The University of Cumbria is introducing a new route to a degree for people needing a little extra support or those returning to higher education in later life.
From September 2015, the University will provide integrated foundation year courses in a range of subject areas including sport, policing, entrepreneurship and education to give people that first step up in their academic career.
Professor Sandra Jowett, Deputy Vice Chancellor said, “This is an excellent way for the University of Cumbria to increase access to higher education. We are committed to developing our students to the highest possible standards and our integrated foundation year degrees provide a supportive start to people who might not have been able to go to university before”.
Integrated foundation year students often achieve greater success than those doing the traditional three year degree with more receiving a 1:1 or 2:1 degree classification.
The four-year courses provide intensive support for students especially in the first year when half their time will be spent focusing on the skills needed for successful degree-level study.
This approach provides a solid grounding for those students who might not have the necessary grades for an honours degree programme or are returning to study later in life.
The university has developed a national reputation for outstanding student support, winning in this category in The Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2014.
Most of the new courses, covered by student loan funding, will be available at the university’s campus in Carlisle and some in Lancaster.
Anyone interested in applying can do so online through UCAS. Courses start in September 2015 though there are opportunities to apply outside these times too. For more information see www.cumbria.ac.uk/foundation
For more information contact www.cumbria.ac.uk/Courses/ApplicationsEnquiries/Enquiries/Home.aspx