Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Course overview
Your Arts and Humanities Foundation Year will help prepare you for the BA Art History and Visual Culture. Art is everywhere, shaping how we see and understand the world. From Renaissance paintings to viral videos, images have the power to influence culture, politics and society. Learn how art and visual culture have shaped societies past and present, and gain the tools you need to decode the images that define our world.
First, through a range of engaging modules spanning the arts and humanities, you will undertake a preparatory Foundation Year. Here you will develop key skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital capability. You'll be able to tailor your assessment topics to explore aspects of your progression degree with elements of interdisciplinarity and real-world applicability.
Your dedicated Foundation Year tutors will support you with building these skills, and the confidence for undergraduate study.
Indicative modules
About modules
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 17 June 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Teaching and learning
Your six foundation year modules are assessed using a wide variety of methods.
Each module has two 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.
Assessment methods
- Essay
- Poster
- Presentation
- Portfolio (written/digital)
- Creative piece
- Workbook
If taking a language module in place of the The Project:
- Exam
- Oral exam
Teaching
During your foundation year 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.
One-to-one tutorials
You will have four general progress tutorials as well as individual module-focused tutorials during your foundation year.
For learning, assessment, contact time and study information after your Foundation Year, see the course page for your progression option.
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:
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.
More information about subject-related careers opportunities from our Careers and Employability Service.
Average starting salary and career progression
78.8% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £23,974.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017 to 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated 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).
It's a really great introductory year with six modules all surrounding different subjects within the Faculty of Arts. It teaches you how to become a student, and is a really good foundation to university life.
Zoe Serlin
Liberal Arts with Foundation Year
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