This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.
This course has restrictions on who can apply - Find out more
Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
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 L300 - BA Sociology.
Modules
Course Structure 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. The modules of study for this course are: • Concepts, Methods and Theories in Social Science • Scholarship in Higher Education (Extended) • Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Arts, Business, Social Sciences • Mathematics 1
Assessment method
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. 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.
How to apply
This course has restrictions on who can apply.
This course is only available to eligible home fees students. Non-home students may be eligible via our International Study Centre: www.durhamisc.com
https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-development/study/foundation/eligibility
This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L301
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
International applicants
This course is not available to International applicants. Any International applicant interested in studying a Foundation programme leading to further study at Durham University should visit www.durhamisc.com for more information.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
The Foundation Programme is designed to support UK students (including those with Settled Status) from under-represented groups in Higher Education, who have been unable to achieve their academic potential, to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at Durham University. There are both specific and general eligibility criteria. Specific Eligibility Criteria 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 Literature) 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 or Literature). General Eligibility 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.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-development/study/foundation/eligibility
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Assessment(s) and/or Interview
Other
Applicants who are completing/recently completed (within 3 years) A levels, BTECs or an Access course are expected to be predicted/ achieved at least CCC, MMM, or Pass respectively.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Year 1 relates to 1st year of study (year 0) for fee purposes
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE