A degree that starts
where you are now
A foundation year is the first year of a four-year degree, built for people whose grades, gap since school, or qualifications from another country do not fit the standard route in.
Most of our courses start with a foundation year. You are enrolled on the full degree from day one: the extra year brings you up to the academic level the degree assumes, then you carry straight on into years one, two and three without applying again.
Who it is for
People without A-Levels, adults returning after years out of education, and applicants with qualifications from outside the UK that do not map onto the standard entry requirements. Many of our students are in their thirties and forties.
What the extra year does
Academic writing, research, subject basics and the study habits a degree assumes you already have. It is taught, assessed and funded like any other year of the degree, not a separate access course you have to pass before applying.
How it is funded
Student Finance England treats it as year one of four. Eligible students can apply for a tuition fee loan and, depending on circumstances, maintenance support. It is a repayable loan, and Student Finance England decides eligibility.
Foundation year courses
Filter by city, subject and start date. Every course below includes the foundation year in the degree.
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