The Foundation Pathways Programme is a foundation year with a difference. It is designed specifically for adults who may have been out of education for some time and want a supportive, confidence‑building way to return to learning.
This course gives you the time and space to refresh your knowledge, rebuild study skills, and prepare for undergraduate study without the pressure of jumping straight into a degree. Each pathway is linked to a specific subject area, allowing you to choose the route that best supports the degree and career you want to progress to.
If you are thinking about returning to education after a break, this programme offers a gentle but structured transition into higher‑level study. You will develop essential study skills, including essay writing, report writing, research, presentations, time management, teamwork, and data handling. You will also have the opportunity to improve your Maths and English skills, helping you meet university entry requirements and build confidence.
Our tutors are experienced, supportive, and encouraging, working closely with you to help you achieve your academic and career ambitions.
Throughout the programme, you will have full access to our library services, including a wide range of books and journals, dedicated spaces for independent and group study, and extensive IT facilities to support your learning journey.
- Business Pathway - Academic Skills, Marketing, Digital Transformation, Business Ethics and Sustainability, Civil Law, Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
- Computing Pathway* - Academic Skills, Mathematics for Computing, Management Information Systems (MIS), Programming, Application Utility, Calculus for Computing
- Criminology and Law Pathway - Academic Skills, Criminological Theories in Investigations, Civil Law, Advocacy and Mooting in Medical Law, Criminal Law, Research in Criminology
- Engineering Pathway* - Academic Skills, Mathematics for Engineering, Physics for Engineering, Engineering Applications for Physics, Application Utility, Calculus for Engineering
- Health and Wellbeing Pathway** - Academic Skills, Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Biology, Introduction to Nutrition, Physical Health and Wellbeing, Scientific Research Project
- Humanities and Education Pathway - Academic Skills, Introduction to English Literature, The Word at War, History of Politics, Introduction to Sociology, Literary Studies
- Psychology Pathway - Academic Skills, Criminological Theories in Investigations, Perspectives in Psychology, Treatments and Therapies, Key Studies in Psychology and Research in Criminology
- Science Pathway* - Academic Skills, Introduction to Chemistry, Fundamentals of Biology, Genetics and Evolution, Anatomy and Physiology, Scientific Research Project
*GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C and GCSE English Language 9-4/A-C are needed as a prerequisite.
**GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C and GCSE English Language 9-4/A-C or Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths are needed as a prerequisite.
Entry requirements
For the Computing, Engineering, and Science Pathways, GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C and GCSE English Language 9-4/A-C are needed as a prerequisite.
For the Health and Wellbeing Pathway, GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C and GCSE English Language 9-4/A-C or Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths are needed as a prerequisite.
For the Business, Criminology and Law, Humanities and Education and Psychology Pathways, a literacy and numeracy assessment will take place at the Kedleston Road campus to check your suitability for the course if you do not already hold Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths.
If you do not already hold the necessary qualifications, we also offer Level 2 English and Maths courses. To receive further information on these, please register your interest online, email access@derby.ac.uk or call 01332 591080.
A wide range of engaging and interactive teaching and learning activities are used across all subjects to support different learning styles and build confidence. Lessons are designed to encourage active participation, with opportunities for discussion, practical tasks, and student led activities.
You will experience a variety of approaches from session to session. Some lessons focus on group work and collaboration, helping you develop communication and teamwork skills, while others encourage independent research and investigation, preparing you for the expectations of higher education.
All scheduled teaching is tutor led, with sessions carefully planned to suit the needs, experience, and goals of each group. This flexible approach means learning is relevant, supportive, and inclusive. By experiencing different teaching methods and study approaches, you will also gain first hand insight into effective learning strategies thus helping you become a more confident, independent learner ready for progression.
Enrichment
A wide range of enrichment activities takes place throughout the academic year to enhance your learning experience and support your progression to higher education. These activities are designed to help you explore future opportunities, build confidence, and gain insight into university‑level study.
Students will have opportunities to attend guest speaker sessions, where professionals from relevant industries and academic fields deliver short talks and share real‑world insights. These sessions help bring subjects to life, showing how what you study connects to careers and higher education.
You may also have the chance to visit other campuses, giving you valuable experience of different learning environments and helping you feel more comfortable and confident in a university setting. These visits support informed decision‑making about progression and help you visualise your next steps.
