undergraduate courses with foundation year

Foundation Year

We are excited to announce that Northeastern is strengthening its commitment to the students of the City of Boston by building on the past ten years of success that the Foundation Year program has offered!

Foundation Year provides select students with an exciting pathway into Northeastern. Students are supported through a rigorous academic curriculum while building community in a cohort model . Students who successfully complete Foundation Year are eligible to matriculate into a degree program in the College of Professional Studies or at one of Northeastern’s seven undergraduate day colleges.  

“ Foundation Year was a great way for me to start college. I felt supported by the faculty and advisers who walked with me through every decision and detail of my first year. As the first person in my family to go to college, I learned so much about being a college student when I was in Foundation Year, and I feel lucky to have had the chance to start in a small program with a team that truly cares about my success. Yemmy Toribio Infante DMSB - Business Administration, 4th Year

Foundation Year Program Highlights

There are many advantages to starting at Northeastern in the Foundation Year program. Designed to minimize the challenges that have traditionally hindered student success, the program provides a personalized academic experience with small classes and a 1:1 advising model. The cohort model provides a strong sense of community to students who are all given textbooks and technology to use for classes, and a dining plan that allows them 110 meals on campus during the year.

Foundation Year: Academic Experience

Foundation Year students are enroll ed in the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern and can earn up to 32 college credits during the fall, spring , and summer term s . Courses in Foundation Year are aligned with the requirements of most majors at Northeastern so that students are ready to transfer into the program of their choice after Foundation Year. The team of highly skilled faculty, writing specialists, math tutors , and advisers work with each student to ensure that they get the support they need inside and outside of the classroom to be successful in their first year of college.  

Life After Foundation Year

Foundation Year students who meet the progression standards are eligible to transfer to a degree program at one of the seven undergraduate colleges at Northeastern or remain in the College of Professional Studies . Students who do not meet the progression standards and/or would prefer to transfer to another institution have the full support of the advising team to transition to a program that makes the most sense for them.  

Tuition, Fees, and Housing

Foundation Year is designed to be accessible to qualified students regardless of family income or ability to pay. Applicants are required to submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile as part of the admissions process. Typically, students have generous award packages that make their first year in Foundation Year affordable. After successfully completing Foundation Year and matriculating into a degree program at Northeastern, either through CPS or one of the seven undergraduate day colleges, students are able to be considered for scholarships and need-based financial aid to make Northeastern as affordable as possible.

Housing is not available for Foundation Year students during their year in the program. After completing Foundation Year, students who matriculate into one of the seven undergraduate day colleges are eligible to apply for housing, but housing is not guaranteed.

Have questions about Foundation Year? Check out our FAQs!

Who is eligible for Foundation Year?

Students who reside in the City of Boston and meet the university’s selective admission criteria are eligible to start their time at Northeastern in Foundation Year. Graduates from Boston high schools, GED certificate holders who live in Boston, and students enrolled in METCO programs are eligible for Foundation Year.

How do students apply for Foundation Year?

Interested students should apply to Northeastern by the January 1st application deadline using the Common Application or Coalition Application. The Undergraduate Admissions Office selects students who are deemed good candidates in the general admission pool. They are then admitted to Northeastern through the Foundation Year pathway.

What types of courses do Foundation Year students take?

Classes are taught by Foundation Year faculty and are designed to meet core requirements at Northeastern, and/or are courses that are required to transfer into selected majors at Northeastern. Subjects range from Chemistry to College English and are typically taught between the hours of 9am-5pm. In our cohort model, Foundation Year students only take courses with other members of their cohort.

What do students do after completing Foundation Year?

Foundation Year students are eligible to continue at Northeastern in two different ways after their first year is complete.

• Students can continue at the College of Professional Studies if they have a GPA above a 2.0. They will pursue their degree in this open-access college in Northeastern.
• Bouvé College of Health Sciences
• College of Art, Media & Design
• College of Engineering
• College of Social Science and Humanities
• College of Science
• Khoury College of Computer Science
• D’Amore McKim School of Business

If a student decides Northeastern is not for them, our advisors are happy to assist them in pursuing other options.

What are the progression standards that will allow students to continue at one of the seven undergraduate day colleges?

Students will be eligible to transfer to one of the seven undergraduate day programs by earning a 3.0 GPA at the end of the year with no grades below C in the fall term and no grades below B- in the spring and summer terms.

How are students supported in their first year?

The Foundation Year advisers are committed to helping students be successful in their first year of college and advise them with a strengths-based lens. Committed to ensuring that students meet their goals in the first year of college, the advising team works to support students in a holistic way.

What does the financial aid model look like for Foundation Year and beyond?

Applicants are required to submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile as part of the admissions process. Typically, students have generous award packages that make the first year in Foundation Year affordable. After completing Foundation Year, Northeastern uses a different funding strategy to award financial aid. It is likely that financial aid will look different for students in the years after Foundation Year. Students are eligible for many scholarships and loans in order to make Northeastern as affordable as possible after Foundation Year.

Is there housing available for Foundation Year students?

Foundation Year students are not eligible for housing during their time in the program.

Students who complete Foundation Year and continue at one of the seven undergraduate day colleges are considered transfer students. As such, students can apply for housing, but it is not guaranteed.

Will the credits I earn through Foundation Year transfer?

The credits earned through Foundation Year are able to be considered for transfer to your next degree program. If a student transfers to another institution, it is at the discretion of the new institution whether they accept the Foundation Year credits.

What are my next steps to pursue Foundation Year?

To be considered for Foundation Year, you apply to Northeastern using the Common Application or Coalition Application by the January 1st deadline. Students must ensure to submit a complete application, including all supplemental materials and all financial aid documents. Students will be notified of their admission decision by April 1.

Have questions? Contact us at [email protected] .

Request information

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Academic Catalog 2022-2023

Foundation year.

An innovative, first-year college program, Foundation Year supports City of Boston students as they develop the skills to be successful in their entire Northeastern University experience. Launched in 2009, Foundation Year is designed for recent City of Boston high school graduates and GED/HiSET completers who desire and would benefit from a more structured learning environment during their first year of college. Featuring rigorous academics, extensive support services, real-world experience, and the privileges that come with being a Northeastern student, Foundation Year brings together the right resources for each student—maximizing the potential for success.

Accepted students are enrolled in Northeastern's College of Professional Studies where they may earn a full year of college credits upon program completion. To foster camaraderie and peer-to-peer learning, the program is built around the cohort model, in which Foundation Year students attend all classes and workshops together.

Upon completion, students are eligible to:

• Transfer to another college at Northeastern if progression standards are met
• Continue at Northeastern's College of Professional Studies in a bachelor’s completion program

Application

To be considered for Foundation Year, students must be:

• Boston residents
• High school graduates or students holding GED/HiSET completion certificates
• Motivated and willing to work hard to achieve their goals and earn a college degree
• Submit an application to Northeastern using the Common Application or the Coalition Application.
• Submit required materials .
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) and CSS Profile online.

Contact Information

Fax: 617.373.8574 [email protected]

Designed with the student in mind, Foundation Year’s intensive curriculum includes courses in English, sociology, mathematics, and history. Students can also focus their studies by choosing from electives in  business, science, or liberal arts. Foundation Year students can earn up to 32 semester hours of credit—equivalent to one year of college credits.

To help facilitate learning, Foundation Year provides all students with textbooks and laptops to use for the entire school year.

Complete all courses below unless otherwise indicated.

Core Courses

Note:  Students are placed into math courses based on proficiency.

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Choosing a university foundation year to kickstart a degree

From classics to Formula 1, and from hating education to loving it, a foundation year can turn your life around

• The 2023 league table

B ecky Reavell was in the crowd at Silverstone watching a Formula One race with her father when it dawned on her that she didn’t want to study English at university and be a journalist. What she really wanted was to study engineering for a career in motor sport.

Her sixth-form teachers were supportive, but the problem was her A-level choices. She was already deep into studying English literature, classics and economics, not maths and physics, the subjects usually required for engineering.

But she didn’t give up. With her grades – A*A*A – she found a place on a studies in science foundation year course at Leeds University, which led to a three-year engineering degree. In August, she began work as a composite design engineer for a F1 team.

Foundation years are an extra preparatory year before the start of a bachelor degree and are usually linked to that course – such as BSc psychology with a foundation year. Students apply in the usual way, through Ucas, for the year plus the three- or four-year undergraduate course.

“Before the sixth form I was at a different school, an all-girls school, and I never really thought about engineering,” says Becky, 25, from Essex, who has been chosen to join the Women’s Engineering Society’s Early Careers Board.

“The foundation year really helped. It was a pretty daunting thing to do as I hadn’t studied maths or science since GCSEs, but the lecturers were very supportive and, even after I started my degree, they were in contact in case I needed help.”

Becky was awarded a first-class BEng, automotive engineering at Leeds, then a distinction for an MSc in motor sport engineering at Oxford Brookes University.

The English exam system requires students to make subject choices at 13 for GCSEs, then again at 15 or 16 for A-levels. Now, in the wake of the pandemic, students are more likely to be re-thinking what they want to do with their lives. Others may have missed out on the grades they deserve due to family illness and bereavement or the disruption to schools.

A foundation year, which leads to a three- or four-year degree programme, opens up options for those who change subjects or miss out on the grades they need, says Ray Le Tarouilly, a National Careers Service adviser.

“They can also be a very good bridge for mature students who have been out of education because they introduce them to university life. More universities are offering them in more subjects but entry can be competitive, especially in medicine and the biological sciences.”

Most courses cost the same as a year of an undergraduate degree – £9,250 – though some universities, such as York and Manchester, offer fee reductions or bursaries for the extra year. Students are eligible for tuition fee loans and living costs in the same way as for undergraduate degrees, but it will mean higher debt, Le Tarouilly says.

“That’s the downside. However, graduates won’t be paying any more each month once they start work because repayments are based on income, not the level of debt,” he adds.

Foundation years differ between universities.Some offer them only to “widening participation” students from disadvantaged home or school backgrounds; others offer courses as widening participation; and others as open entry.

Leeds takes background into account for its foundation years, except for its very popular studies in science year. The university describes that course as “a conversion course for applicants with strong A-levels – ABB or above – who wish to progress to a scientific discipline, but have not studied science or maths at A-level.”

Science and engineering are also popular choices for foundation years at UWE Bristol, but the most competition is for places on health courses, such as nursing or art and design.

Andrew Carter, UWE’s head of admissions, says some students apply directly through the normal Ucas round for a degree with a foundation year, but others go onto them because they have not achieved the required grades for their chosen undergraduate degree course.

Another group of students are those who change career direction. “There is pressure to make decisions at an early age, which could impact opportunities later in life. A foundation year opens up options for them,” he adds.

There are also lots of foundation year students who missed out on education first time round, such as Hollie Baker, from Weston-super-Mare, who is studying for a BSc in computer science with a foundation year at UWE. Hollie, 24, is visually impaired and struggled at school and then, again, trying to catch up at a further education college.

