Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (pre-degree course)

A free and fully-funded one year course designed to offer a stepping stone to Cambridge for those who have experienced educational disadvantage.

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Overview

Foundation Year at Cambridge

If you want to study courses in the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences and circumstances have prevented you from realising your academic potential, this is an opportunity not to miss. This innovative route is designed for a new field of candidates to help them realise their academic potential through a full-time, residential programme fully embedded in the Collegiate University.

On the Foundation Year, you can expect a challenging academic curriculum in the arts, humanities and social sciences. This offers the best possible preparation for the rigours of a Cambridge degree course by broadening and deepening your knowledge and understanding as well as introducing you to the ways students learn at Cambridge. Foundation Year students will also benefit from being part of the University, including being part of a College community and having full access to all the University’s societies and facilities to pursue your interests.

Finally, you will gain a nationally recognised Certificate of Higher Education and upon finishing the course and have the option to continue to a number of suitable undergraduate degree courses at Cambridge.

All applicants for this course must apply via UCAS by 15 January 2022.

Progression and further study

Completing the Foundation Year will equip students to continue to a wide range of degree courses in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. At Cambridge, completing the course to the required standard will allow you to progress on to one of 18 degree courses. Some courses require completion of relevant curriculum streams. Courses you could progress to are:

* indicates a required stream combination for progression, see Course Outline for further information.

You will also be supported during the Foundation Year to apply to other degree courses at other universities.

Whether you stay at Cambridge or continue your studies elsewhere, you will receive a recognised award from the University of Cambridge which will help set you up for successful study and careers in a range of fields.

It is not possible to change course during the Foundation Year.

Course costs

There are no tuition fees charged for the Foundation Year. However, if you continue to study at Cambridge by progressing to a degree course you will need to pay the tuition fee for that course. Find out more about our tuition fees.

Students admitted to the Foundation Year will also receive a Scholarship to cover rent and other living costs. This will be equivalent to what you would receive as a maintenance loan from student finance and will be ‘topped up’ with an amount in line with the existing levels offered through the Cambridge Bursary Scheme. In receiving this Scholarship, you will not need to take out student finance for the Foundation Year, but you may need to apply for relevant student finance on continuation to a degree course and will receive guidance on options available to you, including government student finance and any Cambridge-specific bursaries for which you may be eligible.

Additional course costs

Photocopying and printing: on average, you might spend between £10 and £30 in using printers based in libraries or Colleges during the Foundation Year.
Textbooks/course books: University and College libraries are well-stocked and it shouldn’t be necessary to purchase more than a handful of books. These should not exceed £200.
Your College and Department, together with the University Computing Service, offer computing facilities for your academic work. You'll have a University email account, and access to central file storage for your work and for publishing web pages. Some Colleges may charge for internet/wireless connection but fast free WiFi is available throughout the university.

Course Outline

Course outline

On the Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Cambridge you will study a specially designed multi-disciplinary course that will focus on deeper learning skills and preparation for the academic demands of Higher Education. You will have the ability to choose papers from across several streams and gain subject knowledge relevant to your future degree course as well as being introduced to new subjects and approaches.

You will be taught through lectures, seminars and supervisions, with typically 14-16 hours timetabled teaching hours each week. This, combined with your independent study, will help develop your ability to take philosophical, reflective and critical approaches using a range of methods of analysis.

The curriculum is offered across four streams and you will complete eight papers from the options available across these four streams. You will also complete an induction module which will introduce you to the ways of learning at Cambridge.

Working with textual sources

This essential stream aims to help students develop a critical approach to textual sources they might encounter in different disciplines. This is applicable for subjects which rely on the interpretation and use of textual sources. You will gain an increased understanding of the variety of textual sources used in different subjects, the appropriate approaches for different disciplines and the different purposes, origins and biases of textual sources.

Working with material sources

This optional stream aims to support students to develop a critical approach to the different types of material sources that they might encounter in further study. This will be applicable for subjects that involve sources such as art, material culture, sound, film, sculpture, sites and landscapes and more. You will develop an appreciation of the possibilities of approaches and interpretations of different kinds of material evidence and the relationships between different material sources.

Working with languages

This optional stream aims to develop competence and confidence when working within a language other than English and provide an introduction to a range of ancient and modern languages. It has two components. First, it will equip you with an improved understanding of how language works, the challenges of such activities as translation, and understanding of cultural contexts. Secondly, you will be encouraged to acquire proficiency in a language other than English which could support further study of languages.

Experience of formal language-learning, available through this stream, is essential or desirable for some courses.

Working with data

This optional stream aims to help students develop a critical approach to the different types of data sources that they might encounter. Students will learn a wide range of data analysis skills, including qualitative research training which will have a broad focus on society and community. Students will also focus on the logical principles behind data to learn to apply these. Students will be able to evaluate and interpret a range of data types, their potential sources and limitations. This will include basic analytical and statistical techniques and experience of data handling. The stream will include IT-based sessions to support handling and analysis skills development.

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of different ways depending on your stream and paper choices but this will include written assignments and examinations. You will complete one extended project.

Optional extra-curricular language learning

All Foundation Year students will benefit from optional extra-curricular language learning as knowledge of languages can enhance options in many courses you may wish to progress to.

Entry Requirements

Typical offers and requirements

120 UCAS Tariff Points (academic points only):

No specific subjects are required.
See below for details of suitable qualifications for this programme.
Use the UCAS Tariff Points Calculator to check that your grades meet the required level.

Eligibility: This course has eligibility requirements that you should consult before applying.

