Program Overview

UK Foundation Years at Lancaster University

Lancaster University offers Foundation Year courses, providing students with the opportunity to prepare for a STEM degree at a Top 10 ranked university. These courses are designed for students who do not have the qualifications to enter straight onto an undergraduate degree.

What is a Foundation Year?

Foundation Years are intellectually stimulating and enriching, centered around enabling students with the subject knowledge and skills needed to ensure they have the essential Level 3 grades required for Undergraduate STEM study. Once students have successfully completed a Foundation Year, they move into the first year of their chosen degree without needing to reapply.

Which Degree Courses are Available with a Foundation Year?

The Foundation Years currently focus on STEM degrees, including:

• Biochemistry (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | C70F
• Biology (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | C10F
• Biomedical Science (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | B99F
• Biomedicine (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | C71F
• Chemical Engineering (with a Foundation Year) | BEng | 4 | H80F
• Chemistry (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | F10F
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering (with a Foundation Year) | BEng | 4 | H60F
• Engineering (with a Foundation Year) | BEng | 4 | H10F
• Mathematics (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | G10F
• Mechanical Engineering (with a Foundation Year) | BEng | 4 | H30F
• Mechatronic Engineering (with a Foundation Year) | BEng | 4 | HH6F
• Natural Sciences (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | GFCF
• Nuclear Engineering (with a Foundation Year) | BEng | 4 | H82F
• Pharmacology (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | B21F
• Physics (with a Foundation Year) | BSc | 4 | F30F

What Will I Study on a Foundation Year?

Students will study three out of five available modules linked to their chosen degree during the year. These STEM-based modules provide the foundations for undergraduate study and will include a combination of compulsory and optional modules, which will reflect the chosen degree pathway.

Modules

• Biology: Explore the science of life in this engaging introduction to biology.
• Chemistry: Get hands-on with the building blocks of the universe.
• Physics: Ever wondered how the world works at its most fundamental level?
• Scientific Maths: Discover how maths works in the real world.
• Additional Maths: Take maths skills to the next level with a deep dive into pure mathematics.

Your Foundation Year

The Foundation Year learning base will be within the state-of-the-art Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM), within the campus of Cardinal Newman College, Preston. Cardinal Newman College is consistently placed amongst the highest performing Sixth Form College's nationally, and their expertise in STEM teaching will guide students through their Foundation Year learning.

Learning Timetable

The Foundation Year will follow the same semester dates as Lancaster University, with taught sessions taking place at CNC on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays will not carry any formal teaching hours but might be utilized for project or practical work on site at Lancaster University or remotely.

Support

All Foundation Year students will have the opportunity to join the Lancaster Success Programme, an award-winning, coaching-led scheme to help students achieve their version of success.

Campus Life

Foundation Year students become full members of the University and are enrolled in one of the eight undergraduate colleges, with guaranteed accommodation on campus. They can join the Lancaster University Students' Union, access all University facilities, and take part in sports and other college activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Place on a Foundation Year?

Foundation Year courses are designed to support UK students who are eligible to pay Home fees to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at Lancaster University.

What are the Entry Requirements for a Foundation Year?

Entry grades typically range between CCC at A-level (or the equivalent), with some linked undergraduate degrees and foundation year module options requiring a 6 or above in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).

What is the Cost of a Foundation Year?

The tuition fees for a Foundation Year are the same as those for the other three years of undergraduate study.

Will My Student Loans Cover a Foundation Year?

Yes, Student Finance England recognizes Foundation Years as an additional year of study, and students can apply for both a tuition fee and a maintenance loan.

How Do I Apply for a Foundation Year at Lancaster?

The process is the same as all undergraduate courses; use the course code for the Foundation Year degree of choice when applying through UCAS.

Can I Defer My Place for a Foundation Year Application?

Yes, Lancaster University accepts deferred applications from students based in the UK for any of their Foundation Year degree courses.

What Do I Need to Pass My Foundation Year?

Students will be required to achieve 50% overall for their Foundation Year with 50% in each of the modules they have studied.