“There was very little support for me. I couldn’t keep up because I couldn’t read the material. If anyone asked me about education, I’d say I hated it. Now I love it. UWE has changed my view of education. I want to find ways to use the technology to improve things for others like me,” says Hollie, 23, who uses they/them pronouns.

It was a taster course at the University of Bristol that gave them the confidence to apply for the foundation year at UWE. “This year introduces you to university life in a more relaxed, supportive way. If you get into a panic, they say, ‘Just take a breath’, and help you find a solution.”

Hollie says they benefited from being “eased into a degree”. “A foundation year is a great opportunity because you learn all sorts of general skills and ones specific to your degree, so when you go into year one of the actual degree you don’t feel you have just been dropped into it.”

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Foundation Year in Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science

• Admissions Requirements
• Eligibility Criteria
• Fees and Funding
• Studying at Oxford

Subject requirements:          Essential         Recommended         Helpful – may be useful on course

About the course

Are you a student from the UK interested in studying Chemistry, Engineering Science or Materials Science? Have your personal or educational circumstances meant you are unlikely to achieve the grades typically required for Oxford courses? If so, then choosing to apply for your course with a Foundation Year might be the right option for you. 

The Astrophoria Foundation Year is free for students and is designed to be a one-year intensive academic course which will bridge any gaps between school and our academically challenging undergraduate courses. 

The programme is carefully designed to build and develop your study skills, subject knowledge and academic confidence. Students that pass the course will be awarded a nationally recognised Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) qualification.

If you pass the course at the required level, you will be automatically admitted into Oxford as an undergraduate student if you wish to be, without the need to re-apply.

The Foundation Year Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) course is designed to give you a solid grounding in key areas, with particular focus on the assimilation of the underlying concepts in these topics so that they can be effectively applied to solve real-world problems.

You will follow a subject specific pathway taking modules relevant to the subject you aim to study at undergraduate level, alongside essential maths modules. You will develop subject specific problem-solving skills and undertake an independent mini project.

Alongside your academic subject programme, you will take the Preparation for Undergraduate Studies course. This will help you develop the core skills that will enable you to thrive on a course at undergraduate level, whether at Oxford or another university.

These modules will provide support in building general academic skills including:

• academic writing
• communication skills to support verbal discussion
• broader personal development through a society and culture course and academic mentoring.

Visit the  Astrophoria Foundation Year website  for further insights into this course and the programme.

Visit the undergraduate course pages for  Chemistry , Engineering or Materials Science to find out more about the undergraduate course you'll study after your foundation year.

A typical week

During your foundation year you will be expected to attend around five hours of classes per week, participate in regular meetings with tutors to discuss work, carry out independent research and participate in laboratory work.

Your time will be spent both on academic work for your CEMS programme and work related to the Preparation for Undergraduate Studies course.

In each term you will select modules which will lead to your degree pathway. In your final term you will complete a mini project on a subject related topic of your choice, deepening your subject interest and building your skills in independent study.

Tutorials are usually for around two students and a tutor. Classes and laboratory sessions are slightly bigger, they may vary depending on the modules that you choose. There are likely to be around four students in a class or laboratory session, however when the whole CEMS cohort is together, this may include up to 12 students. 

Lectures are a larger format again, and are likely to be delivered to the foundation year cohort (up to 50 students) as a whole.

Most tutorials, classes, and lectures are delivered by staff who are tutors in their subject. Some teaching may also be delivered by postgraduate students.

To find out more about how Oxford's teaching year is structured, visit our  Academic Year  page.

Course structure

Academic requirements.

Wherever possible, your grades are considered in the context in which they have been achieved.

Read further information on  how we use contextual data .

Please note that if you meet the academic entry requirements for the undergraduate course at Oxford in your chosen subject, then we strongly recommend that you apply for the undergraduate course instead of the foundation year.

Subject requirements

Subject requirements depend on the undergraduate degree course you wish to study.

All candidates for the foundation year must apply via UCAS. The deadline for applications for the foundation year is in January 2024.

Please note this is different from the undergraduate course deadline of 16 October. The information below gives specific details for students applying for this course.

Admissions steps

Eligibility criteria.

Offers for Oxford's Astrophoria Foundation Year courses are awarded on academic suitability, and applicants must also meet the eligibility criteria relating to socio-economic and educational disadvantage.

The foundation year is designed to address the education attainment gap associated with factors relating to socio-economic and educational disadvantage experienced by eligible applicants.

The Astrophoria Foundation Year will make academic offers specific to this one year of intensive study, and the offers will take into account the educational disruption experienced by these students. The courses aim to provide a year of academic study that will help support successful students transition to their chosen undergraduate course.

Currently the programme is open to UK state school students who are ordinarily resident in the UK (home fees status) and meet the academic and eligibility criteria.

Evidence of meeting the eligibility criteria is required during the application process and can be supplied by applicants via the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire. This will be accessible through the foundation year webpages in due course. There will also be a full guide to assist in the completion of the questionnaire.

Checking your eligibility

Please note the eligibility criteria listed refers to 2023 entry, and may be revised for future years. 

Applicants should be a state school educated student who is ordinarily resident in the UK (with home fees status) and would usually:

• meet either the criteria outlined in categories 1,2 and 3
• or meet the criterion of category 4

Category 1: Socio-Economic indicators

You must meet at least one of the criteria in Category 1.

• Your home postcode (where you live the majority of the time) should fall into POLAR4 Quintile 1
• Your home postcode (where you live the majority of the time) should fall into ACORN category 4 or 5
• Being eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years (also known as Ever 6 FSM)

Category 2: School/College Characteristics

You must meet the criterion in Category 2.

• Attended, normally for all secondary education, non-selective state-funded schools with a high percentage (e.g. above or near to the national average) of students eligible for free school meals (FSM).

Category 3: Individual experience

You must meet at least one of the criteria in Category 3.

A verified individual level measure of socio-economic disadvantaged background and/or experienced a disrupted education which may include:

• being eligible for FSM any point in the last six years (also known as Ever 6 FSM)
• having refugee status or humanitarian protection
• being a child in need
• having care responsibilities for a sustained period of time
• being pregnant or having parental responsibilities whilst in education
• having a medical or health issue that has resulted in long absences from school or college (more than six months)
• being from a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater background
• being a child of a military family
• being a service leaver or veteran
• being from a household with an income of less than £25,000
• experiencing bereavement of a close family member during secondary education
• being an estranged student
• becoming homeless whilst in education
• having experienced time out of secondary school or college education (over one year)
• having a late diagnosis of Special Educational Needs (within the past two years).

Category 4: Care experience

If you meet this criterion in category 4 you are automatically eligible.

• You have spent any length of time in local authority care and have been at UK state schools

State educated applicants with experience of being in care are automatically eligible. You do not need to meet the criteria in categories 1, 2 or 3, but you may wish to provide us with information in those other categories so that we have a comprehensive understanding of your educational experiences.

Note: Exceptions to these criteria may be made where there is university specific activity.

View our  2023 Eligibility Guide for Applicants  for details about the eligibility criteria for 2023 entry, and how it was verified. An updated guide will be made available before applications open for 2024 entry, in September 2023. 

Fees and Funding for the Foundation Year

Our Foundation Year courses are free of charge and there are no course fees. All tuition and accommodation are provided free of charge. Students admitted to the Foundation Year courses will also receive a bursary for other living costs.

Fees and Funding for the undergraduate course

If you continue to study at Oxford by progressing to a degree course you will need to pay the course fees and cover your living costs. Visit your course pages or the  fees and funding webpages  for more information about undergraduate fees and funding.

The bursary will mean that you do not need to take out student finance for the Foundation Year, but if you do continue to an undergraduate degree course you may need to apply for student finance. 

Contextual information

Course data from   Discover Uni  provides applicants with statistics about undergraduate life at Oxford. But there is so much more to an Oxford degree that the numbers can’t convey.

The Oxford tutorial

College tutorials are central to teaching at Oxford. Typically, they take place in your college and are led by your academic tutor(s) who teach as well as do their own research. Students will also receive teaching in a variety of other ways, depending on the course. This will include lectures and classes, and may include laboratory work and fieldwork. However, tutorials offer a level of personalised attention from academic experts unavailable at most universities.

During tutorials (normally lasting an hour), college subject tutors will give you and one or two tutorial partners feedback on prepared work and cover a topic in depth. The other student(s) in your college tutorials will be from your year group, doing the same course as you and will normally be at your college. Such regular and rigorous academic discussion develops and facilitates learning in a way that isn’t possible through lectures alone.

Tutorials also allow for close progress monitoring so tutors can quickly provide additional support if necessary.

Read more about tutorials and an Oxford education

College life

Our colleges are at the heart of Oxford’s reputation as one of the best universities in the world.

• At Oxford, everyone is a member of a college as well as their subject department(s) and the University. Students therefore have both the benefits of belonging to a large, renowned institution and to a small and friendly academic community. Each college or hall is made up of academic and support staff, and students. Colleges provide a safe, supportive environment leaving you free to focus on your studies, enjoy time with friends and make the most of the huge variety of opportunities.
• Porters’ lodge (a staffed entrance and reception)
• Dining hall
• Lending library (often open 24/7 in term time)
• Student accommodation
• Tutors’ teaching rooms
• Chapel and/or music rooms
• Green spaces
• Common room (known as the JCR).
• All foundation year and first year students are offered college accommodation either on the main site of their college or in a nearby college annexe. This means that your neighbours will also be ‘freshers’ and new to life at Oxford. This accommodation is guaranteed, so you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to live after accepting a place here, all of this is organised for you before you arrive.
• All colleges offer at least one further year of accommodation and some offer it for the entire duration of your degree. You may choose to take up the option to live in your college for the whole of your time at Oxford, or you might decide to arrange your own accommodation after your first year – perhaps because you want to live with friends from other colleges.
• While college academic tutors primarily support your academic development, you can also ask their advice on other things. Lots of other college staff including welfare officers help students settle in and are available to offer guidance on practical or health matters. Current students also actively support students in earlier years, sometimes as part of a college ‘family’ or as peer supporters trained by the University’s Counselling Service.
• Astrophoria Foundation Year students are currently allocated to a college. They do not apply for a specific one.

Course Choices

Find out more.

• Visit the Foundation Year website

Our 2023 undergraduate open days will be held on 28 and 29 June and 15 September.

Register to find out more about our upcoming open days.

RELATED PAGES

• Your academic year
• Financial support
• Astrophoria Foundation Year

Related courses

• Engineering Science
• Materials Science
• Foundation Year in Humanities
• Foundation Year in Law
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Undergraduate study

Foundation years.

Return to education with our year-long introductory courses, designed to prepare you for an undergraduate degree without prior qualifications.

Explore courses for 2023

• Foundation Year in Arts and Social Sciences (CertHE)
• Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Maths (CertHE)

Our innovative courses allow you to explore your interests, whether they are in society and culture, or science and engineering. After the course, you'll be able to progress to one of our undergraduate degrees, joining a top 10 UK university (QS World University Rankings, 2023) with access to outstanding teaching and facilities.

