Our foundation courses are designed for talented applicants who are not eligible for direct entry to an undergraduate course.
A foundation year will give you the subject-specific knowledge and skills required to enter degree-level studies.
From your first day, you’ll be recognised as a full member of the student community with access to library, IT and sport facilities.
Foundation programmes offer you an alternative route into studying your degree of choice at a world-class university.
UK students – course information
There is a significant amount of laboratory and project work on this course, preparing you for a wide range of science degrees.
More information
Apply through UCAS
International students – course information
Business, Law and Social Sciences
Taught at the University of Nottingham International College, this pathway offers international applicants access to a range of degrees within social sciences, business, arts and humanities.
The College is run by our experienced education partner, Kaplan Pathways. Applications for this course should be made directly through the Kaplan Pathways website.
Science and Engineering
Taught at the University of Nottingham International College, this pathway offers international applicants access to a range of degrees within science and engineering.
The College is run by our experienced education partner, Kaplan Pathways. Applications for this course should be made directly through the Kaplan Pathways website.
International students will study at the University of Nottingham International College. This specialist international study centre is located next to the University Park Campus. As a foundation student based at the International College, you will have access to the same facilities as other undergraduate students at the University of Nottingham.
UK/EU and international students – other foundation programmes
We offer additional courses with specific foundation programmes for access to our science, medicine and veterinary medicine degrees.
This pathway is designed for international students whose school leaving qualifications are at a high level, but do not meet the current subject admissions requirements for direct entry to undergraduate programmes.
Medicine with Foundation Year BMedSci and BMBS (UK students only)
This course has been designed to widen access to higher education. If you want to study medicine but do not meet the normal requirements for entry, this course could be your route to achieving your ambition.
Please note, you must also meet certain widening participation criteria. This course is for students who have not been to university previously.
Veterinary Medicine and Surgeryincluding a Gateway Year (UK students)
This course is designed to widen participation in veterinary medicine and surgery, and provides an opportunity to up-skill capable students who might not otherwise consider entry to the profession.
Veterinary Medicine and Surgeryincluding a Preliminary Year (UK, EU and international students)
This course has been designed for able students who don't have the required science qualification (but have high academic achievement in non-science or vocational subjects or extensive experience) for direct entry into the five-year veterinary course.
Student testimonials
The foundation year provided me with everything I needed and more, to make sure I had the ability and confidence to enter the first year
Kim Onjun,
MEng Mechanical Engineering
Being about to embark on a PhD graduate course, I have become very conscious of how important the foundation year has been to make this possible
Rasmus Lindberg,
BSc Biology
I feel more prepared than an A level student for the first year of my degree. I know the university, how the systems within the university work. I'm already part of societies and have friends
Daisy Mason,
MSci Zoology