Undergradute students studying in the George Green library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Foundation programmes for UK and home students

Why study a foundation programme?

Foundation programmes help you to reach your full academic potential when you don't meet standard entry requirements. They arm you with the skills needed to succeed in undergraduate study.

With the help of our support network, progression rates to undergraduate courses are high, giving you the chance to excel in a subject that you're passionate about.

From day one, you'll be fully integrated into university life, with access to our campuses, accommodation, teaching facilities and a huge range of sports and societies.

Please note: these programmes are not suitable for international students.

Choose your programme

There are four foundation programmes for UK and home students to choose from. The programme you choose will determine which undergraduate courses you can progress to.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this type of foundation pathway, you must be a UK student and qualify for home fee status. If you aren't a UK student, you can study an international foundation programme instead. If you're unsure about your fee status, you can find out more from UKCISA.

Each foundation course has minimum entry requirements for academic performance, with some pathways requiring A Levels (or equivalent) in specific subjects. This will vary depending on the foundation course you choose and your desired undergraduate degree.

If you are interested in the Arts and Humanities foundation pathway, you must also meet specific eligibility criteria based on your personal background. 

To apply for a foundation course, you must submit an application through UCAS. Entry requirements and other course details can be found on the respective course pages.

How to progress to an undergraduate degree 

Many of our undergraduate courses can be accessed through a foundation programme. The minimum pass mark for the foundation year is 40% or above in all modules, however some undergraduate courses require higher grades to progress. For more information about course-specific progression requirements, please see your subject of interest above.

If you meet our progression requirements, you will be eligible to apply for one of the undergraduate courses within your pathway. Some pathways will allow for automatic enrolment to the course of your choice, however some will require a new application. Once you enrol onto the foundation programme, the course academics and tutors will support you through this process.

Our foundation qualifications are also accepted by many other UK universities. If you choose to continue your studies at another institution, you will need to apply for the course with a new application through UCAS.

left double quote mark symbol

The Foundation Year improved my essay-writing skills immensely. On arrival to university, having to write essays seemed quite daunting but the Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning module was key for my development.

Franklyn Ogosi

BA Theology and Religious Studies (with Foundation Year) Graduate