These courses are for you if:

• you want to study for a degree but do not have the qualifications needed to apply for other courses,
• you have had an unconventional path in education,
• you are interested in a subject area but are unsure what degree you would like to study.

Develop the skills and confidence to progress to an undergraduate degree, with the opportunity to find out more about subjects in the arts and social sciences, or science, engineering and mathematics.

Career prospects

On satisfactory completion of the Foundation Year in Arts and Social Sciences, you can progress to an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Arts or the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law .

Similarly, students on the Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Maths, can progress to a non-clinical degree within the University’s Faculty of Science , Faculty of Engineering or Faculty of Life Sciences .

We cannot guarantee progression to your first choice of degree as it will depend on your attainment in parts of the course, but where we cannot offer your first choice, we will do our best to offer a suitable alternative.

Both courses lead to a Certificate in Higher Education that can be used to apply for relevant undergraduate degrees or for personal or professional development.

We also offer tailored academic and personal skills development to help you prepare for degree-level study and beyond.

Course structure

You will be introduced to a range of study skills that are essential for studying a variety of subjects at undergraduate level. Both courses offer pathways for you to direct your route of study and contain mandatory and optional units depending on the pathway you choose.

For the Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences, you can choose between Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences or Economics and Finance. Classes are condensed to support students with caring and work commitments. A normal week may include two or two and a half days spent attending the University with up to eight hours of taught seminars, with a minimum of ten hours of independent study. 

For the Foundation in Science, Engineering and Technology, you can choose either a Chemistry or Physics pathway. The number of days per week spent on campus will depend on your pathway and may be spread across the week, with typically ten hours in taught seminars and an expected minimum of ten hours of independent study per week.

A welcoming and diverse community

There is no typical foundation year student. It is the diversity of prior experience, background, interests, and motivations that helps to make our foundation courses so vibrant and supportive.

Whether you left school a long time ago with few or no qualifications, spent time away from a formal career to care for family members, or are considering returning to a new field of education after spending time working in a specific industry, we are looking for people who can demonstrate their potential to succeed and who are motivated to complete the course and continue to further study.

Each application will be judged on its own merits, and we are actively looking for students from a wide range of ages and educational, ethnic, and social backgrounds.

'Going to university later in life made me feel me again'

Cleopatra came back to education through the Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences. Now studying for an Anthropology degree at Bristol, Cleopatra shares her story to encourage others to take up education later in life.

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Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (pre-degree course)

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A free and fully-funded one year course designed to offer a stepping stone to Cambridge for those who have experienced educational disadvantages. 

**All applicants for this course must apply via UCAS by 31 January 2024**

Students interested in the Foundation Year are encouraged to sign up to the  Foundation Year mailing list  for additional information and support.

You can also read about the next steps in Your Applicant Journey .

Foundation Year at Cambridge

If you want to study courses in the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences and circumstances have prevented you from realising your academic potential, this is an opportunity not to miss. ​  This innovative route is designed for a new field of candidates to help them realise their academic potential through a full-time, residential programme fully embedded in the Collegiate University. The course is open to those ordinarily resident in the UK and applicants must meet eligibility criteria.

On the Foundation Year, you can expect a challenging academic curriculum in the arts, humanities and social sciences. This offers the best possible preparation for the rigours of a Cambridge degree course by broadening and deepening your knowledge and understanding as well as introducing you to the ways students learn at Cambridge. Foundation Year students will also benefit from being part of the University, including being part of a College community and having full access to all the University’s societies and facilities to pursue your interests.

Finally, you will get a nationally recognised Certificate of Higher Education and upon finishing the course you will have the option to continue to a number of suitable undergraduate degree courses at Cambridge.

Progression and further study

Completing the Foundation Year will equip students to continue to a wide range of degree courses in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. At Cambridge, completing the course to the required standard will allow you to progress on to one of 18 degree courses. Some courses require completion of relevant curriculum streams. Courses you could progress to are:

• Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic *
• Archaeology *
• Asian and Middle Eastern Studies *
• History and Politics
• History and Modern Languages *
• History of Art *
• Human, Social and Political Sciences
• Land Economy *
• Linguistics *
• Modern and Medieval Languages *
• Philosophy *
• Theology, Religion and the Philosophy of Religion

* indicates a required stream combination for progression, see Course Outline for further information.

You will also be supported during the Foundation Year to apply to other degree courses at other universities.

Whether you stay at Cambridge or continue your studies elsewhere, you will receive a recognised award from the University of Cambridge which will help set you up for successful study and careers in a range of fields.

It is not possible to change course during the Foundation Year.

Course costs

There are no tuition fees charged for the Foundation Year. However, if you continue to study at Cambridge by progressing to a degree course you will need to pay the tuition fee for that course. Find out more about our  tuition fees .

Students admitted to the Foundation Year will also receive a Scholarship to cover rent and other living costs. This will be equivalent to what you would receive as a maintenance loan from student finance and will be ‘topped up’ with an amount in line with the existing levels offered through the  Cambridge Bursary Scheme . In receiving this Scholarship, you will not need to take out student finance for the Foundation Year, but you may need to apply for relevant student finance on continuation to a degree course and will receive guidance on options available to you, including government student finance and any Cambridge-specific bursaries for which you may be eligible.

Additional course costs

• Photocopying and printing: on average, you might spend between £10 and £30 in using printers based in libraries or Colleges during the Foundation Year.
• Textbooks/course books: University and College libraries are well-stocked and it shouldn’t be necessary to purchase more than a handful of books. These should not exceed £200.
• Your College and Department, together with the University Computing Service, offer computing facilities for your academic work. You'll have a University email account, and access to central file storage for your work and for publishing web pages. Some Colleges may charge for internet/wireless connection but fast free WiFi is available throughout the University.

Course outline

On the Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Cambridge you will study a specially designed multi-disciplinary course that focuses on developing your learning skills and preparing you for degree study. You will have the ability to choose papers from across several streams and gain subject knowledge relevant to your future degree course as well as being introduced to new subjects and approaches.

The course begins with an induction week before the start of the main university term. For this week you will live alongside other students on the programme and take part in an academic and social programme that helps you to start building your skills and confidence.

You will be taught through lectures, seminars and supervisions and develop your ability to take philosophical, reflective and critical approaches to different sources, using a range of methods of analysis. Most classes take place in the West Hub but you'll also have the opportunity to experience classes at the University's museums and archives, and take part in field trips linked to your studies. Since the interests of students on the course range across arts, humanities and social sciences, there are opportunities right from the start to make choices that allow you to follow your interests as well as be exposed to new subjects and ways of thinking.

The curriculum is offered across four streams and you will complete eight papers from the options available across these four streams. 

Working with textual sources

This stream aims to help you develop a critical approach to textual sources you will encounter in different disciplines. This is applicable for subjects which rely on the interpretation and use of textual sources. You will gain an increased understanding of the variety of textual sources used in different subjects, the appropriate approaches for different disciplines and the different purposes, origins and biases of textual sources.

Working with material sources

This stream supports you in developing a critical approach to different types of material sources such as artefacts and artworks. This will be applicable for subjects that involve sources such as art, material culture, sound, film, sculpture, sites and landscapes and more. You will develop an appreciation of the possibilities of approaches and interpretations of different kinds of material evidence and the relationships between different material sources.

Working with languages

This stream aims to develop competence and confidence when working within a language other than English and provide an introduction to a range of ancient and modern languages. It has two components. First, it will equip you with an improved understanding of how language works, the challenges of such activities as translation, and understanding of cultural contexts. Secondly, you will be encouraged to acquire proficiency in a language other than English which could support further study of languages.

Experience of formal language-learning, available through this stream, is essential or desirable for some courses.

Working with data

This stream develops your critical approach to different types of data sources. You will learn a wide range of data analysis skills, including qualitative research training which focuses on society and community. As well as appreciating the logical principles behind data, you will learn to evaluate and interpret a range of data types, their potential sources and limitations. This will include basic analytical and statistical techniques and experience of data handling. The stream will include IT-based sessions to support handling and analysis skills development.

You will be assessed in a variety of different ways depending on the choices you make about what you study during the course. This will include written assignments and a final examination. You also have the opportunity to explore a topic of your own choice through an extended project. 

Optional extra-curricular language learning

All Foundation Year students will benefit from optional extra-curricular language learning as knowledge of languages can enhance options in many courses you may wish to progress to.

Typical offers and requirements

120 UCAS Tariff Points (academic points only):

• No specific subjects are required.
• See below for details of suitable qualifications for this programme.
• Use the UCAS Tariff Points Calculator to check that your grades meet the required level.
• To be considered for this course you also need to demonstrate that you meet our eligibility requirements . 

Admission assessment : If shortlisted, you will be required to undertake a written assessment. You do not need to register separately for the Foundation Year admission assessment and there are no charges. Details will be included in communications inviting applicants to interview. Further information and a sample paper is available from www.foundationyear.cam.ac.uk/admissions-assessment .

Suitable qualifications

Before applying, you need to check that you have, or are likely to achieve, the right qualifications and grades. Unlike admission to degree courses at Cambridge, the Cambridge Foundation Year uses UCAS Tariff Points for admissions. UCAS Tariff Points translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value depending on the qualification type or size and the grade you achieve.

Below is a list of common qualifications for applicants to the Foundation Year. If, after consulting this guidance, you are still unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please email [email protected] in advance of the application deadline, with as much information as you can about your qualification type and level.

AS Levels and A Levels A Levels are accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. We also welcome applications in which A Levels are combined with other qualifications listed here.

International Baccalaureate (IB) The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. The UCAS Tariff value is calculated on the components of the IBDP.

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme is accepted for this programme, providing the component qualifications are suitable (see below). The UCAS Tariff value is calculated on the components of the IBCP.

Access to HE Diploma The Access to HE Diploma is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements.

Cambridge Pre-U The Cambridge Pre-U is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements.

BTECs, Applied General and other Level 3 qualifications BTECs and other qualifications such as Cambridge Technicals are generally acceptable for admission to this programme, however, there are some restrictions:

• Qualifications must be Level 3 to be accepted.
• Certificates, Diplomas and Subsidiary Diplomas are accepted but you will need to complete additional qualifications to meet the required level of UCAS Tariff Points. For example, you could complete more than one BTEC or a combination of the BTEC with other qualifications (such as A Levels).
• Extended Diplomas are acceptable. However, we would expect this to be in a subject that is not vocational in focus, to ensure you are equipped for the academic rigour of study at Cambridge. Vocationally oriented subjects include Hospitality, Public Services, Sport, Aviation Operations, Dental Technology, and Floristry etc.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. A combination of Highers and Advanced Highers is also accepted, as well as these qualifications combined with other qualifications.

