Program Overview

---

Foundation Year Science and Engineering degrees with a foundation year (Geography route)

Overview

The foundation year provides a route onto a geography degree if you don't have the qualifications or have not studied advanced level subjects sufficiently related to your course of choice. After successful completion of the foundation year in geography, you can progress on to a geography degree.

Course Information

All foundation year students study the studying for success modules, which will help you to develop the academic and study skills required for degree-level work. International and EU students whose first language is not English and who have an IELTS score of less than 5.5 will study an English language module. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees automatic progression onto Year 1 of the degree you have chosen to study.

Features and Benefits

• Provides a route onto your chosen degree course if you don't currently meet the entry requirements.
• Foundation years are designed to make undergraduate degrees more accessible to those who are under-represented in higher education, for example, those with non-traditional qualifications.
• Course content is tailored so that it is appropriate to your chosen degree.
• Helps you to develop the study skills and academic knowledge you will need to start Year 1 of your degree with confidence.
• You will be eligible to apply for student finance in the same way as other undergraduates.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

The university has received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning it's rated as an outstanding university for its student experience.

Year 1

You will cover a number of topics to prepare you for higher education:

• Approaches to the Humanities
• Chemical Reactions, Biodiversity and Conservation
• Statistical Methods and Analysis
• Studying For Success

Study and Assessment

• Year 1: 25% scheduled; 75% independent
• Year 1: 90% coursework; 10% examination

Placements

Selected degrees offer the option of spending a year on a work placement in a relevant industry as part of the degree.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offer: 72-80 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score: IELTS 5.5 with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of course start date
• UK students: 72-80 UCAS tariff points, with specific requirements for different qualifications (e.g., A levels, BTEC National Extended Diploma)
• International students: IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 24 or minimum 72 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, IELTS 5.5 with no component below 5.5

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalised for all courses.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• The university offers careers support and prospects, including the opportunity to meet employers, prepare for interviews, and access services and support to start and boost careers.

A Career as Unique as You

A degree in geography opens up a wide range of careers, including transport planning, environmental consultancy, teaching, and research. The university's groundbreaking research with industry means it has unrivalled business connections that can help open doors to dream careers.