In addition, students can meet with degree‑level teaching staff to learn more about undergraduate courses, expectations, and progression routes. Together, these enrichment experiences broaden horizons, raise aspirations, and help you feel well prepared for your future study journey.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed through a varied range of methods, designed to help you demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and confidence in different ways.
Progression Opportunities
On successful completion of the Foundation Pathways Programme, and any English and/or Maths qualifications studied as part of the course, you can progress onto a range of degree programmes at the University of Derby, subject to meeting individual course entry requirements.
This programme is designed to provide a strong academic foundation and a clear progression route into many university‑level subjects. However, it is important to note that the Foundation Pathways Programme does not provide progression routes into NHS‑related degrees, Social Work, or Primary Education (BEd).
If your long‑term goal lies in one of these areas, our admissions or curriculum team will be happy to advise on alternative pathways, such as Access to HE Diplomas, that may be more suitable for your chosen career.
The course offers an excellent stepping stone into higher education, helping you build confidence, develop key skills, and make informed choices about your future.
Assessment types may include essay writing, presentations, written tasks, academic posters, and exams, depending on the unit being studied.
All assessments are clearly explained at the start of each unit, so you know exactly what is expected. You will receive ongoing support from your tutors, with guidance, examples, and structured activities to help scaffold your progress and prepare you for each assessment type - particularly if exams are something you feel less confident about.
Assessments are designed to be purposeful and engaging, allowing you to apply what you have learned in lessons, independent study, and wider reading to topics linked to your interests and future progression. This approach helps build confidence, develop academic skills, and prepare you for the assessment methods used in higher education.
Each Foundation Pathway is designed to support clear progression into higher education and a broad range of future career opportunities. Whether your aim is to progress to university, change career direction, or strengthen your long‑term employability, this programme provides a strong and supportive starting point.
The pathways – Business, Computing, Criminology and Law, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Psychology, Science, and Health and Wellbeing – align with common degree routes and help you develop subject knowledge alongside the transferable skills valued by universities and employers. These include critical thinking, research, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and time management.
Successful completion of your chosen pathway can lead to progression onto degree‑level study in related disciplines, opening opportunities across sectors such as business and management, digital and computing industries, engineering and technology, public and legal services, psychology and social sciences, scientific fields and some health-related programmes.
The Foundation Pathways Programme helps you make informed decisions and build a strong foundation for your future.
Student testimonies
The Foundation Year was a pivotal starting point in my academic journey. Before beginning the course, I lacked confidence in my academic abilities, particularly in writing. The skills and knowledge I developed during the course continued to support me throughout my studies, including my master’s degree and later my teacher training. Beyond academics, the Foundation Year transformed my life. It built my confidence, resilience, and belief in my own potential. I would highly recommend the Foundation Year to anyone considering higher education but feeling unsure or underprepared. It is an incredibly supportive stepping stone that equips you with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to succeed at university and beyond - Nicole Davies
It completely changed my life. I used to think it was too late to get back into education but doing the foundation pathway programme gave me the confidence and the belief I can do it. It also inspired my career goal, to become a university lecturer. I always recommend to friends and family how amazing the programme is. It is a very important programme within academia, and I would not be where I am now without it - Emma Banks
As a 40 year old who had been out of education for many years it showed me that I could still learn and grow. It gave me the confidence to move onto my full degree with the skills in place I needed. I met my best friend during Ciaran’s history class and I am thankful for her every day! I enjoyed growing my mind to gain the level 3 qualifications I needed to move onto my degree. I gained the confidence to stand up in front of a room of people to speak which would have terrified me before. I use the skills I gained in my day to day work life, especially my research skills and the people confidence I gained which has been praised by my MD and I know came from my time on foundation and then on my degree. I highly recommend joining, especially if you have been out of education for a while as it really brings your skills to the front. My son did the foundation course and then went onto a sports degree which he graduated from in 2025 - Rebecca Ward
During the first year of my degree, I had an unexpected pregnancy. Throughout this time, the university provided excellent support both during my pregnancy and after the birth of my child, enabling me to continue my studies successfully. I thoroughly enjoyed the foundation course. The teaching was engaging, well delivered, and I built friendships that have lasted for life. I felt fully supported at every stage, particularly when making decisions about progression onto my degree, which helped me choose the course most suited to my interests and future goals. I now work as a SEN teacher in secondary education, which has been my dream career since childhood. I genuinely love what I do, and I believe none of this would have been possible without starting with the foundation course at the University of Derby. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone considering higher education, especially those who may benefit from extra support, guidance, and time to find the right academic direction - Samantha Blore
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
