Foundation years

Studying a foundation year allows you to spend an extra year gaining additional skills, knowledge and confidence before progressing into year one of a degree course. Search our foundation courses.

You can also apply for foundation courses through clearing.

• you don't yet have the right qualifications or academic profile to start year 1 of your chosen degree
• you have the right academic profile and qualifications but you don't feel ready for degree-level study yet
• you're returning to study and feel you need some help to get up to speed with the demands of learning before starting an undergraduate degree.

You can apply for financial support from Student Finance England during your foundation year.

Benefits of studying a foundation year

Choosing a course with a foundation year could help you to adapt to life at uni and a different way of learning as you transition to degree-level study. 

You’ll gain a strong foundation of knowledge and experience in the subject, so you're ready to successfully complete a full degree.

Find a foundation course

We offer over 70 undergraduate degrees with foundation level entry in a range of subject areas from computer science to biosciences and chemistry. Search for the right foundation year for you.