therapy students to the health and social care environment and the issues currently faced within it. In addition it supports the development of study skills that will support students throughout their degree and into their professional careers.
The module is partly assessed through a reflective portfolio which can be carried forward throughout their degree and into clinical practice. Students will also create an assessed presentation on a topic that interests them and deliver it to their peers. This is an essential skill in health related careers where presentation of research findings at conferences is common.
Relevant topics to support development of the portfolio and presentation are delivered through interactive lectures, small group discussions, seminars and practical sessions.
The module contains compulsory elements such as a background to reflective practice and the use of portfolios; reflective assignments based upon the student’s own learning experiences and a short essay exploring the health and social care environment through research of published work. This final task demonstrates the students research skills that are essential moving forward in their studies.
A formative assessment opportunity is in place at the end of semester one to ensure a student has feedback on their work to feed forward into semester two and aid completion. The portfolio is submitted in electronic format using the University of Liverpool electronic platforms. The presentation is delivered either face to face or via a virtual learning platform.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY (HEAL010)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This first semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten professional routes leading to a vocational degree and a professional clinical career. It is designed specifically for students taking the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental therapy routes on the programme.
As a subject discipline, Health and Social Care combines elements of sociology, psychology, biology, nutrition, law and ethics, and is therefore a relevant area to include in this programme.
The module complements information delivered in HEAL001 Biology 1 by giving additional context within the UK healthcare provision and linking to the other elements described above. It aims to help students understand issues such as what ‘health’ is, how it can be assessed/measured, and the many biological, psychological, environmental and ethical factors that can influence the health of individuals in a negative or positive way. In addition the principles and importance of National Health Promotions in educating people to change behaviours for the betterment of their health are explored.
It can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach through on-site interactive lectures and e-lectures using a suitable platform such as Zoom.
It is assessed by Coursework and a presentation.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Your experience

When you move to the University of Liverpool in year one, you will be based in the Institute of Clinical Sciences and the Institute’s research directly influences your teaching. You’ll be taught by our most experienced practising clinicians, so you can be confident you’ll graduate as the complete dental professional. Our problem-based approach and excellent network of clinical placements mean that, alongside academic and professional skills, you will gain practical experience and apply your knowledge early in your studies, preparing you to become an excellent dentist from day one.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability

There are a wide range of career opportunities within the profession. The majority of graduates will choose general dental practice within the NHS and in the private sector, whilst others might choose one of the hospital specialities, the community dental service, university teaching, or the armed forces.

Studying to become a dental professional encourages students to develop valuable, transferable skills which provide a strong foundation for their careers and their continuing professional development.

Key skills students will develop include:

  • Communication skills (both oral and written)
  • Critical reasoning skills
  • Clinical skills
  • Professionalism
  • Team working
  • Lifelong learning.

98% of dentistry students at the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, how to pay, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,535
Foundation year fee £7,500
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
This course is not available to international students. This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.

Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.

The UK full-time tuition fee and foundation year fee shown are correct for 2025/26 entry.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment, operating University facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

Additional costs

There are additional study costs to consider, such as scrubs replacements, travel costs for placements and Occupational Health Clearance assessment.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

There are additional study costs to consider, such as scrubs replacements, travel costs for placements and Occupational Health Clearance assessment.

Two pairs of scrub suits will be provided free of charge. Replacement of the whole suit will incur a cost of approximately £25 plus a delivery fee. Students are responsible for laundering their own scrub suits (the NHS recommends laundering clinical uniforms at 60°). Scrub suits should be clean and ironed at all times. Students may carry out tailoring alterations to their issued scrub suits to meet personal requirements.

Post-2019 curricula

Year One and Three applies to both BDS and BSc programmes, Year Five only applies to the BDS programme.

Year One

  • Lab Coats: Students will be given their lab coats for use in the Human Anatomy Resource Centre free of charge.

Year Three

  • Placement costs: All students will undertake a placement in Year Three and will be required to fund their own travel costs. All placements are within 35 miles of the School of Dentistry and are accessible on public transport. A return trip is estimated to cost between £5-£15. Student concessions are also available from local travel companies.

Year Five

  • Placement costs: All BDS students will also undertake placements in Year Five in similar locations to the Year Three placements. Year Five students will have their travelling costs reimbursed by NHS Bursaries only if they are in receipt of an NHS Bursary (the non‐means tested/means tested grant). Students will only be reimbursed for the difference between the cost of their normal daily travel and the cost of their travel to the placement site. If a student is not eligible for an NHS Bursary then they will not be able to reclaim their travelling costs.
  • Occupational Health Clearance: A standard assessment will be approximately £30, if additional vaccinations or appointments are required these will be costed individually.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels and be joining a non-clinical degree.

The Liverpool Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a School of Biosciences degree in a non-clinical subject and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Undergraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • Hong Kong

If you’re an undergraduate student from Hong Kong who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.

Nolan Scholarships

  • Home students

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

  • International students

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

T levels

T levels are not currently accepted.

GCSE 5 GCSE Grade 6 (B) to include Maths, English Language, single Science to include Biology and /or Chemistry or (dual combined science).
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Students currently studying BTEC level 3 will not be considered; BTEC level 2 will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE

International Baccalaureate

Applicants currently studying for International Baccalaureate will not be considered

Irish Leaving Certificate Applicants currently studying for Irish Leaving Certificate will not be considered
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Applicants currently studying for Scottish Highers will not be considered

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Applicants currently studying for Welsh Baccalaureate will not be considered
Graduate application

Applicants with a previous degree but do not meet criteria for direct entry to the degree programme will be considered if they are returning to education following a break.

Access Applicants currently studying for an Access Diploma will not be considered. Mature students who have recently studied an access course (that is not eligible for direct entry) or have work- related qualifications will be considered.
Declaration of criminal background

Applicants may be expected to complete either a Declaration of Criminal Background or have a full Disclosure Barring Service check as part of their application.

Disability information

Additional support is given to students who have declared a disability on their UCAS application.

Work Experience Requirements

Evidence of knowledge and insight into the profession with emphasis on learning from work experience/observation is required.
NB: Further details on specific work based experience requirements is available on the relevant degree programme pages

International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Dentistry) (Year 0)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.