T-Levels T-Levels may be considered for admission. We would expect this qualification to be in a subject broadly relevant to disciplines related to the Foundation Year to ensure you are equipped for the academic rigour of study at Cambridge. For example, we would consider applicants studying education and childcare, legal services, science, healthcare science, and agriculture, land management and production.

Core Maths Where offered, you may use your Core Maths grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.

Extended Project Qualification Where offered, you may use your EPQ grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.

Welsh Baccalaureate For students taking the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, the A Levels as part of the Advanced Diploma are accepted (see A Levels). Where offered, you may use your Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.

Previous Higher Education study or Foundation Year Programmes The Cambridge Foundation Year is a pathway to Bachelor’s degree study. As such, we cannot accept applicants who have already completed study to FHEQ Level 6 or above (a Bachelor’s degree or higher), except for those with grave extenuating circumstances such as refugees or asylum seekers. If you believe your circumstances mean you should be considered, please contact [email protected] before applying.

We will not normally consider applications from students enrolled at other UK universities unless there are exceptional circumstances or there is a change of subject (in which case a letter of support from the student's current institution is required). We will also not normally consider applicants who have already completed a Foundation Year elsewhere unless there are exceptional circumstances or there is a change of subject. If in doubt, applicants should contact us for further guidance. 

We do however welcome applicants who have undertaken some HE-level study, for example, life-long learning programmes. We would ask applicants to get in touch providing full details of any Level 3 qualifications studied (for example A Levels) and when, along with details of what courses and modules they have studied at HE-level, including how they were graded and assessed. 

Other qualifications and factors

Voluntary Qualifications/Awards Awards linked to community to voluntary work such as the Youth Achievement Award are not considered appropriate preparation for this course and should not be included in your UCAS Tariff Points calculation.

English Language Requirements If your first language isn’t English, your English language skills must be good enough for you to undertake an intensive and challenging course that’s taught and examined in English. Throughout the admissions process, we will be assessing your English language skills as well as your academic ability. See English language requirements for details.

Qualifications from outside of the UK The Cambridge Foundation Year is for applicants ordinarily resident in the UK. However, we appreciate some applicants may be ordinarily resident in the UK but have completed their studies outside of the UK. If this is the case, we advise you to first check if your qualification is listed in the UCAS Tariff Calculator. If it is not listed, you are welcome to contact us at [email protected] . In your email, please provide the qualification’s full title, the country in which you studied, and the grade(s) you achieved to assist us in researching the equivalency to UK FHEQ Level 3 qualifications.

Re-sits, delays, qualification availability and other factors We recognise that even the best students can have 'bad days' when an exam doesn’t quite go to plan. Therefore, we’re not concerned if an applicant has retaken or is planning to retake a few modular units for which the results obtained are clearly out of character. A higher number of retakes would also be acceptable if justified by circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, as explained through their eligibility for the Foundation Year and made clear in the application (reference and Extenuating Circumstances Form). Delays in completing qualifications, and being unable to complete the qualifications you need, are among the eligibility criteria for this programme.

The information on this page is correct for 2022 entry. Revised eligibility guidelines for 2023 entry will be available in April 2022.

Eligibility criteria

The Foundation Year intends to address educational disadvantage and disruption. To be considered for the programme, you should meet  one or more criteria from at least two of the categories detailed below  (unless you are care-experienced* or a refugee or an asylum-seeker**) and will be ordinarily resident in the UK.

These criteria reflect experiences that have been shown to negatively impact educational attainment. The combination of such factors has also been shown to have a cumulative impact. These criteria are a gateway to consideration for this programme and places are awarded on academic suitability.

This is important to ensure the programme is able to support the students it has been designed for. However, it will mean in some circumstances, where we are unable to check publically available datasets, you may be required to provide documentary evidence.

Further enquiries can be directed to [email protected] .

* Care-experienced applicants (those currently in local authority care or who have been in care previously while in education for any length of time) are automatically eligible. ** Applicants from a forced migration background (including those with Refugee status, Humanitarian Protection status, or asylum-seekers) are automatically eligible.

Category 1: Individual Characteristics

You will be eligible under this category if you meet one or more of the following:

Disrupted education

Please note, disruption caused by COVID-19 school/college closures is not applicable.

• You have experienced medical/health issues that have resulted in long or extended periods of absence (over 8 weeks) from school/college whilst in secondary education.
• You have experienced bereavement due to the death of a close family member whilst in secondary education (for example your parent/carer).
• You have been a young carer while in education
• You have become a parent while in education
• You became homeless while in education
• You became estranged from close family members (e.g. parents/carers) whilst in secondary education
• You moved state schools two or more times whilst in secondary education
• You have been delayed in completing qualifications because you were working while studying part-time
• You experienced a gap of more than one year (for example leaving school at 16 but returning to complete Level 3 qualifications after several years in work)
• You have been diagnosed with Special Educational Needs in the past two years. This includes dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism or mental health difficulties.

Category 2: Family Characteristics

• You are currently eligible for Free School Meals
• You have been eligible for Free School Meals at any point in the previous 6 years,
• You have a combined UK household income of £25,000 or less
• You or your parent(s)/carer(s) are eligible for Universal Credit.

Category 3: School/College Characteristics

School/college inspection rating.

• A school or college you attend or have attended has performed poorly in an inspection in the past four years.

Check your inspection report:

- For schools/colleges in England to qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Requires improvement’, ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Special Measures’. - For schools/colleges in Wales to qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Adequate and needs improvement’ or ‘Unsatisfactory and needs urgent improvement’. - For schools/colleges in Scotland to qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Weak’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’. - For schools/colleges in Northern Ireland to qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’.

School/college attainment

• A school or college you attend or have attended has below-average attainment (applies to schools/colleges in England, Wales and Scotland*).

*This data is not published for schools/colleges in Northern Ireland. We are working to find a solution so if you believe you would qualify under this measure, please check this page again at a later date. You can get in touch with us about this measure at [email protected] .

School/college post-18 destinations

• A school or college you attend or have attended has a below-average number of students staying in education (applies to schools/colleges in England*).

*This data is not published for schools/colleges in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We are working to find a solution so if you believe you would qualify under this measure, please check this page again at a later date. You can get in touch with us about this measure at  [email protected] .

Qualification availability

Your school/college does not offer the subject in A Level or equivalent qualification that you require for entry to Cambridge.

• Foundation Year website - Explore the Cambridge Foundation Year in more detail on our website.
• Applying to the Foundation Year - Further information on the application process and deadlines which differ slightly from applying for degree admission.
• Foundation Year FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about the course.
• Cambridge Foundation Year YouTube - Find out more about the course through some of our short application tips videos.
• Foundation Year events - A listing of our upcoming events to support applicants.

Foundation Year Film

For 2024 entry, available at Downing, Fitzwilliam, Girton, Gonville & Caius, Homerton, Lucy Cavendish, Murray Edwards, Newnham, Queens’, Sidney Sussex, St Edmund’s and Wolfson.

See Cambridge Open Days . Browse our events listing for other events.

Cambridge Admissions Office

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• 01223 333308
• [email protected]
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Foundation Year Science

The Science Foundation Year can be your route onto a science degree at Southampton if you haven’t studied the necessary subjects to meet our direct entry requirements. If you can achieve ABB at A-level, or are a mature student with relevant skills and experience, then this course can be your way into the sciences. 

Completion of this Foundation Year leads onto many undergraduate degrees across disciplines including Audiology, the Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and the Ocean and Earth Sciences. 

This course is undergoing revalidation. This is an internal quality assurance process that may result in some changes to course content in the future. 

Introducing your course

The year provides an intensive one year introduction to biology, chemistry and mathematics, which will prepare you for your chosen undergraduate degree at Southampton.

Successful completion of this Foundation Year will guarantee you a place on your chosen Science Degree. 

Programme Overview

The Degree Programmes available with the Science Foundation Year are listed below, along with their UCAS codes. Applications for the Science Foundation Year should be made via UCAS using the code relevant to your chosen course.

Audiology BSc Audiology MSci Audiology

Biological Sciences courses BSc Biochemistry BSc Biomedical Sciences BSc Pharmacology BSc Biology BSc Zoology BSc Neuroscience Master of Neuroscience

Chemistry courses BSc Chemistry MChem Chemistry

Chemical Engineering BEng Chemical Engineering MEng Chemical Engineering

Environmental Science courses BSc Environmental Science MEnvSci Environmental Science

Ocean and Earth Science courses BSc Biology with Marine Biology BSc Geology BSc Oceanography BSc Marine Biology BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography

To apply for the Science Foundation Year you will need to choose the course that you wish to combine it with and then apply through UCAS. The UCAS codes for the courses available with the Science Foundation Year are listed below.

B612 BSc Audiology with Foundation Year

B613 MSci Audiology with Foundation Year

CB71 BSc Biochemistry/Biomedical Sciences/Pharmacology/Neuroscience with Foundation Year

C108 BSc Biology/Zoology with Foundation Year

F108 BSc/MChem Chemistry with Foundation Year

H804 BEng/MEng Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year

H805 BEng Chemical Engineering with Foundation Year and Industrial Placement Year

F903 BSc/MEnvSci Environmental Sciences with Foundation Year

F602 BSc Geology with Foundation Year

F705 BSc Marine Biology with Foundation Year

F701 BSc Oceanography with Foundation Year

Other Foundation Years

Looking for a Foundation Year for a different subject?

• International Foundation Year with Law, Arts, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (International students only)
• Engineering/Physics/Geophysics/Maths Foundation Year
• University of Southampton Malaysia Engineering Foundation Year

Don't meet our language requirements?

Pre-sessional English language course

• Guaranteed progression onto chosen undergraduate degree (providing you achieve minimum progression grades)
• Choice of 16 undergraduate degree disciplines on completion
• A great choice for you if you are looking to change direction

Studying at Southampton

Learn more about your chosen subject and what it's like to study it at Southampton on the relevant school website.

For Audiology courses and information

Biological Sciences

For Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology and Zoology courses.

For Chemistry courses.

Chemical Engineering

For Chemical Engineering courses.

Geography and Environmental Science

For Environmental Science

Ocean and Earth Science

For Oceanography, Marine Biology and Geology courses.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements, entry requirements for september 2023 entry.

All applicants must hold:

• GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at minimum grade 4/C
• GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at minimum grade 6/B

As well as 1 of the following Level 3 qualifications:

Our offer for students who have studied a BTEC is typically DDM with distinctions in the majority of modules.

Other applicants

Mature applicants are especially welcome and will be considered on an individual basis. We will be looking for some recent study (e.g. an AS or A-Level, completed OU modules) and for work experience relevant to your preferred subject area. You will need to show an aptitude for mathematics and science and may be invited to an interview.

International students

If you can show a proven ability in science and maths, but you come from a region or country where an A-Level equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University is not available, you may be considered for the Foundation Year.

English language

If English is not your first language, we ask you to obtain a recognised language qualification. If you can demonstrate that you have achieved IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University, you will be able to join the course without the need for additional English language classes.

If you have not yet reached IELTS 6.5 but plan to be based in Southampton, you could consider taking a separate preparatory language course .

Selection process:

Each application is considered individually. However, whether you are coming directly from full-time education, or from a different background, you need to demonstrate an aptitude for maths and science. This could be through recent qualifications (for example, as a mature student you may have already completed Open University modules), relevant work experience or both.

Your application should provide evidence of:

• A clear and strong motivation to study audiology
• A caring and compassionate approach
• Personal values and attitudes that align with those of a health care professional
• Realistic insight into the role of an audiologist

As part of the selection process candidates will be required to participate in a group task during a visit to the University before they start their Science Foundation Year with Audiology course.

Non-academic conditions: Progression on to the undergraduate Audiology degree programme is subject to satisfactory Health and Criminal Record checks.

All students must pass an Occupational Health check before they can progress to Audiology from the Science Foundation Year and all students must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (criminal record) check at the start of the Audiology course. 

This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country.

Typical course content

Whatever degree course you are aiming for, you will take all the modules listed below. All modules are studied for the whole year and are assessed through both coursework and examination. The coursework module integrates elements from the different disciplinary modules and is assessed by a range of approaches. The examinations held in January carry 40% of the marks and those held in June carry 60% of the marks for each disciplinary module.

Students with an IELTS of 5.5 or 6.0 who already have the Mathematics required for their destination degree programme, will be required to follow the Language Pathway and will take GENG0016 English for Engineers and Scientists.

GSCI0008 Fundamentals of Biology

GSCI0009 Fundamentals of Chemistry

GSCI0011 Laboratories and Coursework

GSCI0010 Mathematics for Scientists

GENG0014 Routes to Success

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide or website).

Fees & funding

Tuition fees.

Course fees are paid annually. There is a standard fee for the Science Foundation Year and then students pay the annual tuition fee for the course that they progress to. All fees can be found on our course fees table.

There may be funding available for the course you progress to after the Science Foundation Year. Funding opportunities can be found on the relevant course pages. There are no additional costs for the Science Foundation Year. Any additional costs for the course you progress to can be found on the relevant course pages.

Costs associated with this course

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk .

Learning & Assessment

Teaching and learning.

Our students acquire knowledge and understanding through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory experiments, coursework and individual and group assignments. You will develop the transferable skills for degree success.

Ground-breaking research

The University has an excellent reputation for research in engineering and science. When you progress on to your degree programme, you will be taught by staff at the cutting edge of their research fields in an environment that promotes and values independent enquiry and helps you to develop these skills for yourselves.

Assessment and examinations

You will be assessed through unseen written exams, short tests, assessed coursework in the form of laboratory log books and reports, problems and other set assignments.

Study Locations

Biological Sciences Building, Highfield Campus

The Life Sciences building is a £50 million state-of-the-art laborator... Find out more

• The University of Warwick

Foundation Year

Our foundation year has been developed to prepare you for degree-level study.

Please note that this course is only available to applicants eligible for  Home Fee Status .

This course will give you the opportunity to build a foundation of business knowledge, improve some key skills we have found to be important to succeed whilst studying for an undergraduate degree, and spend a year getting used to the university environment. 

We realise that there are bright, motivated students who are capable of succeeding on our courses who may not get the chance to because of circumstances beyond their control. It is well-known that students from disadvantaged backgrounds do not gain access to higher education at the same rate as other students – not because they cannot succeed, but because of barriers that make it difficult to prove they can. We believe strongly in facilitating access to these students. 

Our Foundation Year students have done, and continue to do, amazing things. We would miss out on some truly incredible students if we did not have our Foundation Year course, and our entire school is improved when we have a student body that reflects the rich diversity of backgrounds that exist outside of our walls.

If you're a home fee status student who is motivated and eager to learn, but has not met our standard admissions criteria, please review our  entry requirements and widening participation criteria .

You'll need drive and dedication to your studies to progress through the course but will receive a great deal of support from our dedicated team of academic faculty, personal tutors, former foundation year student mentors, and our administrative staff.  

If you successfully complete the Foundation Year you'll automatically progress to either of the following courses and join our direct entry students in Year 1:

• BSc Accounting & Finance  with Foundation Year
• BSc Accounting & Finance  (with Foundation Year) with Placement Year
• BSc Management  with Foundation Year
• BSc Management  (with Foundation Year) with Placement Year.
• Applications Open 5 September 2023
• Application Deadline 31 January 2024
• Start Date 23 September 2024
• Duration 4 years /5 years
• UCAS Codes:
• BSc Accounting & Finance (with Foundation Year): N4N4
• BSc Accounting & Finance (with Foundation Year) with Placement Year: N40J
• BSc Management (with Foundation Year): N20A
• BSc Management (with Foundation Year) with Placement Year: N20J
• Institution Code W20
• Location Warwick Campus
• Format Full-time
• UK Fees £6,750 (Full Scholarship) *

* See fees and funding for fees breakdown.

If you would like to find out more about our Undergraduate courses you can contact our Undergraduate Recruitment Team by calling +44 (0)24 7615 1111 or emailing  [email protected] .

• Gain an extra year finding your feet and learning about university life before progressing onto our degree level courses.
• Benefit from small class sizes with one-to-one support from a personal tutor.
• You'll attend a diverse programme of events and activities throughout the course such as off campus visits to businesses, guest lectures and careers workshops to build your confidence before moving onto degree level study.

*The Graduate Market 2022 Report

I am so grateful for the support and care that my personal tutor showed me; they helped me to not only understand more about university life but understand myself and my personal interests." Victoria Azubuike Account Executive, BBH Group, BSc Management with Foundation Year (2015 – 2019)

The Foundation Year was a great middle step as I was able to learn the skills that I had not acquired from school. My life has been completely changed by coming to Warwick." Jake Howard Senior Manager, Deloitte Real Estate, BSc Management with Foundation Year (2015 – 2019)

With all the support I have received from the Foundation Year, I am fully equipped and ready for the year ahead." Silvia Bonku Ephraim Associate, EY, BSc Accounting & Finance with Foundation Year (2015 – 2020)

Choosing only 3 words to describe the Foundation Year is tough to say the least, but I would have to go with: unique, challenging and enjoyable." Stephen Squires Operations Assistant, Logistics Solution Group, BSc Management with Foundation Year (2016 - 2020)

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The Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology, based at Warwick Business School, will trial AI chatbots as panellists at a two day fintech conference.

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FOUNDATION YEAR

A foundation year is the first step of many students university journey. We can help you secure your place at a top university. 

Applying for a foundation year

What is a foundation year.

Some students want to study for an undergraduate degree, may meet the university entry requirements to enter directly onto a degree course. In this situation applying for a foundation year or shorter access course can be a great way of accessing higher education in countries around the world . There are many options available to you that will allow you to get on the right degree course for you. Start dates vary, with foundation year providers and access courses starting in January, April and September.

We can help you find the foundation year or access course at the best location for you. We will help you to identify different foundation year progression routes or alternative pathways . This is essential to consider, as some courses offer integrated foundation year options requiring a 40% pass rate. Whereas others require a 70% pass rate, to guarantee you a place on one of their full degree programmes.

You can find out more below. Or for a free consultation, contact us now.

University pathways

Gaining entry on foundation year and pathway options requires you to attain a certain proficiency in English language. This is usually through an IELTS test (or an equivalent qualification) of around 4.5 – 5.5 as an overall score. We can advise on the exact academic entry requirements. We can also help you find an intensive IELTS preparation course if you need to improve your skills.

Foundation year options usually require you to submit a personal statement. Your statement must outline your skills and enthusiasm for studying that particular course. We will help you prepare a strong personal statement, and can guide you on other university entry requirements. These include obtaining references and booking to attend open days.

Our foundation degree support is delivered as part of our undergraduate university application support service . If you would like to find out more please contact us to speak to one of our advisers.

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Home > Undergraduate study > How to apply > Find the right course > Foundation courses

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Foundation programmes

Our foundation programmes might be suitable if you want to study at Kingston, but don't have the right qualifications.

Most are designed for people who learn best in a non-traditional way so are a good starting point for your university studies. They're all about creating a skilled workforce.

View our available foundation programmes or find out the difference between the foundation programmes at Kingston:

Preparatory year for science, engineering or computing and mathematics

International foundation year.

• International Year One

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Work-based foundation degrees.

If you want to study a science, engineering or computing and mathematics subject, but don't have the right academic qualifications, you can include a preparatory year of study within your degree.

The integrated foundation year provides an alternative entry route if:

• you have studied an advanced course, such as A-levels, but not in science or computing and mathematics areas;
• you studied relevant subjects at an advanced level, but didn't get high enough grades;
• you're a mature student without the formal entry qualifications needed for university; or
• you want to refresh your knowledge and study skills before starting Year 1.

View our course pages for more information:

• Computing and Mathematics foundation year
• Engineering foundation year
• Science foundation year

The foundation year is taught at Kingston University for engineering degrees. It is taught at Kingston College for science, mathematics and computing degrees.

If you haven't met your English language requirements please see the International Foundation Year.

The International Foundation Year is for international students who do not meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Kingston. It will prepare you for a wide range of courses in subject areas ranging from engineering, computing and mathematics to science. Teaching takes place at the International Study Centre .

International Year One Business and Management

The International Year One Business and Management is an intensive course designed specifically for international students (non EU/UK) who need additional English language and academic preparation for entry into Year 2 of a business-related degree programme at Kingston University.

This one-year course will prepare you for entry to degree-level art and design programmes.

If you would like to progress to a BA(Hons) art and design degree at Kingston, you can have a pre-UCAS interview for a place at the University (subject to the content and standard of your work). View the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course pages for more information.

Foundation degrees are a new type of qualification that let you undertake academic studies while you're employed. Foundation degrees:

• are assessed partly on work-based learning;
• have flexible entry requirements and study times; and
• run for two years full time (or at least three years part time).

Once you've completed the foundation degree, you have the option of taking your studies further to honours level.

Available foundation programmes

Our foundation programmes include:

• Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology) BSc(Hons)
• Biological Sciences (Human Biology) BSc(Hons)
• Biological Sciences (Medical Biology) BSc(Hons)
• Early Years Foundation Degree FdA
• Engineering Foundation with pathways in Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical Engineering
• Foundation Degree Nursing Associate
• Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice
• Foundation Year Humanities and Arts
• Foundation Year in Business
• Foundation Year Social Sciences
• Historic Building Conservation FdSc and BSc(Hons) top-up
• International Foundation Year (delivered by Study Group)
• International Year One Business and Management (delivered by Study Group)
• Nursing Associate FdSc
• Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences Foundation Degree (Pre-Pharmacy)
• Special Educational Needs & Inclusive Practice Foundation Degree FdA

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Kingston University , River House, 53–57 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1LQ . Tel: +44 (0)20 8417 9000

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2023/24 entry

BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics with Foundation Year

Tuition fees.

