Foundation Years at Lancaster University

Looking to start your university studies with a Foundation Year?

Two students sit at a bench in a teaching laboratory working on an electronics experiment.

At Lancaster, our Foundation Year courses offer you the chance to prepare for a STEM degree at our Top 10 ranked University. Our Foundation Years ask for lower entry grades and lead to undergraduate studies in:

  • Biology
  • Bioscience
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Pharmacology
  • Physics

Our Foundation Years are run in conjunction with our partner college, Cardinal Newman College (CNC). This Ofsted 'Outstanding' institution is consistently placed amongst the highest performing Sixth Form College’s nationally. Based in Preston, with transport from our Lancaster campus to the College provided free of charge, their exceptional STEM teaching staff will provide you with outstanding teaching, high quality support, access to state-of-the-art facilities and a first-class learning environment. However, with guaranteed accommodation on Lancaster’s campus and access to all of our facilities, clubs and colleges from day one, you’ll still be fully involved in student life.

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What is a Foundation Year?

Foundation Years are designed for students who don’t have the qualifications to enter straight onto an undergraduate degree. During the course, you will be taught an intellectually stimulating and enriching curriculum, centred around enabling you with the subject knowledge and skills needed to bridge the gap between A-Levels and Undergraduate STEM study. Once you have successfully completed a Foundation Year, you move into the first year of your chosen degree without needing to reapply.

Which degree courses are available with a Foundation Year?

Our Foundation Years currently focus on STEM degrees. When you apply through UCAS, simply choose one of these undergraduate degrees with a Foundation Year built in:

Degree title Degree (Hons) Duration (years) UCAS code
Biochemistry (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 C70F
Biology (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 C10F
Biomedical Science (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 B99F
Biomedicine (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 C71F
Chemical Engineering (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 H80F
Chemistry (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 F10F
Electronic and Electrical Engineering (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 H60F
Engineering (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 H10F
Mathematics (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 G10F
Mechanical Engineering (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 H30F
Mechatronic Engineering (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 HH6F
Natural Sciences (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 GFCF
Nuclear Engineering (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4

H82F
Pharmacology (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 B21F
Physics (with a Foundation Year) BSc 4 F30F

What will I study on a Foundation Year?

You’ll study three modules of five available modules linked to your chosen degree during the year. These STEM-based modules include:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Maths
  • Applied Maths (Scientific)

Your timetable will include a combination of compulsory and optional modules, which will reflect your chosen degree pathway.

Students in the lab

Your Foundation Year

Your Foundation Year learning base for the year will be within the state-of-the-art Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM), within the campus of Cardinal Newman College, Preston.

Cardinal Newman College is consistently placed amongst the highest performing Sixth Form College’s nationally and their expertise in STEM teaching will guide you through your Foundation Year learning. If you are living on the Lancaster campus, free transport will be provided for travel to and from Cardinal Newman College. As well as registering as a Lancaster University student, you will register locally at the college and benefit from full access to its services.

Learning timetable

The Foundation Year will follow the same semester dates as Lancaster University, with taught sessions taking place at CNC on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will not carry any formal teaching hours but might be utilised for project or practical work on site at Lancaster University or remotely. The teaching day will run from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Timetabled sessions for Foundation Year students will be structured to incorporate elements of university-style learning, to include a combination of taught sessions, group work, problem-based learning and project work. This will therefore ease your transition into your first year of undergraduate study at Lancaster University.

Support

We want every student to get the most out of their Lancaster University experience. All Foundation Year students will have the opportunity to join the Lancaster Success Programme. Work out what your version of success looks like through this award-winning, coaching-led scheme.

Campus life

Our Foundation Year degree courses don’t just bridge the gap to your academic studies. All Foundation Year students become full members of the University and are enrolled in one of our eight undergraduate colleges, with guaranteed accommodation on campus. Join the Lancaster University Students’ Union, access all University facilities, and take part in sports and other college activities every Wednesday when there’s no teaching. From football and ballet to underwater hockey, there’s something exciting for everyone!

Two girls play lacrosse at Lancaster University.

Frequently asked questions

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Contact admissions

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will get back to you.

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