FoundationSocial Sciences Foundation Year
Why study a social sciences foundation year?
Explore the theories and concepts used in the social sciences during this foundation year, before delving deeper into the subject of your chosen undergraduate degree.
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- You’ll learn to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
- Explore contemporary subjects highly relevant to the study of social sciences.
- Teaching is delivered by an experience and approachable team.
- Many of the academic team on the foundation year also teach on the degree-level courses.
Course overview
On this practical, career-focused foundation year, you’ll study a range of topics that are central or highly relevant to the study of the social sciences before progressing on to your chosen undergraduate degree - armed with the essential academic skills and broad foundation of knowledge.
You will explore areas such as mental health and wellbeing, crime, contemporary issues in social sciences, and professional practice to help prepare you for undergraduate study. This course has an applied focus – you are encouraged and enabled to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, including poverty, health inequalities, and the growing influence of technology.
During this foundation year, you’ll explore basic theories and concepts used in the social sciences and apply appropriate methods and working practices in a range of social scientific disciplines. You’ll also be supported in developing your research and academic literacy skills, such as critical thinking and writing.
You’ll be taught by an experienced team who are accessible and approachable, and ultimately dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment. 
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂWho this course is for
The Social Sciences Foundation Year is specifically designed for those wanting to study social sciences but who do not meet the entry requirements. It’s also suitable for those who wish to refresh their academic skills and subject-specific knowledge before starting an undergraduate degree. 
- Foundation years are designed to help prepare you for undergraduate study and are ideal for gaining an introduction into your chosen subject area.
- If you've been out of education for a while, a foundation year provides a supportive environment for returning to studying.
- Foundation year students have access to the same facilities, and academic and student support as students on undergraduate degrees.
What you'll study
Find your degree
Meet the team
The teaching team for the foundation year is made up of lecturers who also teach on the degree courses.
Entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who have not recently undertaken a formal course of study at A-level, or equivalent, but can demonstrate relevant work or voluntary experience, that's indicative of their ability to complete the course successfully.
For international and EU students
- As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
- If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
- For further information about qualifications, please contact admissions.
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
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IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component, or equivalent.
Qualifications
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Find your degree
Our foundation years are designed to offer a broad range of academic skills alongside a taste of the wider industry before you start your chosen specialist undergraduate degree. Some degrees also include a year in industry, meaning you can gain valuable first-hand work experience with a year-long full-time work placement between the second and third years of your degree.
Applying is simple, just:
- 1
Find the undergraduate degree you’re interested in studying, and explore the course page – this is also where you’ll find the modules you will study throughout your degree.
- 2
Make sure you’ve selected a ‘foundation year’ (or foundation year and year in industry) variant; you’ll find this under ‘Course length’, near the top of the relevant course page.
- 3
Click the ‘Apply on UCAS’ button, and check the UCAS summary mentions ‘foundation year’ under ‘Study mode’.
And don’t worry if you discover a new skill or subject you love during your foundation year, it’s easy to switch to another linked degree!
