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Integrated Foundation Year

Have you missed out on achieving the entry requirements for university? Are you thinking about returning to studying but feel that a degree is beyond your reach? Find out more about the degrees we offer with an Integrated Foundation Year.

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What's a Foundation Year?

The Integrated Foundation Year is an extra year before starting your three-year undergraduate degree. It's designed to build your study skills, subject knowledge, and academic confidence so you feel ready to succeed.

Who's a Foundation Year for?

If you’ve just missed the entry requirements for a three-year course, been out of education for a while, or want to switch to a new career path, an Integrated Foundation Year could be a great way to build your confidence and skills before starting your degree.

It’s also a good option if you don’t have formal qualifications but do have relevant work experience. Please note, this route isn’t available to international students.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of studying an Integrated Foundation Year include:

  • Developing essential academic skills such as writing, communication, problem-solving, and independent studying
  • Building your confidence in a university environment so you'll feel more prepared going into the first year of your course
  • Getting to know your coursemates in advance of starting your degree
  • Receiving full support from academic staff, including one-to-one tutorials, to ensure you're on track with your studying
  • Attending our Champion's Event at the start of the year. This is an induction led by current students that gives you the chance to ask questions, meet new people, and get involved with some fun activities.

"I’d always wanted to achieve more academically, but I never thought it was possible – I had a lot of misconceptions about university. Thanks to the Foundation Year, I was able to build my academic confidence and overcome my impostor syndrome." Vicky Giusti, BSc (Hons) Criminology with Integrated Foundation Year.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements are provided for guidance only and we may offer you an entrance interview which will help us determine your eligibility for your chosen degree.

Eligible entry qualifications:

  • Normally a minimum of three Level 2 qualifications (NVQ, GCSE, or equivalent), including maths and English language at grade C/4 or above, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number, AND a minimum of 40 UCAS Tariff points from Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A or AS Levels, T Levels, BTEC certificates/diplomas, access courses, or equivalent) OR
  • Demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of post-school work experience.

If you're unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us: student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk.