Humanities Foundation Year
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

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Location

Newcastle City Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

1 Year

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Location

Newcastle City Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 Year

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Subjects

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Exam type

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UCAS Tariff
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Domestic
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Course info

Are you interested in how the modern world works? Do you want to gain an understanding of the past in order to see how the world can be changed in the future? Are you looking to study for a degree in English or History but need a helping hand to get there?The Humanities Foundation degree is a stepping stone to an undergraduate degree. You will explore a range of topics taken from across the humanities subject areas such as history, literature, language and linguistics, creative writing, and ...Read more

Are you interested in how the modern world works? Do you want to gain an understanding of the past in order to see how the world can be changed in the future? Are you looking to study for a degree in English or History but need a helping hand to get there?

The Humanities Foundation degree is a stepping stone to an undergraduate degree. You will explore a range of topics taken from across the humanities subject areas such as history, literature, language and linguistics, creative writing, and American studies. You will be encouraged to embrace your curiosity and creativity, as well as learning how to study at university level. You will learn how to research, evaluate sources, construct a thorough argument, and present your findings.

You will graduate with the analytical, philosophical and practical skills you need to undertake undergraduate study and with a wider understanding of the role of humanities in the modern world.

On successful completion of the foundation year you will qualify to join any of the following degrees:

BA (Hons) American Studies

BA (Hons) English Language Studies

BA (Hons) English Language and Literature

BA (Hons) English Literature

BA (Hons) English Literature and Creative Writing

BA (Hons) English Literature and History

BA (Hons) History

BA (Hons) History and Politics

BA (Hons) English Literature and American Studies

BA (Hons) History and American Studies

What can I move on to after my foundation course?

On completion of the Foundation degree you will have developed a wider understanding of the humanities and developed the knowledge and skills necessary for you to progress onto your chosen undergraduate degree, including History, Literature, Language and Linguistics, Creative Writing, and American Studies, depending on your interests and desired career path.

Mode of Study

1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
8/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
34th
English Studies (Non-Specific)
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 71 = 29% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
29%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
89%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
English Studies (Non-Specific) graduate salary at this uni
£17,000
UK English Studies (Non-Specific) graduate salary
£17,000
History
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 71 = 29% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
29%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
89%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
History graduate salary at this uni
£17,000
UK History graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
E
Elsy
18 Dec 24

Northumbria University Newcastle has good facilities such as the school library which open 24/7 and also the support resources and team is..Read more

A
Alex
17 Dec 24

Personally I am really enjoying my time at Northumbria and I have no..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

UCAS Tariff

UCAS Tariff:

80 Grades / Points required

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculatorNorthumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfoSubject Requirements:There are no specific subject requirements for this course.GCSE Requirements:Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.Additional Requirements:There are no additional requirements for this course.International Qualifications:We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountryEnglish Language Requirements:International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Popular A-level subjects

English Studies (Non-Specific)

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

English Literature
62%
History
43%
English Language
42%
Psychology
21%
Religious Studies & Theology
15%
HESA
History

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Psychology
51%
History
41%
English Literature
23%
English Language
21%
Sociology
17%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£5,760 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,350 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,350 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Humanities / General Studies / Combined Studies reviews

Humanities / General Studies / Combined Studies
Humanities / General Studies / Combined Studies
E
Elsy
18 Dec 24
Humanities Foundation Year
Northumbria University Newcastle has good facilities such as the school library which open 24/7 and also the support resources and team is...
Read more
A
Alex
17 Dec 24
Humanities Foundation Year
Personally I am really enjoying my time at Northumbria and I have no...
Read more
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How Humanities / General Studies / Combined Studies students rated:

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( 4.7) 7 reviews
5 star
72%
4 stars
28%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
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1 star
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How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 1,697 reviews
5 star
49%
4 stars
44%
3 stars
7%
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Uni info

Northumbria University, Newcastle
Northumbria University, Newcastle , Newcastle upon Tyne

Northumbria University offers its students a unique opportunity to develop vocational knowledge and skills across a wide range of...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
34th
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road Newcastle-upon-Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Newcastle Central  0.4 miles away
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