Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Practical classes
Course overview
The foundation year entry route is for talented UK students who do not meet the usual criteria for our degrees (see personal circumstances). It is an opportunity for you to develop key skills before progressing to a choice of 22 courses. These skills include communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital capability.
Our dedicated foundation year tutors will support you throughout the year and help you develop as a learner. This ensures you have the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence before you start your chosen degree. Teaching sessions vary, including lectures, seminars and interactive digital media workshops. You will also meet tutors from your chosen degree.
You will be a full member of the University of Nottingham from the outset, with all the experiences and opportunities this offers.
When you successfully complete the Foundation Year, you are guaranteed automatic progression to your chosen undergraduate degrees in the Faculty of Arts.
For more information on our teaching, research and what it's like to study with us see the Foundation Arts webpages.
Foundation year courses
Personal circumstances
This course is part of the University’s commitment to widening participation. As well as meeting the academic entry requirements (BCC), you must have attended a UK state school/college and meet at least one of the following personal background criteria:
- you live in an area where people are less likely to go to university – check your postcode
- you are the first generation in your family to enter higher education
- you will be over 21 years old when you begin your course
- you have spent more than three months in local authority care (for this criterion you do not need to have attended a state school)
- you have refugee status from the Home Office
- you need to study in the East Midlands (for example for family, cultural or financial reasons)
- you provide long term care of a sick or disabled family member
Where relevant you should include reference to 5, 6 and 7 in your personal statement, or provide this information via artssupport@nottingham.ac.uk when you submit your UCAS application.
Alternative courses for EU/International students
This course is not available to EU/international students. Instead, you may consider the Business, Law and Social Sciences Foundation Certificate. This is offered through the University of Nottingham International College in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways.
Learning and assessment
Your six foundation year modules are assessed using a wide variety of methods. Each module has two or three assessment points. For example, our Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning module is assessed by an essay (50% of the module mark) and a reflective learning portfolio (50% of the module mark).
These modules will prepare you for undergraduate assessment and allow you to develop a broad range of skills.
Teaching
You’ll have at least 12 hours of timetabled contact a week through lectures, seminars and workshops. Your tutors will also be available outside these times to discuss issues and develop your understanding.
The Foundation Year team's commitment to high levels of commitment to teaching and learning was recognised within a Lord Dearing Award in 2021.
One-to-one tutorials
You will have 5 general progress tutorials as well as individual module-focused tutorials.
Careers
Evidence shows that students commencing their university study at foundation level achieve the same levels of undergraduate degree as their fellow direct-route students, which in turn leads to the same wide range of career options.
In addition to your study we recommend that you participate in at least some of our cv-enhancing programmes which include:
- Nottingham Advantage Award
- Student Ambassador scheme
- subject-specific volunteering programmes
You will also be able to take advantage of the wide range of services offered by our dedicated Faculty of Arts careers team within the Careers and Employability Service.
Average starting salary and career progression
78.9% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £24,169.*
*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
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.
 "img-profile")
Franklyn Ogosi
BA Theology and Religious Studies (with Foundation Year) Graduate
Progression options
