This extended four-year course supports progression onto a wide range of degree courses in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures or BA Geography in the Faculty of Environment.

The first year of the course is primarily taught by expert academics from the Lifelong Learning Centre (home to the University’s specialist teaching and support for mature, part-time and foundation year students). As a foundation year student you'll be part of the University from day one with all the experiences and opportunities that this offers.

You can explore your current and developing interests as part of an introduction to study in the arts and humanities. The course has an interdisciplinary focus on developing skills for study, alongside integrated opportunities to begin transition to a degree.

We support your development as an interdisciplinary learner and make connections to your chosen degree subject specialism as part of your journey. All learners undertake a discovery module at Level 1 in a subject relevant to their future degree. You can also tailor your Level 0 module choices to align with your personal subject interests.

You’ll build your critical thinking skills and confidence for future study and be introduced to key academic ideas in the arts and humanities. The course features degree-level topics to immerse you in an undergraduate experience that is enquiring, creative and focused on the world around us. You'll investigate historical, contemporary, social and cultural issues to develop your skills as a researcher and use critical analysis to debate topics relevant to your future study.

This course is for UK students from a widening participation background (who meet our additional entry criteria) and who don’t currently meet the typical entry requirements for direct entry to a degree. This course does not accept students with previous higher education experience, including other foundation years or international students.

The foundation year provides a carefully structured introduction to the arts and humanities. It balances compulsory interdisciplinary learning, alongside the ability to pursue some of your personal academic interests.

In your foundation year, you'll take two compulsory Level 0 interdisciplinary modules, alongside a Level 1 discovery module from the subject you’ll be studying in your future undergraduate degree. You can then select your remaining foundation year modules of study from a choice of Level 0 option modules within the structure of the academic year.

Each compulsory module has a topic, theme, or concept as the basis for your development of academic skills, which are explored in a step-by-step manner across the foundation year and enable you to consider global, cultural, and ethical issues connected to your study.

Foundation year study is interactive and allows you to communicate your ideas and develop your skills as a learner. Modules also include opportunities to visit cultural institutions such as archives, museums and galleries. You’ll also meet professionals in the field and reflect on how you can build your skills as a researcher in the arts and humanities.