New Beginnings
Course Summary
At UEL we believe people should be given the opportunity to succeed at university. New Beginnings is a unique course that offers access to many degree programmes for mature learners and those without formal qualifications.
The course is designed to accommodate busy schedules and is taught online and at the University's modern campuses. You will receive lots of support to help you succeed, including, support with academic writing, IT and library support as well as access to UEL's excellent facilities.
On successfully passing the New Beginnings course you will be able to progress onto selected degrees at UEL, including, but not limited to*:
- Business Management
- Education Studies
- Early Childhood Studies
- Psychology
- Accounting and Finance
- Public Health
- Sports
- Film; and
- Music
See our course links to confirm if your choice of degree can be accessed through New Beginnings.
*some applicants may be offered a foundation year.
Course fee: £200. A means-tested bursary to cover the course fee may be available to eligible students. Additional support is available to applicants who have a disability or are care-experienced.
Grow degree-level skills
Develop your academic reading, writing and thinking skills in preparation for undergraduate study.
Kick-start your career
Develop your confidence and independence and transform your employability and career options.
Flexible learning
Fit your study in with your work and personal commitments and have access to UEL's extensive learning facilities and resources.
What You'll Learn
New Beginnings builds on the skills you have gained from work and life experiences to prepare you for studying a degree.
You will also develop your personal, work and academic skills, including how to:
- be an effective learner by identifying personal strengths and understanding the expectations of higher education
- read analytically by using established techniques to master complex texts
- think critically and engage in higher level conversations
- research academic topics with access to UEL's award winning library facilities
- write academically, including understanding the conventions of traditional essays and modern reflective writing styles
- use academic conventions to acknowledge sources of information
- work in a group and utilise the full breadth of University support services
- design and deliver academic presentations
Teaching and learning is achieved through lectures, tutorials, workshops, group activities, presentations, guided reading and writing tasks and independent learning. You will be fully supported throughout the course with lots of opportunities to use UEL's facilities and support services.
What Our Students Say
“I found [the New Beginnings course] exuberating and full of excitement. Although I was overwhelmed with wellbeing challenges I felt welcome and supported by everyone at University of East London. The course became a comfort with each day I studied. I developed communication skills, teamwork skills, leadership skills, management skills, analytical skills, research skills, social skills, negotiation skills, presenting skills and punctuation skills.”
“The New Beginnings course successfully gave me access to my undergraduate course. In addition, the course developed my critical thinking skills and improved my reading, writing, and speaking skills as well. This provided me with the confidence to take proactive steps to go on further. More importantly, reflecting back to the New Beginnings course, the course most definitely allowed me to reach my full potential and prepared me to get the most out of my undergraduate course as I graduated with a First Class honours degree.”
Next Steps
Find out how to apply to New Beginnings
Course Duration and Assessment
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up-to-date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
Regular Entry: Start Dates
This course is delivered over 10 weeks, with set subjects covered each week. You will attend a three hour taught session per week with approximately 15-20 hours of additional guided and independent study.
Courses start throughout the year.
Eligibility tests start two months before the course and you must be registered two weeks before the course starts.
Upcoming start dates:
Start date: January 2021 and April 2021
Duration: 10 weeks, 3 hours once a week
Begin your degree: September 2021
How You'll Be Assessed
Regular entry (10 weeks): You will be assessed on two pieces of written work, a presentation and meeting the attendance and punctuality requirements.
Fees and Funding
April 2021
UK Part time
UK Tuition fees: £200
Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.
Contact us
The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you are a student at the University of East London.
We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement.
Email: study@uel.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 8223 4444
Entry requirements
Applicants can start New Beginnings after successfully passing an eligibility test.
Before starting your degree you must achieve level 2 qualifications in English language and maths (GCSE grade 4/C or above, or Functional Skills level 2), this can be done after completing New Beginnings.
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Why University of East London?
We are a careers-first university. Our vision is to advance knowledge and drive innovation for positive change for people and the planet.
Find all the helpful information you need on why you should choose UEL
Fees and funding
We offer specialist fees and funding advice for undergraduates, postgraduates and international students coming to study at UEL.
Visit our Fees and Funding page
Fees and Funding Advice and Guidance
Our Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) is on hand to help you with any questions you may have before and during your time as a student here.
Get advice and guidance from SMART