Here you can find out about the University Foundation programme, the year and the semester, and the different pathways.
The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.
Thomas a Kempis
The University Foundation Year course consists of 3 main areas: language development, research and study skills, and your specialist pathway subjects. Your specialist pathway will relate to your future subject of study.
The University Foundation Year is classed as a RQF Level 3 course (the same level as British A-levels or the International Baccalaureate).
You will have 16 lessons of 80 minutes per week. As the course progresses, the focus will change as follows:
- Term 1: General and Academic English language and skills, preparing university applications, introduction to your subject specialism.
- Term 2: IELTS preparation and first Specialist modules.
- Term 3: Continue Specialist modules, complete research skills through independent Critical Thinking project
Students taking the University Foundation Semester take the first two terms of the Year-long course. This means that the second term will be different depending on whether you start in September or January.
You can find out more about individual modules on the main Your Course page.
Course Outlines
September (UFY09 & UFS09)
| Autumn Term | Winter Term | Spring Term |
| Advanced Language Skills | IELTS Preparation | Critical Thinking |
| English for Academic Purposes | Q&Q Research Methods | Media OR Physics OR Advanced Maths OR Marketing |
| Application Workshop | Psychology OR Chemistry OR Art 2 OR International Business & Management OR computer Science | International Relations & Law OR Art 3 OR Bioscience OR Accounting & Finance |
| Maths Fundamentals OR Art 1 OR Language in Society OR Maths for Business | ||
| Academic Cultures | Academic Cultures | Academic Cultures |
January (UFY01, UFS01 & UFX09)
| Winter Term | Spring Term | Summer Term |
| Advanced Language Skills | IELTS Preparation | Critical Thinking |
| English for Academic Purposes | Media OR Physics Maths Advanced OR Marketing | Q&Q Research Methods |
| Application Workshop | International Relations & Law OR Bioscience OR Accounting & Finance | Psychology OR Chemistry OR International Business & Management OR Computer Science |
| Maths Fundamentals/Maths Business | ||
| Academic Cultures | Academic Cultures | Academic Cultures |
April (UFY04 & UFX01)
| Spring Term | Summer Term | Autumn Term |
| Advanced Language Skills | IELTS Preparation | Critical Thinking |
| English for Academic Purposes | Q&Q Research Methods | Marketing |
| Application Workshop | International Business & Management | Accounting & Finance |
| Maths Business | ||
| Academic Cultures | Academic Cultures | Academic Cultures |
Pathways
Art, Design & Architecture
This pathway prepares you to study subjects in the field of Art, Design and Architecture, including Graphic Design, Product Design, Illustration and Animation.
In this pathway, you will take the following Specialist modules: Art 1, Art 2 and Art 3. In these modules, you will develop your skills and specialism as an artist. You will also create your portfolio, which will be an essential part of your application to university for these subjects.
Students for Art and Design subjects also study Media in the Spring Term. Architecture students study Maths Fundamentals in the Autumn Term and Maths in the Spring.
This pathway is only available for students beginning their Foundation programme in September. This is so that you have time to prepare your portfolio for university application in the new calendar year.
Business, Finance & Management Pathway
This pathway prepares you to study Business subjects, including Management, Marketing and Accounting.
In this pathway, you will take the following Specialist modules: Maths Business, International Business & Management, Accounting, and Marketing. In these modules, you will develop a broad understanding of the different aspects of business in the modern world from its global context to the specifics of commercial success.
This pathway is available for students beginning their University Foundation programme in September, January or April.
Science Pathway
The Science Pathway divides into two versions, Technology & Computer Science or Life Sciences.
In both versions, you will take the following Specialist modules: Maths Fundamentals, Physics.
This pathway is available for students beginning their University Foundation programme in September or January.
Technology
This pathway is designed for students applying for subjects such as Engineering, Computer Science and Physics.
In addition to the common Science modules listed above, you will study Computer Science and Advanced Maths. This will enhance your understanding of applied mathematics and the operation of forces and energy in the physical world, giving you the essential background knowledge and skills to study technical subjects at university.
Life & Medical Sciences
This pathway is designed for students applying for subjects such as Zoology, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
In addition to the common Science modules listed above, you will study Biology and Chemistry. This will enhance your understanding of living organisms from the cellular level upwards and to apply your knowledge to real world situations. This will give you the essential background knowledge and skills to study subjects relating to the natural world, healthcare or biological chemistry at university.
Psychology students may also take a version of the Life Sciences Pathway, but replacing Chemistry with Psychology.
Social Sciences & Humanities
This pathway prepares you to study subjects in the Social Sciences and Humanities, including Law, Sociology, Media and Education.
In this pathway, you will take the following Specialist modules: Language in Society, Psychology, Law & International Relations, and Media. In these modules, you will develop a broad understanding of social and individual perspectives on the human experience. You will develop a grounding in the key theoretical frameworks which underpin the social sciences and how to apply them to real-world contexts.
Psychology students may also take the Social Sciences pathway if their interests in the subject are social rather than clinical. However, they are encouraged to take Maths Fundamentals in their first term in order to meet common university entrance requirements for Psychology degrees.
This pathway is available for students beginning their University Foundation programme in September or January.