Foundation courses

A foundation year is an extra year of study at the start of your university course.

There are many reasons why you might choose to study a foundation year. Maybe you don’t meet the entry requirements to enter directly onto a degree course, or perhaps you want to study something new.

How does a foundation year work?

Your course will take four years, or five years if a placement or year abroad is available on your degree.

You’ll develop skills and subject-specific knowledge to ensure you can advance to the full degree course.

Once you have passed the foundation year you will progress directly onto Year 1 of the linked honours degree. You do not need to reapply through UCAS.

What will you study?

You’ll study four units to build your confidence and prepare you for the rest of your chosen degree.

These include three units that provide an introduction to your subject, and a unit designed to develop your academic and study skills that you’ll need for degree-level study.

We use a range of teaching methods during your foundation year, depending on the course. This involves a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, laboratory sessions and online learning. You’ll also spend time each week on independent study. Your foundation year will be assessed by coursework and formal exams.

Courses with a foundation year

I felt really supported in my foundation year. The 'Academic Practice' unit teaches you how to reference and understand the basics of what is expected from university coursework. At college I only did exams so I found this unit really helpful.
Latifa
BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing (Foundation Year)
I felt really supported in my foundation year. The 'Academic Practice' unit teaches you how to reference and understand the basics of what is expected from university coursework. At college I only did exams so I found this unit really helpful.
Latifa
BA (Hons) English with Creative Writing (Foundation Year)
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