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Entry requirements

Why study Computer Forensics with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University? State-of-the-art computing facilities with specialist Computer Forensics Software Practical, hands-on experience incorporated into modules wherever possible High quality teaching from staff involved in internationally recognised research. Exciting careers in Computer Forensics Analysis, Computer Security and Network or System Administration. Links with local and national organisations, including Merseyside Police, NCA (National Crime Agency), EY, Experian, IBM, Anexsys, CYFOR and Intaforensics A general and broad-based Computing Foundation Year to prepare students for higher study Opportunity to undertake a year's paid Industrial Placement Start Month: September Campus Location: City Campus

About your course

The bsc (hons) computer forensics with foundation year at liverpool john moores university is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level..

Information technology has transformed the way in which commerce and industry operate, but it has also provided criminals with a new way of committing crime, either against the computer itself or the information it holds. Computer forensics has been developed in response to this relatively new phenomenon, and major organisations are now reliant on computer forensics professionals to protect their sophisticated computing systems.

About the Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but dont have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Computer Forensics honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

About the BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics Degree

Using our state-of-the-art computing facilities, including a dedicated lab with FTK, EnCase, Cellebrite and XRY software, and with teaching and staff support that have been commended by the Quality Assurance Agency, this course provides you with the technical, analytical and evaluative skills to be able to carry out computer crime investigations within organisations, law enforcement and national security.

Our graduates enjoy excellent career prospects thanks to our extensive links with local and national organisations, such as Merseyside Police, NCA (National Crime Agency), EY, Experian, IBM, Anexsys, CYFOR and Intaforensics. Such links help ensure that students enjoy excellent work-related learning and paid placement opportunities throughout their degrees.

Work-related learning

A 12-month paid work placement in your fourth year gives you the ideal opportunity to put into practice all you have learnt in the first two years and gain new skills as well. The placement will give you a taste of what its really like to work in the industry and a head start when you come to negotiate your way around the graduate job market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0mFa2UIXAw

Other study options:

Computer Forensics | Full time | 2023/24

"The Computer Forensics degree has given me the knowledge and experience to succeed in this exciting field of work, with the opportunity to gain certification in the use of proprietary forensic tools. My placement year at LJMU was spent in Merseyside Police's Digital Forensics Unit, and I have now gained full-time employment in digital forensics.." Joseph Williams, Graduate

Professional accreditation/links

The School of Computing and Mathematics has strong links with over 450 local and national organisations mean that all of our computing courses are designed and developed to suit the needs of employers today, as well as creating excellent work placements for students.

Currently we have close ties with Corus, Unilever, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, IBM, Eutechnyx, Jagex, Spiral House, Heinz, Liverpool Direct, Pilkington, MBNA Bank, HM Treasury, Lloyds TSB, Merseyside Police, Thames Water Authority, AstraZeneca, Littlewoods, Vauxhall Motors and GlaxoSmithKline to name just a few.

Fees and funding

There are many ways to fund study for home and international students.

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:

• Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
• Access to programme-appropriate software
• Library and student IT support
• Free on-campus wifi via eduroam

Additional costs

Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:

• accommodation and living expenditure
• books (should you wish to have your own copies)
• printing, photocopying and stationery
• PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
• mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
• field trips (travel and activity costs)
• placements (travel expenses and living costs)
• student visas (international students only)
• study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
• academic conferences (travel costs)
• professional-body membership
• graduation (gown hire etc)

There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you'll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages .

Employability

Most of our graduates go on to careers as computer forensics analysts, computer security consultants, network or system administrators, or data analysts.

You could find yourself working in one of a wide variety of fields including data mining, forensics applications development, the police, intelligence, security or computer forensics initiatives, network security management or education.

"The experience provided by the sandwich year has given me the edge over other students applying for the same roles. The degree has given me the tools to succeed in this rapidly growing and developing industry."

Stephen Wilson, current student

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website . There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps , LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships .

One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events , including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.

LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to  study abroad  as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.

Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?

Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at:  [email protected] .

News and views

Browse through the latest stories and updates from the university and beyond.

Forensic science proves case in murder trial

LJMU celebrates first anniversary of UK Malaysia University Consortium

LJMU produces new global censorship index

LJMU backing new computer games industry forum

What you will study on this degree, please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study..

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Applied Computing 20 credits

The emphasis of this module will be on the underlying computing challenges of large-scale applications of the kind regularly featured in the general media. The intention is to demystify these applications and spark your interest in the underlying computing challenges and solutions. Lectures on contemporary applied computing topics will be complemented with lab sessions encouraging you to research information and develop high-level solutions to related problems.

Algorithms and Computing 10 credits

This module aims to provide an introduction to technical computing and the application of computers in the implementation of simple algorithms.

Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1 20 credits

This module aims to provide you with the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills which are required to use mathematics as an analytical tool in engineering and technology subjects.

Programming 10 credits

This module will introduce you to the software development process in order to be able to use a range of computer programming environment and their applications. You will also be able to develop problem solving skills in computing and wider engineering or technology areas.

Personal, Academic and Skills Development 20 credits

This year long module supports you in developing the academic and practical skills needed to become an effective and independent learner. It includes regular contact with personal tutors, encouraging a smooth transition into the Higher Education environment.

Information Systems Development 20 credits

This module enables you to identify the importance of information and how information can be transformed into developing logical designs in order to develop a working database. This database will manipulate data to produce meaningful information for the end user. You will participate in student-focused learning activities based on a combination of formal lectures and practical, experiential learning in laboratories, with supporting tutorials and seminars designed to reinforce and increase your learning experience.

Creative Computing 20 credits

This module provides you with the concepts, methods, techniques and experience to design, develop and manage digital multimedia productions. Lectures will concentrate on the necessary theory of these topics while hands-on practical sessions and workshops will develop the capabilities to design, create, produce and deliver media rich experiences.

Introduction to Programming 20 credits

In this module you are delivered programming and problem solving skills with no prior assumptions of programming experience. Given the importance of programming to computer science, this module will encourage you to study more specialised software development topics. You will gain an understanding of how software is developed and become familiar with a range of computer programming paradigms.

Networks and Web Development 20 credits

This module provides you with an understanding of modern Internet and web technologies. It will present the technologies underlying computer networking and the applications built on networks. These include interactive Web, development and social media technologies. This module enables you to:

Identify appropriate uses of web client-side technologies Convert user requirements into interactive web pages using modern tools and technologies Identify applications of Network/Internet protocols Describe various features of Computer Networks and the Internet's infrastructure.

Professional Practice 10 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to consider your future role as a computing professional. The tutorials and workshops will be used to develop strategies that you can use, providing opportunities for you to understand the field of Computing in a more effective way. You will develop your understanding of professionalism in computing, of working in the computing industry, and of the ethical frameworks and codes of conduct for the computing industry.

Data Modelling 10 credits

The module develops your ability to model data in various differing scenarios. You are initially required to manipulate and present data in spreadsheet based applications. Then, you are required to solve problems using a data modelling methodology (e.g. entity relationship models/normalisation), ultimately leading towards the construction of database based applications.

Introduction to Computer Forensics and Security 20 credits

This module provides you with the basic concepts, methods, techniques and experience of computer forensics and security. You will apply your knowledge and develop practical skills in the assessments by undertaking a digital forensic investigation and a security analysis of a case study.

Problem Solving for Computer Forensics 20 credits

In this module you will apply your understanding in two assessments. First, you will apply design and problem analysis techniques to a relevant case study scenario involving computer forensics. Second, you will translate such a design into a software solution. This will enhance your software development and problem solving skills, and develop your problem decomposition and analysis skills.

Group Project 20 credits

The module has two main purposes. First, you will be equipped with adequate research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics, to lead into your final year project. Second, this module works to enhance your professionalism, including teamworking, which boosts employability and your awareness of what is expected in an employment scenario.

Operating Systems 20 credits

Operating systems constitute the backbone of every system management task and knowledge of their structure and use is of high importance for any system/network administrator in modern networked environments. In response, this module introduces you to the fundamental aspects of operating systems and further facilitates the basis for system administration.

Digital Forensics 20 credits

This module builds your core computer forensics skills required by you to work in the Computer Forensics industry. These skills will be applied by conducting a simulated Computer Forensics investigation.

Computer Law 20 credits

This module aims to provide you with a general understanding of English legal concepts and an understanding of the law in relation to provision of computer services, products and misuse. You will learn to understand the law relating to commercial transactions and develop an awareness of the law relating to intellectual property and the provision of computer products and services.

Optional modules

Sandwich Year - Computer Forensics 120 credits

The aim is to provide you with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.

Study Year Abroad - Computer Forensics 120 credits

This module provides you with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner. It will complement your programme of study at LJMU. You will demonstrate the acquisition of programme-related learning having followed your approved course of study abroad.

Project 40 credits

This module presents you with the opportunity to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to your programme. The scope of what is an appropriate artefact varies between programmes and you will discuss this with your programme teams. This module will enable you to use rigorous development or scientific methods to produce an artefact, resulting in an oral and written report.

Computer Security 20 credits

This module aims to develop your understanding of Computer Security including security threats and vulnerabilities to information, computing and communications systems. Through critically assessing a variety of generic security technologies for protection of computer networks, you will develop practical skills in the use of security countermeasure technologies and associated tools.

Network Forensics 20 credits

Computer networking is now a ubiquitous feature of modern life with the applications and services that we rely on daily being supported by the Internet. Conversely, as the services become more fundamental, the number and range of attacks levelled against them have increased both in severity and frequency. As such, modern digital forensics investigations are increasingly including some element of network investigation and network operators are increasingly employing forensic techniques to effectively manage their infrastructures. This module aims to develop your critical appreciation of both the theoretical issues of computer networks and their impact on digital forensic investigations, alongside the emergence of new networking technologies and how they will impact on network forensics.

Forensic Investigatory Practice 20 credits

This module provides you with an understanding of Computer Forensics investigations and the presentation of evidence in a court of law. You will develop your understanding of the role of the expert witness in trials involving Computer Forensics and learn to identify a range of appropriate methodologies and tools used during an investigation. The assessment is structured around the phases of a computer forensic investigation, starting with the 'crime', its analysis and finally the presentation of evidence.

Cloud and Mobile Forensics 20 credits

With the rise of smartphones and the explosion of apps running on them that are supported by extensive back-end services, two of the most significant new areas of computing are mobile devices and cloud computing. With this massive rise in usage, new areas of digital forensics are now emerging to cater for the investigation of those user devices and the backend infrastructure respectively. This module enables you to examine how forensic investigations can be conducted in this area and identify the key similarities and differences involved.

Teaching and work-related learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources.

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

You will begin the course with a 3-day induction and then spend approximately 15 hours per week in the classroom.

Independent study is a fundamental element of the course and accounts for about 70% or 35 hours of your weekly study time.

Teaching is mostly via lectures with more informal lab sessions, online activities and small-group tutorials to reinforce ideas discussed in the lectures and to give you a chance to develop ideas with staff and other students.

