| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Foundation Pathways Programme
Course Description
The Foundation Pathways Programme is the foundation year with a difference. If you have been out of education for a while, it gives you the opportunity to build up your knowledge base and skills. Each pathway is relevant to a discipline of study, which students choose based on what degree they want to progress on to.
What You Will Study
- Business Pathway - Academic Skills, Business, Business Communications and Law
- Computing Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C plus GCSE A-C/9-4 English Language or Functional Skills Level 2 English needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Computing, Level 3 Maths and Information Technology
- Criminology and Law Pathway - Academic Skills, Law, Criminology and Advocacy
- Engineering Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C plus GCSE A-C/9-4 English Language or Functional Skills Level 2 English needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Physics, Level 3 Maths and Information Technology
- Humanities and Social Science Pathway - Academic Skills, Level 3 English, History and Sociology
- Psychology Pathway - Academic Skills, Psychology, Sociology and Criminology
- Science Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C plus GCSE A-C/9-4 English Language or Functional Skills Level 2 English needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Biology of Disease and Illness, and Chemistry
- Sports Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C plus GCSE A-C/9-4 English Language or Functional Skills Level 2 English needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Psychology and Information Technology
English and Maths
Students who do not have relevant level 2 English and/or Maths qualifications will be encouraged to complete Functional Skills alongside the programme.
Progression
On successful completion of the Foundation Pathways Programme course and any English and/or Maths, if being studied, you can progress on to a range of degrees at Derby (subject to meeting the individual course requirements). However, the course is not suitable for progression on to any NHS related, Social Work or Primary Education (BEd) degrees.
How You Will Learn
A diverse range of teaching and learning activities are used across each subject. Sessions are interactive and work to include student participation and student-led tasks. You will likely learn differently in each taught session; some sessions utilise group-work, others will focus on independent research and investigation. Scheduled teaching hours are led by your tutor who designs the learning accordingly to the group profile and therefore you will be exposed to a vast range of practises – this also helps demonstrate the techniques/strategies reviewed within the subjects.
Enrichment
Wider enrichment takes place to supplement learning across the academic year. There are opportunities where guest speakers attend to deliver short talks, and also opportunities to meet with degree teaching staff, so you can learn about your undergraduate course. You will also have access to the University of Derby’s library and on-site facilities for Further Education students.
How You Can Be Assessed
You will be assessed through a range of different assessments that include essay writing, presentations, writing and academic posters. Assessments are explained within each unit and support is offered to scaffold your progress throughout the course. These are all designed to apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours from sessions (and wider reading/experiences) into areas of interest within education.
Careers
Once you've successfully completed the Foundation Programme you can choose from many degrees that the University offers.
Entry Requirements
- UCAS points: N/A
- A Level: N/A
- BTEC: N/A
- GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
- Access to HE: N/A
- English language requirements: IELTS: 5.5 (with at least 5.0 in each skills area)
For the Computing, Engineering, Science and Sports pathways you will need to have evidence of achieving GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C plus GCSE English Language A-C/9-4 or Functional Skills Level 2 English as a pre-requisite.
For Business, Humanities and Social Science, Psychology or the Law and Criminology pathways we would prefer applicants to hold GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language and Maths or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. If you do not already hold these qualifications, you will be required to take a literacy and numeracy assessment before we can offer you a place to check your suitability for the course.
Fees and Funding
- UK: Full-time £5,760 *
- International: Full-time £16,900 per year
*This is the fee for the Foundation Year. Subsequent fees are £9,535 per year.
How to Apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
UK students can apply through UCAS or directly to the University.
International students can apply through UCAS or directly to the University.
Additional Information
- Teaching hours: Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm.
- Course updates: The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Foundation Pathways Programme is a one-year foundation year designed for students who have been out of education for a while. It provides an opportunity to build up knowledge and skills relevant to a chosen discipline of study, preparing students for undergraduate study. The program aims to develop study skills, improve language and numeracy skills, and build confidence in writing essays, reports, undertaking research, analyzing numbers, doing presentations, managing time, and working as part of a team.
Outline:
The Foundation Pathways Programme offers various pathways, each tailored to a specific degree progression route:
- Business Pathway: Academic Skills, Business, Business Communications, and Law
- Computing Pathway: (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Computing, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology
- Criminology and Law Pathway: Academic Skills, Law, Criminology, and Advocacy
- Engineering Pathway: (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Physics, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology
- Humanities and Social Science Pathway: Academic Skills, Level 3 English, History, and Sociology
- Psychology Pathway: Academic Skills, Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology
- Science Pathway: (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Biology of Disease and Illness, and Chemistry
- Sports Pathway: (GCSE English or Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Psychology, and Information Technology Students who do not have relevant level 2 English and/or Maths qualifications will be encouraged to complete Functional Skills alongside the program.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a range of methods, including:
- Essay writing
- Presentations
- Writing and academic posters Assessments are designed to apply knowledge, skills, and behaviors from sessions and wider reading/experiences into areas of interest within education.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching and learning activities, including:
- Group work
- Independent research and investigation Scheduled teaching hours are led by tutors who design the learning according to the group profile. Students are exposed to a vast range of practices, demonstrating techniques and strategies reviewed within the subjects.
Careers:
Upon successful completion of the Foundation Pathways Programme, students can progress to a range of degrees offered by the University of Derby, subject to meeting individual course requirements.
- Enrichment opportunities include guest speaker talks and meetings with degree teaching staff.
- Personal academic tutors provide support and guidance on academic progress, university experience, and professional aspirations.
- The program is refreshed and updated regularly to improve student experience and graduate prospects.
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Campus and Facilities:
While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.Fees and Finance:
The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.Entry Requirements:
- For the Computing, Engineering, and Science pathways, you will need evidence of GCSE A-C (9-4) Maths.
- For the Sports pathway, you will need evidence of either GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language or Maths.
- For Business, Humanities and Social Science, Psychology, or the Law and Criminology pathways, applicants are preferred to hold GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language and Maths or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. If you do not already hold these qualifications, you will be required to take a literacy and numeracy assessment before being offered a place.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS: 5.5 (with at least 5.0 in each skills area)
