South East Technological University
Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry)
Waterford, Ireland
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 14,500
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
What is Science (Common Entry)?
Science (Common Entry) was designed as a common entry course for the student who has a keen interest in science, but is unsure of which area they would like to specialise in. This course gives the student a flavour of a variety of different scientific disciplines, allowing them to keep their options open when applying to study science at third level.
Science (Common Entry) Degree Options
Upon completion of Year 1 of the BSc (Hons) in Science, students have the choice of progressing into the second year of any of the following degree courses that run in the Department of Science at SETU Waterford:
- BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation
- BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science
- BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science
- BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology
Opportunity
One of the best reasons for studying science is the wide variety of career opportunities that graduate has access to. A science degree is a well-established platform to a surprisingly wide range of careers outside science (e.g. management, sales) as well as within science (research, teaching).
Career opportunities will be subject to your choice of specialist exit pathways. Science (Common Entry) is the gateway for four Level 8 BSc (Hons) degrees in SETU Waterford, which include the BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science, BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science, BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation and BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology. At the end of the first year, you will be asked to select one of the courses to study in order to obtain your final award. For more information on career opportunities, visit the following courses:
Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Master's programmes or Master's degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges
Course Modules
The modules of year 1 of the course offer an introduction to biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computing. Elective modules are also offered in specialised areas such as Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Molecular Biology, Biopharmaceutical Science and Modern Physics. The student can get a taste of what is involved in each of these areas, before making a more informed choice as to which area they would like to specialise in for their degree.
Year 1
Semester 1
- Introductory Biology
- Introductory Chemistry
- Introductory Physics
- Introductory Mathematics
- Introduction to ICT for Scientists
- Good Lab Practice and Core Skills
Semester 2
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Mathematics for Scientists
- Physical and Organic Chemistry
- Physics for Scientists
- Choose two of the following electives:
- Introduction to Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science
- Introduction to Modern Physics
- Plant Biology
- Science & Society
- Introduction to Food Science
One of the best reasons for studying science is the wide variety of career opportunities that graduate has access to. A science degree is a well-established platform to a surprisingly wide range of careers outside science (e.g. management, sales) as well as within science (laboratory, research, and teaching).
Career opportunities will be subject to your choice of specialist exit pathways. Science (Common Entry) is the gateway for four Level 8 BSc (Hons) degrees in SETU Waterford, which include the BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Innovation, BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science, BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science, and BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology. At the end of the first year, you will be asked to select one of the courses to study in order to obtain your final award.
Why Study Science at SETU Waterford?
Studying science at SETU Waterford will broaden your understanding of the world around you and give you the skills needed to approach matters in a reasoned and analytical manner.
All of our programmes offer hands-on practical experience and are highly regarded. The programmes were designed to meet the needs of industry in the region, nationally and internationally. Each program has a work placement built into the 3rd year. Feedback from employers and students about the placement experience is excellent.
Innovative teaching
This programme recently won the ‘Most impactful use of Pearson courseware or services’ award in recognition of the blended learning approach in the delivery of the programme. The common science programmes use an integrated online tutorial system that is delivered to small groups in an IT room supported by one or two members of staff. These weekly formative tutorials allow students to apply or practice the material covered in class that week, and student receives individual attention and help at tutorials.