Foundation year
Prepare for degree-level study with a foundation year at LJMU.
What is a foundation year?
A foundation year is an extra year of study at the start of your course. It provides you with the subject knowledge and skills needed to progress onto your chosen honours degree.
How does a foundation year work?
You will enrol onto a four-year undergraduate degree programme, or five-year if you choose to undertake a sandwich year. This means your first year will be a Level 3 foundation year.
A foundation year ensures a supportive introduction to university life and the opportunity to practice academic skills such as writing, research and project management. These skills are all applied from Level 4 onwards. You will also get the chance to explore professional skills and employability.
Once you pass your foundation year, you will then progress onto the first year of your chosen honours degree. You will not need to apply again.
Could a foundation year be for you?
A degree with a foundation year may be the right choice for you if:
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you don’t have the required qualifications to enter onto an undergraduate degree programme
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you would like to take a new direction and get up to speed on a new subject area
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you are a mature student returning to education and would like help adjusting to university life
If you would like further help or guidance, please get in touch.
If you are a mature student and you have a query about our degrees with a foundation year, please contact the faculty admissions team.
Get a bit more support and graduate with a good degree
Your qualifications to this point do not have to limit your expectations for the future. Over the past five years, an average of 76% of students who completed a degree with a foundation year at LJMU graduated with a 2:1 or a first. This is in line with those studying a three-year degree (77%).
Is a foundation year the same as a foundation degree?
No, a foundation year is an extra year of study at the start of your course to prepare you for university life.
A foundation degree is a standalone qualification that is two years full time and is equal to two years of a three-year degree programme.