Foundation Programme in Combined Studies
The Foundation Programme is specially designed for adult learners wanting to access full or part-time University study who do not have formal academic qualifications or appropriate recent experience of academic study. It provides a thorough preparation for a wide range of possible degree pathways.
About the courseThe Foundation Programme is a part-time Foundation Year to the BA/BSc Combined Studies degrees offered by the Institute The programme is used by many learners as preparation for full-time study at the University of Sheffield or elsewhere. Successful completion of appropriate Foundation Level modules also guarantees direct progression onto Level 1 of any of TILL's own part-time Combined Studies degrees. Year one study
The first year of study provides you with a firm grounding in those study skills, including language and numerical skills, needed for successful progression throughout your university career. You must take the Year 1 Mathematics and Return to Study modules in semester one (20 credits each), and then choose either an Arts and Social Science or General Science module (20 credits) to take alongside the Mathematics module which continues during semester two. The core modules in semester one are equivalent to GCSE study in English and Mathematics (grade C or above). The optional modules in semester two introduce you to those subject areas that are offered in the second year of the programme, giving you an opportunity to try out different subjects that may be of interest to you. You will normally have to attend two three-hour classes per week, plus an occasional Saturday school. Year two study
During the second year you will take two subject-specific modules (20 credits each) which provide a grounding in some of the specific theories, methods and critical skills needed to succeed in particular subject areas at higher levels of university study. You will also take a compulsory Year 2 HE Study Skills module designed to help you identify your best route of progression into full or part- time degree level study, and to develop your individual learning skills. All Year 2 modules are taught in the evenings on the University campus and extend over two semesters. Typically, you will be attending classes on two or three evenings a week. This second year of study is demanding, but we believe it provides a very thorough preparation for whichever Level 1 degree course you progress on to in the future. Entry requirementsGeneral TILL entry requirements ContactDr Willy Kitchen |
Why study on a Foundation Year?Reasons for studying a Foundation Year vary. You may want to build your confidence and update your study skills before starting on full degree level study. You may want to get a taste of more than one subject area before deciding which particular academic route Equally, you may know exactly which degree path is for you, but need formal academic qualifications or subject area knowledge in order to support an application to a specific degree programme. Over the years we have seen learners successfully apply to a wide range of academic and vocational degrees across many disciplines, from education, social policy and social work, to the healthcare professions, engineering, arts, social sciences and humanities. What happens when you successfully complete the programme?Learners who wish to progress onto Level 1 of any part-time Combined Studies degree programme offered by TILL select the particular subject they wish to study at that level. Staff are on hand to offer guidance and you do not have to go through any formal application or selection process. Learners who decide in their second year to try for a place on a full-time degree at the University of Sheffield or elsewhere usually apply via UCAS. We offer you advice and assistance when considering your options for higher level study. We also offer extensive help to learners who choose to complete a UCAS application form. Many of our former students have applied successfully to the University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam University. Some have also gained places at a wide number of other universities right across the country. How to applyYou can apply online using our application form. If you are applying to one of our named awards (Certificate, Degree, Foundation degree) we will usually invite you for an informal interview to discuss your programme of study and module choices. |
