Program Overview
The Foundation Pathways Programme is a year-long foundation for students with an education gap. It offers tailored pathways in various disciplines, developing study skills, language and numeracy, and confidence for undergraduate study. Students are assessed through various methods, and receive support from personal academic tutors. Upon completion, they can progress to undergraduate degrees at the University of Derby.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Foundation Pathways Programme is a one-year foundation year designed for students who have been out of education for a while. It provides an opportunity to build up knowledge and skills relevant to a chosen discipline of study, preparing students for undergraduate study. The program aims to develop study skills, improve language and numeracy skills, and build confidence in writing essays, reports, undertaking research, analyzing numbers, doing presentations, managing time, and working as part of a team.
Outline:
The Foundation Pathways Programme offers various pathways, each tailored to a specific degree progression route:
- Business Pathway: Academic Skills, Business, Business Communications, and Law
- Computing Pathway: (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Computing, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology
- Criminology and Law Pathway: Academic Skills, Law, Criminology, and Advocacy
- Engineering Pathway: (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Physics, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology
- Humanities and Social Science Pathway: Academic Skills, Level 3 English, History, and Sociology
- Psychology Pathway: Academic Skills, Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology
- Science Pathway: (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Biology of Disease and Illness, and Chemistry
- Sports Pathway: (GCSE English or Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Psychology, and Information Technology Students who do not have relevant level 2 English and/or Maths qualifications will be encouraged to complete Functional Skills alongside the program.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a range of methods, including:
- Essay writing
- Presentations
- Writing and academic posters Assessments are designed to apply knowledge, skills, and behaviors from sessions and wider reading/experiences into areas of interest within education.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching and learning activities, including:
- Group work
- Independent research and investigation Scheduled teaching hours are led by tutors who design the learning according to the group profile. Students are exposed to a vast range of practices, demonstrating techniques and strategies reviewed within the subjects.
Careers:
Upon successful completion of the Foundation Pathways Programme, students can progress to a range of degrees offered by the University of Derby, subject to meeting individual course requirements.
- Enrichment opportunities include guest speaker talks and meetings with degree teaching staff.
- Personal academic tutors provide support and guidance on academic progress, university experience, and professional aspirations.
- The program is refreshed and updated regularly to improve student experience and graduate prospects.
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
Campus and Facilities:
While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.Fees and Finance:
The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.Entry Requirements:
- For the Computing, Engineering, and Science pathways, you will need evidence of GCSE A-C (9-4) Maths.
- For the Sports pathway, you will need evidence of either GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language or Maths.
- For Business, Humanities and Social Science, Psychology, or the Law and Criminology pathways, applicants are preferred to hold GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language and Maths or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. If you do not already hold these qualifications, you will be required to take a literacy and numeracy assessment before being offered a place.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS: 5.5 (with at least 5.0 in each skills area)
