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's not just an extra year; it's about preparing you to truly excel in the rest of your degree. At the University of East London (UEL), we're dedicated to giving you the support and tools you need to build your skills, boost your confidence, and gain the knowledge that will lead to 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. It's designed to help you build confidence and develop the skills you need to succeed in your future studies.

Becoming a university student

Your foundation year is designed to help you settle into university life, build your confidence, and feel like a "proper student" so you're fully prepared to succeed in your future studies.

Build a community of support

The foundation year helps you build a community of support. You'll make friends and create connections that keep you motivated and help you thrive throughout your university journey.

What you’ll study

A foundation year is a preparatory year for your chosen degree, designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in your future studies. Our goal is to make sure you're fully prepared to succeed in your degree programme.

Here's what you can expect to study:

  • Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness: Our signature programme helps you develop the behaviours and capabilities needed for success in higher education and your future career.
  • Subject study skills: You'll master advanced techniques in essay structuring, critical analysis, research, and citation to produce high-quality academic writing.
  • Analytical skills:  You will develop your ability to think critically, solve problems, analyse data, and make informed decisions - valuable skills for both your studies and your life. If you need a GCSE in Maths for your degree, you can take a specialised module.
  • Media communication skills: You’ll learn how to effectively convey ideas, engage in dialogue, and adapt your communication style for various audiences, preparing you for success in the modern professional world.
  • Subject exploration (Capstone) project: This capstone project helps you master essential skills and build the prerequisite knowledge for your chosen field.

Overall, the foundation year provides a solid grounding in the skills and knowledge you need to thrive throughout your university journey.

What you’ll gain

Your foundation year gives you the skills and qualities to succeed in higher education. It's where you'll:

  • Gain study skills to manage your time and work effectively.
  • Build the academic confidence to believe in your potential.
  • Develop the resilience to handle challenges and persist.
  • Create a strong community of support with your peers and teachers, building valuable networks for your academic journey and future 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 about an hour watching videos, reading articles, or completing online tasks to get familiar with the topic.

Active learning

You'll submit your online work for feedback, then attend tutor-led classes on campus. In these sessions, you'll engage in discussions and activities, applying what you learned on your own.

Assessment

Your foundation year is assessed through a weekly buildup of evidence, culminating in a final project that brings all your weekly tasks together. You'll also participate in group discussions, get feedback from your peers, and keep a journal to track your progress. With the support of your teachers and a helpful learning environment, you'll build the confidence and skills you need for future academic success.

The foundation year at UEL is designed to set you up for success in your chosen degree. By mastering the basics, building a strong student identity, and finding a supportive community, you will be well-equipped to excel in your future studies. It's not just about adding a year to your degree; it's about making sure you are truly ready to shine throughout your time at university.

How to apply

Applying for a foundation year at UEL is straightforward. You can apply directly to us or through UCAS. 

  • UCAS code: You’ll need the UCAS code for your chosen undergraduate foundation degree. You can find this on our undergraduate course pages. Look for Course Options and then Degree with Foundation Year.
  • Entry requirements: Check the specific entry requirements for your course on our course webpages. You will be required to meet the entry requirements for the Foundation Year.
  • Personal statement: Use your personal statement to tell us why you want to study your chosen subject and why a foundation year is the right path for you.
  • Need help? Our admissions team is here to support you. If you have any questions about your application or the process, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help you take the first step toward your university journey.

 

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