| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Education Studies with Foundation X301 program at Durham University is a one-year foundation program designed for underrepresented students who have the potential to succeed in higher education but may lack the traditional qualifications. The program provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment, emphasizing the development of academic skills and knowledge in social science concepts, methods, and theories. Upon successful completion, students progress to the first year of their chosen Education Studies undergraduate degree.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Education Studies with Foundation X301 program is designed for students from under-represented groups in higher education who have the potential to achieve the standard for admission to Durham but may not have the qualifications due to educational disadvantage or disruption. This one-year foundation program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully pursue a full undergraduate degree in Education Studies.
Objectives:
- Develop the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level.
- Foster epistemological maturity, metacognitive skills, and independent learning.
- Provide a supportive and productive environment that encourages self-awareness, reflective practice, and cross-discipline awareness.
Program Description:
This program emphasizes developing students' confidence and academic abilities through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and independent study. The curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation in social science concepts, methods, and theories, culminating in an individual project related to the student's chosen progression route. Upon successful completion, students progress to the first year of their chosen Education Studies undergraduate degree.
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a range of topics within Education Studies, including:
- Social, political, psychological, and philosophical aspects of education
- Concepts, methods, and theories in social science
- Scholarship in Higher Education
- Mathematics
Structure:
The program is divided into modules, with each module requiring 20 hours of taught content and 10 hours of tutorial or small group seminar support. In addition, students are expected to engage in 100 hours of self-directed study per module.
Course Schedule:
The program typically involves up to 16 contact hours per week, with additional opportunities for independent study and voluntary workshops.
Modules:
- Concepts, Methods and Theories in Social Science: This module introduces fundamental concepts and methods in social science research.
- Scholarship in Higher Education (Extended): This module explores the nature and purpose of higher education, including its history, governance, and current challenges.
- Mathematics 1: This module covers essential mathematical concepts and skills relevant to education studies.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, and individual projects. Emphasis is placed on small group interaction and individualized learning.
Other:
- The program is open to UK students (including those with Settled Status) from under-represented groups in Higher Education.
- Specific eligibility criteria apply, including GCSE grade 4 requirements in Maths and English (Language or Literature).
- Applicants are required to provide evidence in support of their applications and participate in mandatory pre-offer assessments.
- The program accepts applications through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Entry Requirements:
- Strong academic potential with a genuine commitment to learning.
- Commitment to widening participation and equality of opportunity in higher education.
- Applicants with personal, social, or financial circumstances that have limited their educational attainment.
Specific Eligibility Criteria:
- Mature Applicants (over 21 years):
- Recommended: GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English (Language or Literature) or demonstrate potential in these subjects.
- Younger Applicants (under 21 years):
- Essential: GCSE grade 4 or higher in Maths and English (Language or Literature).
- Foundation Programme places are highly competitive, with typically 10 applications for each available place.
- Eligible applications are considered in open competition to identify those with the greatest potential to benefit from a Durham University degree course.
- Evidence supporting applications and participation in mandatory pre-offer assessment activities are required, usually between October and March.
EU Students
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Meet the general eligibility criteria for UK students.
- Hold a recognized EU qualification, such as a Baccalaureate or Abitur.
Specific Eligibility Criteria:
- Specific entry requirements may vary depending on the applicant's qualifications and country of origin.
International Students (Outside the EU)
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Meet the general eligibility criteria for UK students.
- Hold a recognized international qualification, such as a High School Diploma or International Baccalaureate.
Specific Eligibility Criteria:
- Specific entry requirements may vary depending on the applicant's qualifications and country of origin.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language Requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each component or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Test Requirements:
- Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency through an accepted test.
- The minimum required scores for IELTS and other tests are outlined in the "English language requirements" section (link not provided in the context).
