Triangle

This course is closed to UK/home applicants for 2021 entry.

Course overview

The foundation year is for talented UK students who do not meet the usual criteria for our degrees. It is an opportunity for you to develop key skills before progressing to the three-year BA Ancient History. These skills include communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital ability.

Our dedicated foundation 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, interactive digital media workshops and trips. You will also meet tutors from your chosen degree. 

You will be a full member of the University of Nottingham, with all the experiences and opportunities this offers.

More information

For more information on our teaching, research and what it's like to study with us see the Foundation Arts webpages.

Why choose this course?

  • Small group teaching
  • Dedicated foundation tutors
  • Guest lecturers from a range of degree subject areas
  • Automatic progression to BA upon successful completion 
  • The Project module helps you develop as an independent researcher
  • Language options and year abroad available on specific courses 

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level CCC

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
IB score 24

English language requirements

You will need to meet one of the following:

  • GCSE English language at level 4 (grade C)
  • IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
  • TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 20 in speaking and 19 in each other element)

This course is part of the University’s commitment to widening participation. As well as meeting the academic entry requirements (BCC), you will typically meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • be from the first generation in your family to enter higher education
  • need to study in the East Midlands (for example for family, cultural or financial reasons)
  • attend a school or college without a strong tradition of progression to higher education
  • attend a school or college with a low average A level score
  • live in a deprived home location
  • be (or have been) a refugee
  • be (or have been) in local authority care (looked after)
  • over 21 years old ("mature student") when you begin your course 
  • other disadvantaging/extenuating circumstances (we consider these on an individual basis)

International students

This course is for UK students only. International students who want to take a course to prepare for a Faculty of Arts subject degree should 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.

Foundation progression options

When you successfully complete the Foundation Year (UCAS code V11F), you are guaranteed progression to the BA Ancient History

If your degree interests change during your Foundation Year, you may discuss other progression options within the Faculty of Arts, which include: 

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Practical classes
  • Field trips

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Group coursework
  • Poster presentation
  • Presentation
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Reflective review

Contact time and study hours

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. 

One-to-one tutorials

You will have five general progress tutorials as well as individual module-focused tutorials.  

Study abroad

Once you have progressed to your destination degree, you will be able to participate in the University of Nottingham Study Abroad programme.

Placements

Work experience gives you the skills and experience that will allow you to stand out to potential employers and is a crucial part of becoming 'workplace-ready'.

You also have access to a wide range of work experience and volunteering schemes through the:

 

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Why choose a Foundation Year degree?

Find out what some of our Foundation Year students think about their course.

Modules

You will take 120 credits of modules split as follows: 

  • Compulsory core modules (120 credits) – all students follow the same programme. 

Language students may take 20 credits of modules in the Language Centre in place of The Project. 

Important Thinkers through History

In every field of the arts and humanities there are significant people who have contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of humanity. In this module you’ll consider a selection of these ‘important thinkers’, drawn from different disciplines across the Faculty of Arts, across a broad sweep of history and representing a variety of cultural and geographical contexts.

Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning

This module will introduce you to key skills and practices for university work and help you make the transition from school, college or work to undergraduate study. Critical thinking and reflective learning are skills that are essential for thriving on your chosen degree course but they’re also important for developing thoughtful, responsible citizens who contribute effectively to society.

Language and Culture

Language and culture are both fundamental aspects of any arts and humanities degree. In this module you’ll develop an analytical and critical approach to English as well as an understanding of the potential challenges and benefits involved in studying other languages and cultures.

Media, Communications and Society

This module will analyse the relationship between media, communication and society. The module will allow you to explore how communication occurs and engage with different kinds of reading and texts. You will also assess the positive and negative impacts of communication through a wide range of media.

Narrative and Creativity

This module will introduce you to academic theories about narrative and creativity. You’ll also encounter various forms of narrative and ‘storytelling’ to help you consider the role of narrative and creativity in different contexts. This will include exploring the role of creativity and story in society generally, reflecting on your own ‘stories’, and developing your own creativity in a variety of ways.

The Project / Language Centre modules

Extended projects or dissertations are a key feature of many university courses, especially in the final year. This module will help you develop the skills required to design, research and produce a major piece of work for assessment, using media (written and/or other) appropriate to your chosen topic.

If you apply to go on to a modern language degree you may study in our Language Centre in place of taking ‘The Project’ module.

Exception: If you are joining the BA Russian Studies and enter the Foundation Year with A Level Russian, you will take The Project module, and follow the post A Level pathway on the degree. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Tuesday 10 August 2021.

Upon successful completion of your Foundation Year you will follow years one to three of BA Ancient History.

 

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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees and funding

UK students

£9,250
Per year

International students

Not applicable*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Additional costs

There are no extra compulsory fees to be paid as part of your course beyond your standard tuition fees. Essential course materials are supplied and recommended reading is available from our libraries.

For additional costs for years one to three of your degree, please see the BA Ancient History page.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

 

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

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 Services.

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).

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" 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

Related courses

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Arts and Humanities BA Courses with Foundation Year BA

This arts and humanities foundation year allows you to prepare for a degree if you do not meet our usual undergraduate entry criteria. You will develop key skills including, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital capabilities. Progression is automatic on successful completion of the foundation year. There are over 20 destination degrees to choose from.
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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.