Foundation degrees

A Foundation degree (FD) accredited by the University is designed with the help of employers, so the skills and knowledge you gain are what industry values and what you need to remain competitive.

They are also a great entry point into higher education, as credits obtained on the course can be transferred to another qualification (such as a Bachelor degree).

A Foundation degree is for you if:

• you've already gained experience working in your sector, and now need to develop your skills and knowledge to further your career
• you're maybe looking at a career change, and now require an effective way to learn relevant new skills
• you're looking for a path into higher education that can lead to the career you want

FDs combine the teaching of an undergraduate degree with practical, work-based learning, and show you how theory applies to the realities of business. That means what you study is always relevant to your day-to-day operations.

You can study our foundation degrees part-time or full-time at the University or at one of several FE colleges in the region. Courses usually take between two to three years.

Foundation degree students - whether full- or part-time - can apply to their Local Authority for possible funding. Most help available will depend on income. Contact the Gateway for further information.

Find out more

• Find a Foundation Degree
• Discover how you'll study
• In their own words - find out about the real student experience

How to apply

Full-time applicants, please apply via UCAS.

Part-time applicants should apply direct to the University or relevant Partner College.

More about how to apply