Students browsing catalogues in the fashion studio on campus.

Study a degree with a foundation year

Find out what a degree with a foundation year involves, what you'll study and a list of courses that offer a foundation year.

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

Typical entry requirements

The typical minimum entry requirements for a degree that includes a foundation year are 72-80 UCAS tariff points.

The points must come from full A-levels (not AS) or equivalent qualifications. For example, a BTEC Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma or a CACHE Level 3 Diploma. Other vocational qualifications at Level 3 may also be considered, such as NVQs.

You will also need to have at least a grade D or grade 3 (or an acceptable alternative) in GCSE English language. Many linked degrees also require a grade D or grade 3 in GCSE mathematics.

Some of the foundation year courses have higher entry requirements and you will need more than 72 points to apply for them. Additionally, certain courses may require that you have studied a specific subject at either GCSE or A2-level (or acceptable alternatives).

Check our online prospectus for course-specific entry requirements.

How to apply

You’ll need to apply directly through UCAS.

Each degree with a foundation year has its own unique UCAS code – which you can then search for on the UCAS website.

International students

Visit the how to apply page on our international website for a step-by-step guide on how you can apply for a foundation year course.

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)
  • Students talking on Spanish Steps in Brooks building

    Your essential guide to funding

    How to manage your finances and find out what support is available.

    Find out more
  • Group of international students chatting during a welcome event

    International foundation courses

    How to apply for a foundation year as an international student.

    How to apply