Foundation Years

A foundation year is the perfect stepping stone into university. It provides essential academic skills, subject knowledge, and confidence to help you succeed in your chosen degree.

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What is a foundation year?

A foundation year is an extra year of study before a full undergraduate degree. They are ideal for students who don’t currently have the grades to go straight onto a degree or students who are considering a return to education. 

During a foundation year, you will gain an understanding of your field of study and develop key academic skills and confidence needed to progress onto the full three-year degree programme. If you successfully complete your foundation year, you can progress straight onto the first year of a degree in a related subject.

Key Benefits

Alternative Entry Route

A foundation year helps you gain the skills and knowledge needed for a degree if you don’t meet the entry requirements.

Confidence Building

You will have more time to get used to university level study and assessment methods and expectations.

Improve Academic Skills

Studying a foundation year will help you learn how to balance study, deadlines and independent learning.

Supportive Environment

Foundation years ease the transition into higher education, giving you time to ask questions and settle in, especially if you are returning to education.


How much is a foundation year?

The tuition fee for UK students on foundation years ranges from £5,760 to £9,790, depending on the course. Fees for subsequent years of the degree course will be charged in line with our standard full-time home undergraduate fees. For international students, where applicable, the foundation year fee ranges from £16,800 to £17,200.

Please check the relevant course page for detailed information on the specific fees applicable to your course and to confirm eligibility for the stated fees.

You can check our course pages for the latest fee information

How to find foundation years?

You can browse courses that offer a foundation year on the USW website. Simply search for foundation years using our course search or click the link below to view all foundation year courses.

View all foundation year courses

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