The Foundation programme consists of three pathways which are designed to prepare you for a range of degrees: Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences.
Advice on your choice of pathway can be discussed either at interview or at one of our Open Events.
Humanities pathway – Compulsory modules:
English
History
You will also study two modules from the following options:
Biology
Further Maths
Psychology
Cultural and Media Studies
Course Overview:
Compulsory Modules
English
English Studies combines a variety of units that focus on the processes of reading and writing. Students are encouraged to take a close look at how different meanings are created through a close study of author’s work in units such as “Introduction to Poetry”, “Reading Novels”, and a study of Shakespeare. Further, there is an opportunity to study these and other forms such as journalism, blogging etc. to produce work in the Creative Writing unit.
History
This module focuses on development of the historical skills of investigation, analysis of primary sources, recognition of key debates and contending perspectives and presentation of findings. You will develop a competence in using a range of sources including sites and buildings, museums, census data, social surveys, election manifestos, oral and written testimonies and archive film to ask questions of, and understand, the past. These skills are developed through studying three discrete topics: the development of local towns from the Celto-Roman period to post-industrial society; war and social change in the twentieth century; and the ‘swinging’ sixties. From the beginning of the course, the emphasis is on ‘doing’ history and on presenting your findings through a variety of formats including oral presentations, a research project and essays.
Optional Modules
Biology
You will undertake an overview of the different levels of organisation within biology. From macromolecules, such as DNA, to the cell, tissues, organs and organ systems. We also look at the role of organisms within their environment. The unit is assessed by an essay and a laboratory report into one of the lab-based investigations that we complete over the course of the year.
Further Maths
You will study a number of topics during this module including Introductory Statistics, Algebraic Techniques and Introductory Calculus.
Psychology
Psychology is the study of behaviour and this module will investigate the development of behaviour throughout the life span, from birth right up to older adulthood. Through a variety of real life case studies and your own piece of psychological research, you will examine what happens when things work out positively (attachment and bonds, pro social behaviour), and also what can happen when things don’t work out as expected (mental health issues, anti-social behaviour).
Cultural and Media Studies
Culture and Media Studies offers a close look at a number of important organisations, practices and issues, and explores the ways in which they work, including their impact upon our society. You will study topics including “What is News?”, “Advertising, Shopping and Consumerism”, “Images and Representations” and “Does Violent Media Create a Violent Society”. Media and Cultural Studies is aimed at getting behind the stories in the headlines and asking what these tell us about the world that we live in, and the cultures of which we are a part.
Learning and teaching methods
As well as the compulsory and optional modules studied on your chosen pathway, you will also complete a study skills module culminating in the completion of an extended independently researched essay and presentation.
Our course tutors have extensive experience of working with people returning to study after a break from education. They aim to develop your study skills and self confidence and place a strong emphasis on establishing a friendly and informal atmosphere within the classroom.