Foundation Year

Building confidence and skills for university success

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Building confidence and skills for university success

Foundation Year

A foundation year can be a game-changer, setting you on a path to achieve your dreams in higher education. It is so much more than just adding another year to your degree; it's about making sure you are truly ready to excel in levels 4-6 of your chosen degree course. The University of East London (UEL) is dedicated to giving you all the support and tools you need to grow your skills, boost your confidence, and gain the knowledge that will pave the way for your success in your degree and a great career.

Why choose a Foundation Year?

An alternative route and a solid foundation

Your foundation year is a safe space to adjust to university life, build confidence, and develop the skills you need to succeed in your future studies.

Become a university student

Your foundation year helps you settle into university life, build confidence, and feel like a ‘proper student’—preparing you to succeed in your future studies.

Build a community of support

A foundation year helps you make friends, build a supportive community, and stay motivated—creating connections that enhance your experience and help you thrive.

What you’ll study

A foundation year serves as a preparatory year for your chosen undergraduate degree course. During this year, we will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in your future studies. The goal is to ensure you're fully prepared for the rest of your degree programme.

Here's what you can expect to study during your foundation year:

  • Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness: UEL’s signature Mental Wealth programme helps you develop the behaviours and capabilities that underpin success in higher education and beyond into employment.
  • Subject study skills: You will learn advanced techniques in essay structuring, critical analysis, research, citation, and effective editing, enabling you to produce high-quality academic writing that meets university-level standards.
  • Analytical skills:  You will develop your ability to think critically, solve complex problems, analyse data effectively, and make informed decisions equipping you for your further study and providing valuable skills for life. If you need to have GCSE maths to access your degree at level 4 you will be able to study Maths for Engineering and Computing.
  • Media communication skills: You will learn essential communication skills for the modern world that are crucial for success in higher education and professional environments so you will be able to effectively convey ideas, engage in constructive dialogue, and adapt your communication style to various audiences and contexts.
  • Subject exploration (Capstone) project: Through this project you will focus on mastering essential skills and competencies relevant to your chosen field while ensuring that you have the prerequisite knowledge required to enter your chosen degree at level 4.

Overall, the foundation year is designed to provide you with a solid grounding in the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field of study. It's about ensuring you are fully equipped to thrive throughout your university journey.

What you’ll gain

Our foundation year is designed to give you the skills and qualities you need to thrive at university, such as:

  • Study skills: Learning how to study effectively and manage your time.
  • Academic confidence: Building belief in your ability to succeed.
  • Educational resilience: Learning how to overcome challenges and keep going.
  • Opportunities for social growth: By building a strong community and giving you chances to connect with your teachers and fellow students, we will help you create valuable networks that will support you throughout your studies and career.

The flipped classroom experience

UEL uses a "flipped classroom approach" to help you learn better and stay engaged. Here’s how it works:

Before class

You'll spend 50–60 minutes watching videos, reading articles, or doing online tasks to get familiar with the topic.

Active learning

You'll turn in your online tasks in for feedback. Then, you'll attend, tutor-led classes on campus where you'll participate in discussions and activities.

Assessment

You’ll discuss tasks in groups, get feedback from your classmates, and keep a journal to track what you’re learning. The assessment on your foundation year will consist of a weekly build-up of evidence and a final piece at the end that will bring the weekly tasks together.

Supportive teachers and a helpful learning environment help you build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for future academic success.

The foundation year at UEL is all about preparing you for success in your chosen degree. By mastering the basics, building a strong student identity, and finding a supportive community, you'll be well-equipped to do well in your future studies. It’s not just about adding time to your degree; it’s about making sure you’re truly ready to shine throughout your degree.

Find the course that's right for you: