Program Overview

A Pathway in Science is designed to develop strong foundations in design, critical thinking, and research.

In the First Year Pathway students complete the International College Portsmouth (ICP) at University of Portsmouth first year of the degree, undertaking the same modules, in the same classes as students entering the University directly. Alongside the International College Portsmouth (ICP) at University of Portsmouth modules, students entering through the First Year Pathway will have additional support and tuition from International College Portsmouth (ICP) at University of Portsmouth.

First Year

A First Year pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold equivalent to AS/A level studies)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at International College Portsmouth (ICP) at University of Portsmouth is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at International College Portsmouth (ICP) at University of Portsmouth.

Progressing from First Year

At International College Portsmouth (ICP) at University of Portsmouth we offer a first year or stage 2 level study. Either students will enter this pathway following completion of the foundation, or for students that have completed equivalent of A level study we also have an entry point at first year of a bachelor’s degree.

Upon completion of the first year, or Stage 2, you will seamlessly progress to the second year of your chosen degree with the University, and no longer be registered with International College Portsmouth (ICP) at University of Portsmouth.

Marine Biology (Optional Placement)

Our oceans are under threat, so there's never been a greater need for experts in marine biology. Do you have the ambition to combat the challenges facing this diverse environment and play an active and positive role in understanding and protecting marine biodiversity and the future of our oceans?

On this BSc (Hons) Marine Biology degree course, you'll learn the practical, theoretical and professional skills to start a career as a marine biologist.

You'll develop your knowledge of marine organisms, from phytoplankton to cetaceans, as well as how to protect the oceans and their delicate ecosystems against the growing threats of climate change, habitat destruction and resource exploitation. All at a university that's been carrying out marine biological research for more than 70 years.

What you'll experience

On this course you'll:

• Conduct fieldwork in a range of intertidal habitats, including rocky shores, estuaries, saltmarsh and mangroves
• Be based in the heart of the internationally important Solent European Marine Site
• Learn from researchers who are members of the Institute of Marine Sciences, with expertise in subject areas such as ocean acidification, plastic pollution and cetacean behaviour
• Learn to drive a powerboat, scuba dive and conduct research in a tropical environment
• Get practical marine skills on our research vessels, including a large experimental raft, a 6-metre high-speed shallow draft launch for inshore work and a suite of sampling systems including dredges, grabs and nets
• Use our laboratory facilities, state of the art microscopes, experimental research platform and aquatic centre to explore marine ecosystems and study marine organisms

You can also:

• Experience research and fieldwork overseas including the option to study seagrass, coral reef and mangrove ecology
• Get involved in local research projects such as the Solent Native Oyster Regeneration Project
• Spend time studying abroad at one of our partner institutions