New Beginnings

Start date

Courses start throughout the year

Attendance

Part-time

Learning mode

On campus

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
Counselling
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.

Courses start throughout the year.

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 for 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 are 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

New Beginnings - Intensive students 2017

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. 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 further. More importantly, the course 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."

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Next Steps

Find out how to apply to New Beginnings

2:47

Vanessa Daobry

Vanessa Daobry; the gifted Paralympian talks about how New Beginnings has given her the skills and knowledge required to participate in the degree.

2:11

Levan's story

‘It’s always been my ambition to be a choreographer but there hasn’t always been a roadmap.'

New Beginnings is a unique course that offers access to many degree programmes for mature learners and those without formal qualifications.

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.

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

UK Part-time

UK Tuition fees: £200

Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.

Entry requirements

Applicants can start New Beginnings after successfully passing an eligibility test. Please see our Preparation document for the 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.

Contact us

You can get in touch with us by email or phone as listed below:

Email: pep@uel.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)20 8223 4354

Who can take the New Beginnings course?

New Beginnings is designed for Home mature learners over the age of 19 and applicants without formal qualifications who want to prepare for undergraduate study at UEL. It’s ideal for people returning to education after a break or seeking a clear pathway into degree programmes.

What will I learn in New Beginnings?

You will build academic and university-level study skills, including reading, writing, research, presentation and critical thinking, building your confidence and independence as a learner. The course also helps you develop personal and professional skills such as time management, working in groups and professional communications.

How long does the course take and how is it assessed?

New Beginnings runs over a short part-time period (typically around 10–12 weeks). Assessment usually includes written work, presentations and meeting attendance requirements as part of the learning outcomes.

What degrees can I progress to after completing New Beginnings?

Successful completion gives you access to the majority of undergraduate degrees at UEL. Progression options include, but are not limited to, courses in business, education, psychology, health, sports, counselling, film and music - although you should always check specific degree requirements.

Is there financial support available for New Beginnings?

Yes - a means-tested bursary may be available to help cover the course fee, and additional support is offered to applicants from communities less well represented at higher education, including those with disabilities or care-experienced backgrounds. Please talk to us if you are concerned about the costs of studying.

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