Program Overview

Introduction to the Foundation Year in Law

The Foundation Year in Law is a one-year intensive academic course designed to bridge the gap between school and Oxford's academically challenging undergraduate courses. The program is carefully designed to build and develop study skills, subject knowledge, and academic confidence.

Course Overview

• UCAS code: M10F
• Entrance requirements: BBB
• Course duration: 4 years (BA)

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Foundation Year in Law is January 14, 2026.

Subject Requirements

• Required subjects: Not applicable
• Recommended subjects: Not applicable
• Helpful subjects: A subject involving essay writing

Interviews

Interviews for the Foundation Year in Law will take place in March 2026.

Admissions Statistics

• Places for Astrophoria Foundation Year: Up to 50
• Places for Law Foundation: Up to 8

About the Course

The Foundation Year in Law is designed for students from the UK who are interested in studying Law but may not have the typical grades required for the Oxford course. The program aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for students to develop their academic skills and confidence.

Course Structure

The Foundation Year in Law consists of three terms, with a focus on academic skills, subject knowledge, and personal development.

Term 1

• Courses:
  • Introduction to the English legal system
  • Historical and comparative views on law
  • Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (including General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
• Assessment:
  • Coursework: essay portfolio
  • Examinations: Written exam

Term 2

• Courses:
  • Law and morality
  • Law and the state
  • Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (including General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
• Assessment:
  • Coursework: essay portfolio
  • Examinations: Written exam

Term 3

• Courses:
  • Law in focus
  • Extended essay
  • Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (including General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, Society and Culture)
• Assessment:
  • Coursework: essay portfolio and submission of extended essay
  • Examinations: Written exam

Academic Requirements

• A-levels: BBB
• Advanced Highers: BB/BBC
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 35 (including core points) with 555 at Higher Level
• BTECs: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MMM, BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: MM plus B at A level, BTEC Level 3 National Subsidiary Diploma: M plus BB at A level
• Access to HE Diploma: Completion of Access to HE Diploma with all the level 3 credits taken at Merit, and B grades in any A levels taken

Eligibility Criteria

The Foundation Year in Law is designed for UK state school students who meet specific eligibility criteria, including socio-economic and educational disadvantage.

Category 1: Socio-Economic Indicators

• Home postcode falls into IMD quintiles 1 or 2 (deciles 1, 2, 3, or 4)
• Home postcode falls into ACORN Category 4, 5, or 6
• Eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years

Category 2: School/College Characteristics

• Attended non-selective state-funded UK secondary schools/colleges for all compulsory education

Category 3: Individual Experience

• Verified individual level measure of socio-economic disadvantaged background and/or experienced a disrupted education
• Examples include:
  • Eligible for FSM at any point in the last six years
  • Refugee status or humanitarian protection
  • Child in need and/or had a child protection plan
  • Care responsibilities for a sustained period
  • Pregnant or had parental responsibilities whilst in education
  • Medical or health issue resulting in long absences from school or college
  • Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman, or Boater background
  • Child of a military family
  • Service leaver or veteran
  • Household income less than ｣25,000
  • Experienced bereavement of a close family member during secondary education
  • Estranged student
  • Became homeless whilst in education
  • Experienced time out of secondary school or college education (over one year)
  • Late diagnosis of Special Educational Needs (within the past two years)

Category 4: Care Experience

• Spent any length of time in local authority care and attended UK state schools

Fees and Funding

The Foundation Year in Law is free of charge, with all tuition and accommodation costs covered by the University of Oxford. Students will also receive a bursary for other living costs.

Studying at Oxford

Oxford's teaching year is structured to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for students. The Oxford tutorial is central to teaching at Oxford, with college tutorials led by academic tutors who teach and conduct research.

College Life

Oxford's colleges are at the heart of the university's reputation, providing a safe and supportive environment for students. Each college has a unique character, with facilities including a porters' lodge, dining hall, lending library, student accommodation, tutors' teaching rooms, chapel and/or music rooms, laundry, green spaces, and common room.

College Accommodation

All foundation year and first-year students are offered college accommodation, either on the main site of their college or in a nearby college annexe. This accommodation is guaranteed, and students do not need to worry about finding somewhere to live after accepting a place at Oxford.

College Support

College academic tutors primarily support academic development, but students can also ask for advice on other matters. Lots of other college staff, including welfare officers, help students settle in and are available to offer guidance on practical or health matters. Current students also actively support students in earlier years, sometimes as part of a college "family" or as peer supporters trained by the University's Counselling Service.