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Foundation Year Study

What is a foundation year?

A foundation year is an extra year of study at the start of a university course. It is a great way to build your skills, knowledge and confidence to prepare you for a degree course. On successful completion of a foundation year, you can progress to a wide range of our undergraduate courses.

There are many reasons a student may not be ready to embark on a full undergraduate degree right away, a foundation year gives students the time and support to develop and prepare before entering the full degree path of their choice. 

Hear from a previous student - we asked Fashion student Kamile Kartunaviciute to provide an insight into studying a foundation year at Northumbria. Read her story.

 

Why study a foundation year?

  • You may have studied A-levels that don’t match your chosen degree path, for example, if you want to study Film but didn’t study Media, or if you want to study engineering but didn’t study maths, a foundation year will allow you to develop missing skills and progress onto a degree.
  • If you haven’t met the entry requirements to your chosen degree, a foundation year will allow you to develop your academic skills and gain a place on the course.
  • During your foundation year, you will gain and develop skills that will prepare you for your first year, making the transition to university study easier.
  • If you are an international student, they can help you meet the UK qualification levels required to enrol on your desired degree path.
  • A foundation year will give you a year of varied insight into the subject field you are interested in. Allowing you to get first-hand experiences in different areas helping you make the best choice in an undergraduate degree.
  • By completing a foundation year, you will earn a guaranteed place on your degree course of choice at Northumbria.
    (Some courses may require certain grades to be reached or require an interview or audition to progress)

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English Language (Extended Degree) BA (Hons)

Undergraduate | Newcastle

Study an extended degree for an extra year of preparation and skills-building modules. This course opens windows onto a rich variety…

4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad / Sep start

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4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad / Sep start

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