Degrees with foundation years

What is a foundation year?

A foundation year forms part of a four-year degree and provides the understanding and basis needed to embark on the full degree, for those that have had a break in study, have qualifications other than A levels for consideration or did not get the grades they hoped for in their A levels.

We have been running foundation programmes for over 25 years with an outstanding record for retention and success. 

We invite applications from those that have a break in study, or have qualifications other than A levels for consideration.

Why choose a four-year degree with a foundation year?

Foundation year courses at the University of Plymouth offer students from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets an avenue into a wide variety of degrees that have traditionally been out of reach.

In our experience, the additional foundation year gives students the opportunity to grow academically and personally in a university environment. This allows students more time to reinforce and complement existing understanding and perform to their full potential over the course of the four-year degree.

Full list of courses with a foundation year

Science and engineering courses with a foundation year

Placing an emphasis on developing understanding and logical thought, explore our science and engineering courses with a foundation year

Our foundation-year courses provide an avenue into a wide range of science and engineering degrees for applicants without the qualifications required to enter year one.

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UPIC students/International students/

University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)

If you require a foundation or pathway course before being able to meet the University of Plymouth's entry requirements, you can apply to study these via UPIC.

UPIC offers you a number of prestigious pathways with both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available to international students. We're located on the main University of Plymouth campus and you can join us in January, May or September.

Visit UPIC for more information.

“The best part of the course for me was the confidence it gave me. I wasn't sure getting into university was something I'd be able to do. It's an immense sense of achievement.”

Harry talks about the foundation year and how it prepared him for a degree in robotics, engineering or mathematics.