Information Advice and Guidance
Our unique New Beginnings course offers access to many degree programmes for mature learners and those without formal qualifications.
Our Introduction to Law Short Course enables mature learners without traditional qualifications to access the University of East London.
Our Get Into Nursing short-course is perfect for those that don’t have the right qualifications, but have relevant work experience in care and an interest in a nursing career.
Foundation students join the Level 3 programme for the first year of study towards a Bachelor's degree. The University of East London is proud to be one of a limited number of institutions that offer the Foundation route into Higher Education. See all foundation pathways below:
- Architecture and Design Foundation Pathways
- Fashion Foundation Pathways
- Media Foundation Pathways
- Performing Arts Foundation Pathways
- Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Finance Course Foundation Pathways
- Hospitality, Events and Tourism Foundation Pathways
- Sport Foundation Pathways
- Psychology Foundation Pathways
- Bioscience and Health Foundation Pathways
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Our qualified and friendly advisers are currently available to give you information, advice and guidance by email and telephone. Send us your enquiry and we will call you at a convenient time to talk through your interests and options. As soon as COVID restrictions are lifted we will be happy to see you in person too at University Square Stratford or the Barking Learning Centre. Send us your enquiry today.
What can you expect from the University of East London IAG service? We are here to listen to your ideas and answer your questions to help you get ahead with your plans for higher education. Whether this is your first step in exploring if university is for you, or checking if you have the right qualifications from the UK or overseas for the course you are interested in, we welcome your enquiry. Get in touch with us today and let us help you.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Aspirational
"Never thought I could go to university and do what I am passionate about! IAG advisers helped me to see the possibilities - I have successfully completed the Get into Nursing course, I have place on the Nursing Associate degree course at UEL, hopefully a rewarding career in nursing to look forward to."
- Parwana, Course: Get into Nursing
Career change
"Dreaming of a career in Law but achieving just WAEC at school in Nigeria this didn't seem possible. Out of education for 20 years and having moved to the UK, I was advised by Mabel, an IAG adviser at UEL, to do the Law short course. I passed this course and then completed a Law degree at UEL gaining an Upper Second-class honours award and I have training contract to become a solicitor. My dream is coming true."
- Aloysius, Course: Introduction to Law, LLB Law
GETTING BACK INTO EDUCATION
If you have been away from education for some time or lack formal or current qualifications (or if you gained your qualifications overseas and are not sure of the UK equivalency), there are routes available to help you achieve your goal.
New Beginnings
A part time short course that, once completed, allows you to progress on to many of our University of East London undergraduate programmes. Designed for mature and non-traditional learners to study at university, and for people who have been out of education for some time.
Introduction to Law Short Course
The aim of this course is to introduce you to the study of law. It will provide you with the academic skills needed to proceed to LLB (Law degrees).
Get into nursing
Get Into Nursing is a free short course that will equip you with the skills that you need to progress onto the Foundation Degree (FdSc) Nursing Associate course at the University of East London. You will spend half a day per week developing your academic skills and two half days on placement in a hospital setting.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma
A qualification that prepares students for study at degree level. Over 1,100 courses are available in a range of subjects. Generally taught at further education colleges, these can be seen on the Access to Higher Education website.
Foundation courses
A four year degree option. Foundation students join the Level 3 programme for the first year of study towards a Bachelor's degree. The University of East London is proud to be one of a limited number of institutions that offer this route into Higher Education. Browse our range of Foundation year courses at the top of this page.
FAQS
Our experienced and qualified IAG advisers are trained to answer your questions and to help you make plans that will work for you. Here are some of the questions you have asked.
I am thinking of a career change. What qualifications do I need to get on a degree course?
This depends on your individual situation and what you want to study. We can help you review what you already have and what you might need to meet the requirements for courses. For example, maybe start with a short course that gives you the foundation to then start your degree. Your previous qualifications may be enough to get you on to a postgraduate course.
I left school with no qualifications. Can I come to university?
In the IAG service we see very many people come back to education after time away either working or raising a family. The good news is that there are options open to you to get you ready to study for a degree course. For example, Pre-entry programmes at the University of East London, Access to HE courses at FE colleges or a preparatory or foundation year of a degree course. Why not speak to an adviser to find out more?
What types of degree courses are there?
Undergraduate degrees, also known as Bachelor or first degrees, can be 3 years (or 4 years with a Foundation year). There are also some 4-year degrees that include a postgraduate award such as an MSc (quite common for subjects like engineering).
After a first degree, it is possible next to do a Master’s degree, normally 1 or 2 years long. Beyond an MA/MSc there is research and perhaps a PhD degree.
I'm not sure if I can afford university. How do the fees and funding work?
Funding depends on your circumstances but normally UK and EU applicants can get a tuition fee loan (paid directly to your university) for one undergraduate degree. In addition, UK applicants can apply for a repayable maintenance loan. Other arrangements apply to international students who pay their own fees and living costs. Some bursaries and scholarships are available - check if you're eligible.
How do I apply?
For full-time undergraduate courses you apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This service sends your application to up to 5 universities on your behalf. Register with UCAS, fill in a form and write a personal statement before submitting your application. See: www.ucas.com/undergraduate
For most postgraduate courses apply directly to the university except for Teacher Training (UCAS) and some professional courses. You can apply for preparatory courses at the University of East London such as Get into Nursing, Introduction to Law or New Beginnings by contacting the IAG service who will help you apply.
I am confused about which course I should study?
Why not talk to an adviser who can help you consider your options? Consider whether you want to study something you know and have enjoyed or opt for something new and unfamiliar. Do you want a work-related degree - Accounting, Engineering, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Social Work etc. - or to use a degree to make a career change?
Check courses on our course finder page and explore careers information on the Prospects website.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact an adviser for your personalised, 1-2-1 information, advice and guidance interview. To give you the best possible service we need some information to tailor our guidance to your unique situation so complete our client form (it only takes two minutes), and we will call you for a discussion at a convenient time for you.
- Free impartial information, advice and guidance
- Choose the best programme for your career aspirations
- Get guidance on writing an effective personal statement
- Speak with friendly and highly experienced advisors
- Free 1-2-1 phone or email consultations
Book a free consultation with our qualified and friendly advisers.
SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR ADVISORS
If you have any questions about your options, whether starting university or what course is best for you, help is at hand. Contact our information advice and guidance team to discuss your options.