CertHE Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences

Program Overview

The Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences is a one-year introductory program that prepares students for undergraduate degrees in the arts or social sciences. It offers two pathways: Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences. Students explore human perspectives, societal influences, and historical events through coursework and research projects. The program is open to students with no prior qualifications and is designed to develop essential study skills for undergraduate-level study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences (CertHE) is a one-year introductory course designed to prepare students for an undergraduate degree in either the arts or social sciences. It is open to students with no prior qualifications, and introduces essential study skills for undergraduate-level study in these subjects. Upon successful completion, students can progress to a degree in an arts or social sciences subject at Bristol, subject to meeting any additional course-specific entry requirements.

Outline:

The foundation year has two pathways, each leading to a different group of degree programs:

• Arts and Humanities pathway
• Social Sciences pathway
On both pathways, students explore what it means to be human, now and in the past, and how society and culture have been shaped by ideas, historical events, political and social movements, and works of art. All pathways include an Individual Project, a research project on any subject, often related to the degree subject the student intends to study. Students on the Social Sciences pathway also work on a collaborative research project for the unit Global Bristol. Students do not need to commit to a pathway when applying, but they are asked to indicate their preference during the application process. Multiple pathways can be included in the application if the student is undecided.

Other:

• Students can apply directly to the University.
• Applications are made through the University's online application system.
• The University accepts a wide variety of qualifications and welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds.
• If a high number of applications are received, priority may be given to applicants without prior experience of higher education, those who do not hold a qualification at QCA-level 3 (e.g., A-levels or an Access to HE Diploma), and/or applicants from one or more of the University's widening participation categories.
• Applicants must also meet the GCSE profile requirements and English language requirements.

Fees: £6100 per year, home students More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support. Fees for 2025 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2024.