Work-related Learning

A 12-month paid work placement in your fourth year gives you the ideal opportunity to put into practice all you have learnt in the first two years and gain new skills as well.

The placement will give you a taste of what its really like to work in the industry and a head start when you come to negotiate your way around the graduate job market.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support.

This is a supportive and friendly school in which staff have been officially commended for their high levels of student support and commitment to learning and course development. Should you choose to undertake a years work placement, this support will continue as a supervisor will stay in close contact during your placement.

Your Lecturers

We are proud of our academic staff's high quality teaching standards and approachability. Informal staff-student relationships are excellent.

If you decide to study with the School of Computer Science and Mathematics you will be joining a relaxed and friendly community in which staff are committed not only to their students welfare but also to ensuring that courses are continually developed to meet the needs of employers.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

You will be assessed by a combination of coursework and exams plus an independent final year project which contributes substantially to your final mark. Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.

Career prospects

Professional accreditation / links

The Department of Computer Science has strong links with local and national organisations mean that all of our computing courses are designed and developed to suit the needs of employers today, as well as creating excellent work placements for students.

Currently we have close ties with Merseyside Police, NCA (National Crime Agency), EY, Experian, IBM, Anexsys, CYFOR and Intaforensics to name just a few.

Course tutors

Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning.

Dr Thomas Berry

What you can expect from your school.

This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMUs City Campus. Here you'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications: 88

Qualification requirements

Gcses and equivalents.

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:

• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Minimum number of A Levels required:  1
• Is general studies acceptable?  Yes
• Average A Level offer:  CCD
• Are AS level awards acceptable?  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Maximum AS Level points accepted:  20
• National Certificate (RQF):  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Certificate:  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma (RQF):  Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Diploma subjects / grades required:  DD if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma (RQF):  Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required:  MMM if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications

Access awards

• Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability:  Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Further information:  88 UCAS tariff points

International Baccalaureate

• International Baccalaureate:  Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Additional information:  88 UCAS tariff points

OCR Cambridge Technical

• Technical Certificate:  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Technical Diploma:  Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Technical Extended Diploma:  Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Technical Foundation Diploma:  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Technical Introductory Diploma:  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• Technical Subsidiary Diploma:  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Irish awards

• Irish Leaving Certificate:  Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• Grades / subjects required:  88 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects

Welsh awards

• Welsh Baccalaureate:  Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
• T Level requirements:  88 UCAS tariff points from relevant subjects. Please contact the Faculty for further information.

Additional requirements

No interview required (UCAS application form only)

International requirements

6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or  equivalent English language proficiency test .

Further information

As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

Application and selection

Securing your place at ljmu.

UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply .

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Find out more about studying for a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Security at LJMU. Apply now to take the next steps towards your future.

BSc (Hons) Computer Security with Foundation Year

Find out more about studying for a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Security with Foundation Year at LJMU. Apply now to take the next steps to your future.

BSc (Hons) Computing

Find out more about studying for a BSc (Hons) degree in Computing at LJMU. Apply now to take the next steps towards your future.

BSc (Hons) Computing with Foundation Year

Find out more about studying for a BSc (Hons) degree in Computing with a Foundation Year at LJMU. Apply now to take the next steps towards your future.

U.K. Foundation Year vs. U.S. Community College

The U.K. and U.S. both offer prospective international students alternative routes to a bachelor's degree.

Foundation Year vs. Community College

The choice between a foundation year program in the U.K. or a community college in the U.S. often comes down to financial considerations and the education offerings available. (Getty Images)

Vietnamese national Tien Truong didn't originally plan to attend a community college. He says he earned a score of 1370 on the SAT and applied to several four-year universities in Texas: the University of Houston, Houston Baptist University and the University of St. Thomas, with the latter two offering him scholarships. But instead, he chose to attend Lone Star College , a two-year community college in the same state.

Find Spots at U.K. Universities

Anayat Durrani April 17, 2018

"I decided to attend a community college because of its affordable tuition and the quality of a small class size," says Truong, who is majoring in management information systems.

Affordability and class sizes are among the reasons prospective international students may consider alternative routes to a bachelor's degree, whether in the U.S. or in the United Kingdom. Other factors can include exam scores, grades or high school courses not meeting the requirements to enroll in a bachelor's degree program outside of their home country.

Here are some things for prospective international students to consider when deciding whether to choose a foundation year program in the U.K. or a community college in the U.S.

U.K. Foundation Year

What is a foundation year? Also known as a pathway program, a foundation year in the U.K. is a yearlong period of preparatory study, and upon completion, may provide a pathway into a degree program.

"The purpose is to provide a bridge across the education gap from high school to a British university and provide a smooth transition to a bachelor's degree course," Shayne Langlois, senior international officer at the University of Manchester in England, wrote in an email.

Langlois says the foundation year doesn't end with a degree; rather, most programs end with a guarantee "for progression to a university program, based on meeting established entry requirements/grades." He says a foundation year offers flexible routes and pathways into a network of U.K. universities and that the cost of a foundation year for international students varies from approximately 16,255 pounds to 24,000 pounds (roughly $21,000 to $31,000).

The foundation year can provide students with the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need to succeed in the university environment, experts say.

"It also helps international students to get used to the ways of studying, expectations, delivery, research methods and so on, which may be different to what a student is used to in their home country," Lyndsey Ashton, regional development manager at Manchester Metropolitan University , wrote in an email.

Mika Shirahama attended high school in Japan and says her language and academic skills were not enough to be admitted directly into a bachelor's degree program at the University of Leeds , so she was placed in the school's International Foundation Year.

"I have learned a lot from International Foundation Year due to the education system in the U.K. is very different from my country, such as the exams, discussion style and assessment style. And it was a good opportunity to get used to life in the U.K. so I am not stressed out in the first year," Shirahama says.

Some foundation year programs are tailored toward entry into specific fields.

"Foundation years are usually delivered for a subject specific area, either directly into a programme or for a range of programmes within a subject area," Ashton wrote.

For example, the University of Sheffield International College offers two distinct foundation year routes: one in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities, and one in Science and Engineering.

"Foundation year programmes are offered in a wide variety of subject areas, including medicine. Particularly in the STEM subjects or those requiring a more advanced level of maths or sciences," Langlois wrote.

At the University of Leeds, students who pass the International Foundation Year with the required grades move onto their chosen undergraduate degree program and are not required to reapply or take a new English language test, per the program's website. Similarly, at Manchester Metropolitan University, once students have successfully completed the foundation year, they will progress directly to the first year of the associated degree program, according to the school's website.

A foundation year also provides students more time to decide on a major. After having completed her foundation year, Shirahama is now in the Bachelor of Arts Theatre and Performance program at the University of Leeds. The foundation year was helpful, she says, and taught her good study habits.

U.S. Two-Year Community College

Prospective international students weighing an alternative route to a bachelor's degree also have the option of attending a two-year community college in the U.S.

"U.S. community colleges offer a way for international students to start their studies at the U.S. undergraduate level with affordability, individual attention and flexibility," says Nathan Jensen, associate dean of global engagement at Orange Coast College in California.

There are more than 700 accredited community colleges in the U.S. that enroll international students, says Katharine Caruso, associate vice chancellor, honors and international education at Lone Star College.

She says some of the advantages for international students are that entrance exams like the SAT or ACT aren't required; students can gain the first two years of a bachelor's degree at one-third the price of a four-year university – around $6,000 in tuition and fees for a full academic year at Lone Star College – and that most community colleges have articulation agreements , which allow students to transfer smoothly.

Students can take courses at a community college to fulfill general studies requirements, receive an associate degree and then transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Jensen notes students who attend a community college first are often able to transfer to their preferred schools, allowing them to attend universities that may have been out of reach if they had applied right out of high school.

"I plan to transfer to the University of Texas at Austin Red McCombs School of Business after I get my associate degree at Lone Star College. I believe it is a good option because I can transfer a lot of my credits since I attend a Texas community college," Truong says.

Linda Serra Hagedorn, professor emerita at Iowa State University and a researcher in community college student success and international education, says costs vary, but overall attending a community college is cheaper than attending a four-year university. Hagedorn says tuition and fees for international students at community colleges can range between $8,000 and $10,000 per year plus books, room and board.

If a prospective international student chooses a U.S. community college wisely, Hagedorn says, the costs of attending and living expenses will be less than that of a foundation year in the U.K., though it depends on the school's location. She says while the cost of living in the U.K. is relatively high, it is lower than that of New York City or the San Francisco Bay Area. But she says the Midwest, the Plains or the South, for example, can offer inexpensive, and safe, living conditions.

"The biggest benefit of attending a community college is getting into the U.S. system," Hagedorn says. "Once in the U.S. and in the education pipeline, students can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

However, she says the foundation year offered by U.K. universities is also a good option since most international students and their families may not understand community colleges and the transfer pathway in the U.S. She says in most places around the globe, the university where a student begins is also the university from which the student will graduate, so parents of prospective international students may have difficulty understanding the transfer concept.

"Credit transfer and the idea of their child graduating with the same degree and diploma as students who began as freshmen at the same institution is an American ideal," Hagedorn says. "The idea of a two-year college is often equated with the vocational colleges, which are typically not ranked high in prestige" in most countries.

In the end, she says, the right fit comes down to the individual student.

"It is a personal choice and depends on finances, goals and what the colleges offer," Hagedorn says.

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Foundation courses

A foundation year can develop your skills and make it easier to get started at university. It is an extra year of study at the start of your course that leads in to a full degree programme. 

What is a foundation year?

During a foundation year you’ll learn about your chosen subject, develop your study skills and get used to university life. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree course.

As a foundation year student, you’ll be a full student of the University and part of our community. You’ll have access to all our campus facilities and support.

Who are they for?

Foundation courses are a great option if:

• You don’t have the grades for a full degree course
• You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
• You’re starting university after some time away from education
• You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Foundation year students agreed that the foundation year supported their transition to university* 

Foundation year students said they were ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with their studies at university* 

Foundation year students agreed or strongly agreed that the foundation year helped them develop confidence to progress successfully to Year 1 of their degree* 

*Taken from end-of-year survey of 2021/22 foundation year students 

Foundation year courses

Biosciences.

• Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
• Food Science and Nutrition BSc (Hons)
• Microbiology BSc (Hons)
• Nutrition BSc (Hons)
• Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons)
• Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
• Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons) .

Business, hospitality, tourism management and economics

• Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
• Business Economics BSc (Hons)
• Business Management BSc (Hons)
• Business Management (Entrepreneurship) BSc (Hons)
• Business Management (Human Resource Management) BSc (Hons)
• Business Management (Marketing) BSc (Hons)
• Economics BSc (Hons)
• Economics and Finance BSc (Hons)
• International Business Management BSc (Hons)
• International Event Management BSc (Hons)
• International Hospitality Management BSc (Hons)
• International Hospitality and Tourism Management BSc (Hons)
• International Tourism Management BSc (Hons)
• Chemistry BSc (Hons)
• Chemistry and Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons)
• Medicinal Chemistry BSc (Hons) .

