Program Overview

Course details

The Foundation Programme is designed for students from under-represented groups in higher education, who have the potential to achieve the standard for admission to Durham, but who, because of educational disadvantage or disruption, do not have the level of attainment or access to qualifications required for entry to a Durham University course. The Foundation Programme is delivered by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham’s Centre for Academic Development (DCAD). Each year it provides places for 100 students and supports them to progress to Level 1 study in over 33 academic subjects from every academic department in the university.

The Foundation Programme supports students to develop the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level. The content focuses on developing epistemological maturity, metacognitive skills, and independent learning, becoming increasingly specialised as the course progresses. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress to the first year of their degree C603 BA Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity.

The Foundation Programme provides 120 academic credits divided into modules, with 20 hours of taught content and 10 hours of tutorial or small group seminar support for every 15 credits. We also expect our students to engage in a further 100 hours of self-directed study (including assignments and tests) for every 15 credits they study. This is broadly in-line with the majority of academic departments across Durham University, although individual variation does exist between departments.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

• Concepts, Methods and Theories in Social Science
• Scholarship in Higher Education (Extended)
• Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Arts, Business and Social Sciences
• Mathematics 1

Learning

This programme provides high-quality teaching and learning in a supportive and productive environment which encourages self-awareness, reflective practice, and cross-discipline awareness. The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials/workshops, and practical classes.

Typically, lectures provide key information on a particular area, and this is consolidated through tutorials and/or workshops and practical classes where appropriate, particularly for laboratory skills. The course provides up to 16 contact hours per week, but further consolidation takes place through independent study and/or voluntary workshops provided outside the course’s formal contact hours. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence and classes are generally small, to ensure individual learning needs can be met.

Students who require additional writing and academic support are normally provided with additional contact time and opportunities to take part in small group and individual tutorials.

Assessment

Towards the end of the year, greater emphasis is placed on independent study, not just in preparation for classes and reading around the subjects, but also with students completing an individual project related to their progression route.

Throughout the course, all students also have access to an academic adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance. Students will normally meet weekly with their adviser. However, in addition, academic advisors and teaching staff are normally available to meet with students by appointment.

After the initial year, you should refer to the teaching and learning information for your chosen degree subject.

Entry requirements

GCSE requirement

• Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years): Applicants over 21 are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects.
• Essential Criteria for younger applicants (under 21 years): Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in Maths and English Language.

General Eligibility and Academic Criteria

• All applicants need to meet criteria to be considered: Foundation Programme: Student Eligibility for study.
• Please be aware that Foundation Programme places are in high demand (we usually receive 10 applications for each place we can offer) and all eligible on-time applications are considered in open competition to identify those judged to have the greatest potential to give and receive benefit from a Durham University degree course.
• Applicants are normally required to provide evidence in support of their applications and to participate in mandatory pre-offer assessment activities as part of the application process; these usually take place between October and March.

Application Deadlines

• UCAS Deadline for Equal Consideration: 29th January 2025 (18:00 UK time).

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications
• EU qualifications
• International qualifications

English language requirements

• Country specific information

Fees and funding

• Home students: £9,535 per year
• Island students: £9,535 per year

The fees above are for the Foundation Year only. Fees for subsequent years will be charged as per the degree programme progressed to.

Career opportunities

• We have impressive graduate prospects, and strongly emphasise employability and career development. Many Durham graduates secure positions in top companies across various industries, reflecting our strong reputation among employers. Additionally, Durham’s global alumni network offers valuable connections and opportunities for recent graduates.

Department information

• Our Foundation Programme has been delivering high-quality academic preparation for undergraduate study since 1992.
• Our staff, from the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), are experts in teaching foundation level courses and are engaged in a wide range of scholarship activities, adding to the body of knowledge within their respective discipline areas and in the field of learning and teaching.

Rankings

• 90% of Durham courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025.
• 65th in the world for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Facilities

• Durham University’s departments and services are spread across the historic city. As a Foundation student, you will have access to a wide range of facilities across the University.