Nursing and Allied Health Professions Foundation Year

Foundation year

Students working on a mannequin in a hospital bed.

This course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge required to prepare you for a rewarding career in a number of healthcare professions.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)
CU London (Greenwich, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

C740

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Open days

Download a prospectus

Course overview

You will understand the key contemporary issues relating to the roles of health professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, paramedics and operating department practitioners alongside the skills required to progress within higher education.

You will examine the importance of the professional values, standards and working practices required to support patient-centred care and support. This course is designed to provide you with a level of academic knowledge and develop your self-confidence that will aid your transition to a relevant degree course and then the workplace.

Why you should study this course

You will be taught by staff with a range of expertise across a number of health professions who will use their insight and experience to give you an understanding of the wide range of healthcare roles available.

On successful completion of this course, you will be well prepared to start a degree course in Nursing or Allied Health Professions.
All successful students on this course are guaranteed an interview for degree courses in nursing and allied health profession courses at Coventry University, subject to completing an application before the UCAS January deadline. The grade requirements may vary by course, see individual course pages for further details.
You will be given an opportunity to begin to develop the skills and competencies that relate to the successful study of the Health Professions and their regulatory bodies such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
If you want to make an application to any nursing and allied health professional courses offered at Coventry University, then you will be supported in making your application.

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What you'll study

The curriculum has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, competences and skills required to be successful in today’s workplace as well as provide the academic rigour that is expected from degree-level study.

The course aims to enable you to develop an independent, reflective and self-managed approach to using skills appropriate for study in higher education and working in the health professions i.e. vocational numeracy. You will improve your confidence in learning, study and approaches to finding information relevant to health professions and develop an understanding of, and insight into, a range of careers including public health, the allied health professions, nursing, health and social care, counselling and psychology.

Modules

Fundamentals of Pathophysiology and Disease - 30 credits

This module introduces you to how ill-health and disease develop and the key pathophysiological changes to body functions throughout the levels of organisation from chemical/molecular to cells, organs and organ systems. The module introduces you to the relationship between pathophysiological changes to the structure and function of body systems and the most common causes of morbidity, mortality and sickness absence. You will also be introduced to the inter-relationships between specific health issues and how they impact homeostatic control, and therefore, cause key signs and symptoms.

The module covers the basic pharmacological principles involved in the management/treatment of the most common causes of morbidity, mortality and sickness absence and provides the opportunity to undertake practical activities using non-invasive techniques to investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning.

Compulsory

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology - 30 credits

This module introduces you to the fundamental knowledge of anatomy and physiology and how the body functions throughout the levels of organisation, from cells to body systems. As well as covering the relationship between structure and function of each body system, you will be introduced to the inter-relationships between body systems and how they work together to maintain homeostatic control. You will have the opportunity to undertake practical activities which require you to take measurements, using non-invasive techniques to investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning.

Compulsory

Introduction to Professional Practice and Regulatory Standards - 30 credits

Successful completion of this module will enable you to become familiar with the professional and regulatory standards in relation to your chosen health profession. You will explore the current challenges to these within your chosen profession whilst exploring areas for good practice and service development. Issues around law and ethics, accountability and professionalism and clinical governance will become familiar discussion points.

You will gain confidence in your ability to challenge practice through this knowledge and in relating it to your preferred profession.

Professional resilience within the health professions will be discussed and strategies on how to achieve this and indeed its impact on delivering holistic care will be debated. You will be able to explore your own resilience and develop strategies that will support you with your future studies and career.

The transition into learning in higher education can pose a range of challenges to students before they can become effective independent learners. The aim of this module is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the requirements of academic study through exploring a range of skills that enable you to navigate your future programme of study in higher education with the greatest chance of success. Alongside this, you will gain an understanding of the vital role that literacy and numeracy play in the health professions today.

Compulsory

Approaches to Health and Wellbeing for the Health Professional - 30 credits

This module will examine how health and wellbeing are viewed in society, enabling you to challenge definitions and perspectives of health and ill health. Models of health will be explored alongside health beliefs allowing you to determine professional approaches to health and wellbeing. The impact of social determinants of health will also be examined in order to identify the environmental conditions that promote good health for all.

You will explore the role of public health - locally, nationally and internationally - as an essential aspect of the health professions. Health promotion strategies will be examined and their impact on health behaviours debated giving you essential tools for working with community health.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the course.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

You will be given the opportunity to critique and evaluate given scenarios and insights relating to the health professions and make recommendations to influence decision-making and increase your professional awareness.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessments have been designed to reflect those that you will be able to develop and use within your future role within the health professions e.g. a structured report, a professional debate and poster presentation. In addition, your assessments will prepare you for the interview process (values-based recruitment) required for progression on to further study in the health professions.

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

case study
individual presentation
essay
numeracy test
values-based interview.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Applicants should have A levels or equivalent qualifications and hold a Level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE) in English and Maths. Applicants with significant work experience will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk to discuss your individual circumstances or for information regarding what might amount to ‘relevant work experience’ or ‘equivalent studies’ that would qualify. You could also consider the Access to Nursing course.

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

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Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

Visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

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Fees and Funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees-£7,950	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees -£18,300	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation courses, you will need to complete a 4-year Degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year. If you study a standalone foundation year, you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information refer to the 'Foundation Year Funding' section.

Facilities

You may have the opportunity to use tools such as virtual reality4, simulation, and gain hands-on experience within Nursing and Allied Health Professions. In addition, attend clinical insight days and meet guest speakers from the vast healthcare professions you might want to consider².

You will be encouraged to apply digital literacy through the use of technology during taught sessions and practice assessment activities. This will prepare you for the exciting developments in the current world of Technology Enabled Care Service (TECS).

CU London Dagenham

Our campus is in the Civic Centre building and is easily accessible by road, bus and rail. Facilities include:

classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities
comprehensive library and learning services
study areas, laptops/open-access computers and social spaces, free Wi-Fi
student support and careers advice teams
engineering labs
science labs
onsite free student parking.

CU London Greenwich

Our campus is located in Mitre Passage on the Greenwich Peninsula. The campus is easy to access by road, rail and bus. North Greenwich tube station (Jubilee Line) is just a three-minute walk away. Facilities include:

classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities
comprehensive library and learning services
study areas, laptops/open-access computers and social spaces
access to student support, careers, and student success teams
bike lockers.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

As the course is designed specifically to prepare you for roles in healthcare, you will develop the skills and knowledge valued by employers in this field. In addition to the practical and theoretical understanding of health professional roles, you will explore the importance of attributes such as care and compassion and develop an understanding of the expectations of healthcare professionals. This will be supported by developing teamwork, resilience and effective communication approaches that are essential to healthcare roles.

The foundation year (subject to successful completion, progression requirements and meeting specific entrance criteria, i.e. values based interview) may allow progression to the following range of nursing and health degrees at Coventry University Group:

Certain courses provide registration with professional bodies and enable you to practice as a registered healthcare professional. Please see the course page for more details.

Our graduates from these degree courses work in a range of roles in both the NHS and private sector. They make a positive contribution to the quality of life of their patients, often at very difficult moments.

Where our graduates work

Nursing is a highly rewarding profession with excellent career and development prospects.
There are many options for graduates, such as qualiﬁed nurses in the NHS, acute hospitals, military nursing, in the private and independent healthcare sector, in private hospitals, nursing or care homes.
As your career progresses a number of options may open to you for example as a lecturer or specialist practitioner, advanced nurse practitioner, consultant nurse or manager.

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students applying to start in September 2025 can apply for this course through UCAS. Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CU London Dagenham - CUCLF031
CU London Greenwich - CUCLGF031

International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.