Foundation Year
A Foundation Year is an extra year at the start of a degree course, with the expectation that the student will continue to the full degree course after completing the year. It helps to build the confidence, academic skills and subject knowledge you need for a successful degree-level study.
You can apply for a foundation year if you have:
- Studied for level 3 qualifications, such as A levels or a BTEC National Diploma and Certificate qualifications, but may not have achieved the grades necessary to enter the university course of your choice.
- Studied for a level 3 qualification but have decided to change subject area.
A foundation year course is made up of four six-week learning blocks (120 credits). It’s an integral part of a four-year degree course.
If you successfully complete a foundation year with us, you will be guaranteed a place on a CU Scarborough degree course. Alternatively, you could progress onto a degree course at CU Coventry, CU London, Coventry University or another institution, subject to meeting their entry requirements.
2021/22 entry
Start a course between September 2021 and July 2022.
2022/23 entry
Start a course between September 2022 and July 2023.
2023/24 entry
Start a course between September 2023 and July 2024.
Multiple intakes
At CU Scarborough, we offer multiple intakes throughout the academic year. This means you are able to start your course when it’s most appropriate for you. Typically, Foundation Year courses are available to start in:
- September
- November
- January
- March
- May
- July
For more specific dates please view the academic calendar.
Funding
As a full-time student resident in the UK, you can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees at CU London from Student Finance England.
Please note: Student Finance England do not fund one year stand-alone courses. If you wish to continue your studies outside of the Coventry University Group, you may be liable to pay for the tuition fees for this course. The Coventry University Group consists of:
- CU Scarborough
- CU London
- CU Coventry
- Coventry University
- Coventry University London Campus
Learning model
CU Scarborough offers a range of exciting courses taught in a unique way, tailored to the needs of our learners. You will receive 18 hours of teaching each week alongside a 2 hour tutorial. You’ll attend morning or afternoon sessions every weekday, Monday - Friday. Classes will be in groups of approximately 15-30 students and taught by academics and leading professionals.
Studying on a full-time basis requires you to study 4 blocks per year. Students only study one module per block over the course of 6 weeks. During the block, students will be required to complete 2 or 3 assignments, meaning there are no end-of-year exams.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for a Foundation Year course, students must be aged 18 and over. We also typically require:
- 40 UCAS Tariff points
- 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English
- At least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification
Please see the How to Apply section on our website for further information.
Full-time
If you’re looking to apply for a Foundation Year on a full-time basis, you’ll need to apply through UCAS and we will then process your application.
Part-time
If you are interested in studying on a part-time basis (see our part-time page to see which Foundation Years are available to study part-time), you will need to complete an online application for.