Engineering and physical sciences

• Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Biomedical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Chemical and Petroleum Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Computer and Internet Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems BEng (Hons)
• Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology BEng (Hons)
• Electronic Engineering with Space Systems BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering BEng
• Physics BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Astronomy BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Quantum Technologies BSc (Hons) .

Guildford School of Acting (GSA)

• Foundation Acting Cert HE
• Foundation Musical Theatre Cert HE .

On successful completion of either Cert HE, you are able to apply for GSA BA courses, but there is no automatic progression from a Cert HE to GSA’s BA courses.

Mathematics and computer science

• Computer Science BSc (Hons)
• Financial Mathematics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics with Statistics BSc (Hons) .
• Nursing Studies (Registered Nurse Adult Nursing) BSc (Hons)
• Nursing Studies (Registered Nurse Children and Young People Nursing) BSc (Hons)
• Nursing Studies (Registered Nurse Mental Health Nursing) BSc (Hons) .

Social sciences

• Criminology BSc (Hons)
• Criminology and Sociology BSc (Hons)
• International Relations BSc (Hons)
• Law LLB (Hons)
• Law with Criminology LLB (Hons)
• Law with International Relations LLB (Hons)
• Media and Communication BSc (Hons)
• Politics BSc (Hons)
• Politics and Sociology BSc (Hons)
• Sociology BSc (Hons) 
• Psychology BSc (Hons) .

International students

International Foundation Year programme at the University of Surrey International Study Centre is designed to help you to improve your English language and academic skills for an undergraduate course. Upon successful completion, you can progress to a degree-level course at the University of Surrey.

You can choose one of the following routes:

• Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences International Foundation Year
• Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences International Foundation Year
• Life Sciences International Foundation Year

Find out how to apply for one of these programmes or apply directly by using the online application form on the University of Surrey International Study Centre website.

Application information

Entry requirements.

To apply for a foundation year course you normally need to have at least CCC (or CCD for Nursing courses) at A-level, achieved in the last two years. Please check on the relevant course page for full details of our entry requirements.

We welcome applications from people who don’t have A-levels or who completed their A-levels more than two years ago. We make decisions on applications like these on a case-by-case basis.

A-level subjects

Additional subject A-level requirements for specific foundation years subjects:

• Engineering and physical sciences: including Mathematics C and either Physics or Chemistry, or equivalent.
• Mathematics: including mathematics C. 
• Chemistry: including Chemistry, or equivalent. 
• Biosciences:  including Science or Mathematics, or equivalent.

GCSE subjects

Our foundation year courses require specific GCSE subjects, please check the course pages for details.

How to apply

To apply for a course with a foundation year, simply search on UCAS for your chosen degree course and look for the option of your course ‘with Foundation Year’.

You can also apply through Clearing in August once you have your results. Please note, if the course is already full then it will not be placed in Clearing.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees.

Our courses that include a foundation year cost the same each year as our other undergraduate degree courses. 

Fees for international students on undergraduate courses with an integrated foundation year

The course fee for the foundation year (Level 3) will match the lowest Level 4 overseas fee rate from across the substantive courses for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Level 4 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Level 4 for the same course in that year. Annual fees after Level 4 will increase by four per cent for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.

Find out more about  fees and funding .

Foundation year students who meet set widening participation criteria may be eligible for the Full Surrey Award. Students meeting all eligibility criteria, and who have a household income of less than £20,000 or less and who are resident in POLAR4 quintiles 1, 2 and 3 will receive an award to the value of £2,500, available in all years of study (excluding Professional Training placement year and re-sit years).

The University will identify eligible students, so there is no application form for this scheme.

Please contact:

• Biosciences:  Dr Sam Hopkins ( [email protected] )  
• Business, hospitality, tourism management and economics: Erivan White ( [email protected] ) 
• Chemistry:  Dr Nathaniel Bingham ( [email protected] )  
• Engineering and physical sciences: Dr Alison Taylor ( [email protected] )
• Mathematics: Dr Alison Taylor ( [email protected] )
• Nursing:  Claire Tarrant ( [email protected] )   
• Social sciences: Mark Shanahan ( [email protected] )  
• Psychology:  Dr Sarah Hack ( [email protected] )

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• Foundation Courses

Foundation Courses in the UK

What is a foundation course.

If you are an international student finishing your high school exams, have completed less than 13 years of education and would like to take your first degree in the UK, you will need to study a foundation course at a UK university or college . A foundation is a one-year preparation course for international students who need additional English language and academic preparation for entry onto a UK university  undergraduate course.

Foundation programmes are for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university.

Foundation Course Types

Foundation courses can prepare you for various subjects such as business, finance, management, computing, law, art and design, engineering , social science, medicine, science and pharmacy, media, and humanities.

Certain foundation providers have partnerships with universities and can guarantee progression to that institution if the student achieves high enough grades. Many programmes will see the student based on campus benefitting from full university status with complete access to libraries, equipment, and sporting facilities.

Foundation Course Requirements

A minimum  IELTS score of 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study a foundation, with no single element less than 4.0. If you have no formal English qualifications, you may need to attend an English language course or college before starting your foundation course. Documents and entry requirements needed are:

• Minimum IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent
• Higher Secondary School Certificate
• Higher Secondary transcripts
• Reference letter from your high school teacher
• Personal statement
• Scanned copy of passport and visa

The acceptance rate for foundation courses or international year-one programmes in the UK is almost 100%.

Where can I study a Foundation course?

Uk foundation course faq, how does a foundation course work in the uk.

A foundation course prepares students for UK university entry who are not quite ready to begin a full undergraduate degree. Foundation courses are designed specifically for international students to help them attain the qualifications and skills they need to succeed at a UK university.

What is a Foundation Degree?

A foundation degree is a qualification equivalent to two years of a three-year degree, allowing students to concentrate on developing technical and vocational skills for a job or profession but also leaving the door open to complete a full undergraduate degree.

How is a Foundation Degree connected to an undergraduate degree?

A foundation degree is the academic equivalent of two-thirds of a bachelor's degree in the UK. It is often listed as FdA or FdSc. A foundation year gives students the academic experience and English language skills to successfully progress to an undergraduate course.

What qualifications do I need to take a Foundation Degree?

Unlike full degree programmes, most foundation courses don’t have difficult entry requirements. Students generally need to have completed 12 years of basic education in the country of their origin or elsewhere. However, you should explore the institutes' websites for more information on their entry requirements. Some universities also prefer commercial or industry experience, depending on the course type.

Can I study a foundation course without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible to study in the UK without IELTS or any other English-language proficiency test. Foundation courses are specifically designed to improve your English language ability.

Study a Foundation Course in the UK

If you wish to learn more about studying a foundation course for entry to a UK university,  arrange your free consultation with SI-UK London today.

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 My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.   Brishti Basu Biosciences at Coventry University

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Attend an open day

Discover more about Biosciences at Manchester

Biosciences with a Foundation Year / Overview

Year of entry: 2023

• View full page

Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually. Please contact us for advice before submitting an application.

Full entry requirements

Course overview

• Prepare to study for a bioscience undergraduate degree if you do not have the right qualifications for direct entry to the full degree course.
• Take your foundation year at Xaverian College, which is located close to the University, alongside sessions on our campus.
• Become a full student member of the University with a guaranteed place in a hall of residence.

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .

We also operate campus tours where a student ambassador will tell you all about life at the University. You may also meet with admissions staff, subject to staff availability. These tours run on most days and are open to anybody thinking of applying for any of our bioscience courses.

To book, please contact the Admissions Office at  [email protected]

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2023 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £30,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

For 2023 entry, overseas and EU students get a bursary of £20,750 towards the tuition fee for the Foundation Year. As a result, they will pay only £9,250 for the Foundation Year, the same tuition fee as UK students.

The bursary is for the Foundation Year only and is only available to overseas and EU students classified as international students for tuition fees purposes.

All overseas and EU students will be required to pay the standard international student tuition fee from September 2024, once they progress onto their undergraduate degree programme.

Contact details

Courses in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

• Biosciences

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

Physics and Astronomy (with a foundation year) BSc (Hons)

Key information.

“ On my foundation year, I gained the confidence and skills to study the subject I’m passionate about at a top uni .” Mary Sturch  Physics and Astronomy (with a foundation year) BSc

Interested in physics, theoretical physics or astrophysics but don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree? A Foundation Year can help you get on to the course you want.

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, you’ll be taught by the experts who are driving our research programmes . You’ll have full access to our facilities and equipment.

You’ll be a part of our close community, including:

• plenty of opportunities for one-to-one support
• shared spaces for peer study support
• socialising with other students across all years in the Physics Society.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our students know as soon as possible.

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Entry requirements

Is a foundation year for you.

We welcome students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, including:

• those who aren’t sure which subject, or branch of a subject, they’d like to specialise in
• those who don’t have the right combination of subjects for direct entry into Year 1
• those who don’t meet the expected requirements for direct entry into Year 1
• those who are returning to education after some time away.

You will need to demonstrate your potential to do well on a demanding degree, including the potential to succeed in your chosen discipline.

The following sets out some of the most common academic qualifications. However, each application is reviewed on its individual strengths and merits.

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Other UK qualifications

Access to he diploma, international baccalaureate, pearson btec level 3 national extended certificate and two a-levels, pearson btec level 3 national extended diploma (formerly btec level 3 extended diploma), scottish highers, welsh baccalaureate advanced, european baccalaureate, other international qualifications, czech republic, netherlands, south africa, switzerland, my country is not listed.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

Duolingo English test

Standard - 120 overall with no component below 100

Check your Duolingo English test qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Duolingo English test 

Pearson (PTE Academic)

59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

TOEFL (iBT)

80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about TOEFL (iBT) .

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A – C in English

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

• Foundation Mathematics A
• Foundation Mechanics
• Physics Foundation Year Laboratory A
• Properties of Matter

Spring teaching

• Electricity and Magnetism
• Foundation Mathematics B
• Optics, Waves and Modern Physics
• Physics Foundation Year Laboratory B

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

We’ll display the modules running in the academic year 2024/25 as soon as possible.

Find out more about studying Physics at Sussex, including astrophysics, theoretical physics and particle physics

I work on the ATLAS experiment at the CERN’s Large Hadron Collider,  seeking answers to fundamental questions such as ‘What is the nature of dark matter? ” Professor Antonella De Santo Professor of Physics

Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2024/25 – please check back in September 2023. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2024/25.

Please note: Foundation Year courses are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loan funds. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Successfully completing your Foundation Year means you’re able to take a range of degrees at Sussex. The current list of courses available is:

• Astrophysics MPhys
• Physics (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Physics (with an industrial placement year) MPhys
• Physics BSc (Hons)
• Physics MPhys
• Physics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Astrophysics MPhys
• Physics with Data Science BSc (Hons)
• Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)
• Theoretical Physics MPhys

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Find out more about the Department of Physics and Astronomy

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• Tips for writing a UCAS personal statement

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