Admission assessment: If interviewed, you will be required to undertake a pre-interview written assessment. You do not need to register separately for the Foundation Year pre-interview assessment and there are no charges. Details will be included in communications inviting applicants to interview.

Suitable qualifications

Before applying, you need to check that you have, or are likely to achieve, the right qualifications and grades. Unlike admission to degree courses at Cambridge, the Cambridge Foundation Year uses UCAS Tariff Points for admissions. UCAS Tariff Points translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value depending on the qualification type or size and the grade you achieve.

Below is a list of common qualifications for applicants to the Foundation Year. If, after consulting this guidance, you are still unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please email foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk in advance of the application deadline, with as much information as you can about your qualification type and level.

AS Levels and A Levels
A Levels are accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. We also welcome applications in which A Levels are combined with other qualifications listed here.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements.

Access to HE Diploma
The Access to HE Diploma is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements.

Cambridge Pre-U
The Cambridge Pre-U is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements.

BTECs, Applied General and other Level 3 qualifications
BTECs and other qualifications such as Cambridge Technicals are generally acceptable for admission to this programme, however, there are some restrictions:

Qualifications must be Level 3 to be accepted.
Certificates, Diplomas and Subsidiary Diplomas are accepted but you will need to complete additional qualifications to meet the required level of UCAS Tariff Points. For example, you could complete more than one BTEC or a combination of the BTEC with other qualifications (such as A Levels).
Extended Diplomas are acceptable. However, we would expect this to be in a subject that is not vocational in focus, to ensure you are equipped for the academic rigour of study at Cambridge. Vocationally oriented subjects include Hospitality, Public Services, Sport, Aviation Operations, Dental Technology, and Floristry etc.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. A combination of Highers and Advanced Highers is also accepted, as well as these qualifications combined with other qualifications.

Core Maths
Where offered, you may use your Core Maths grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.

Extended Project Qualification
Where offered, you may use your EPQ grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.

Welsh Baccalaureate
For students taking the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, the A Levels as part of the Advanced Diploma are accepted (see A Levels). Where offered, you may use your Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.

Foundation Year Programmes
Standalone Foundation Year programmes can provide appropriate preparation. Given the range of levels and providers in the UK, please contact foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk to find out more, providing as much information as you can about the qualification type and level.

Other qualifications and factors

T-Levels
T-Levels are not considered appropriate preparation for this course.

Voluntary Qualifications/Awards
Awards linked to community to voluntary work such as the Youth Achievement Award are not considered appropriate preparation for this course and should not be included in your UCAS Tariff Points calculation.

English Language Requirements
If your first language isn’t English, your English language skills must be good enough for you to undertake an intensive and challenging course that’s taught and examined in English. Throughout the admissions process, we will be assessing your English language skills as well as your academic ability. See English language requirements for details.

Qualifications from outside of the UK
The Cambridge Foundation Year is for applicants ordinarily resident in the UK. However, we appreciate some applicants may be ordinarily resident in the UK but have completed their studies outside of the UK. If this is the case, we advise you to first check if your qualification is listed in the UCAS Tariff Calculator. If it is not listed, you are welcome to contact us at foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk. In your email, please provide the qualification’s full title, the country in which you studied, and the grade(s) you achieved to assist us in researching the equivalency to UK FHEQ Level 3 qualifications.

Re-sits, delays, qualification availability and other factors
We recognise that even the best students can have 'bad days' when an exam doesn’t quite go to plan. Therefore, we’re not concerned if an applicant has retaken or is planning to retake a few modular units for which the results obtained are clearly out of character. A higher number of retakes would also be acceptable if justified by circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, as explained through their eligibility for the Foundation Year and made clear in the application (reference and additional application questionnaire, distributed after application). Delays in completing qualifications, and being unable to complete the qualifications you need, are among the eligibility criteria for this programme.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria

The Foundation Year intends to address educational disadvantage and disruption. To be considered for the programme, you should meet one or more criteria from at least two of the categories detailed below (unless you are care-experienced) and will ordinarily be resident in the UK.

These criteria reflect experiences that have been shown to negatively impact educational attainment. The combination of such factors has also been shown to have a cumulative impact. These criteria are a gateway to consideration for this programme and places are awarded on academic suitability.

Care-experienced applicants (those currently in local authority care or who have been in care previously while in education for any length of time) are automatically eligible.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please first carefully consult the list below. Enquiries about eligibility can be directed to foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Category 1: Individual Characteristics

You will be eligible under this category if you meet one or more of the following:

Disrupted education

Please note, disruption caused by COVID-19 school/college closures is not applicable.

You have experienced medical/health issues that have resulted in long or extended periods of absence (over 8 weeks) from school/college whilst in secondary education.
You have experienced bereavement due to the death of a close family member whilst in secondary education (for example your parent/carer).
You have been a young carer while in education
You have become a parent while in education
You became homeless while in education
You have Refugee status or Humanitarian Protection in the UK or you are currently an asylum seeker in the UK.
You became estranged from close family members (e.g. parents/carers) whilst in secondary education
You moved state schools two or more times whilst in secondary education
You have been delayed in completing qualifications because you were working while studying part-time
You experienced a gap of more than one year (for example leaving school at 16 but returning to complete Level 3 qualifications after several years in work)

Qualification availability

Your school/college does not offer the subject in A Level or equivalent qualification that you require for entry to Cambridge

Late diagnosis of Special Educational Needs

You have been diagnosed with Special Educational Needs in the past two years. This includes dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism or mental health difficulties.

Further guidance on these criteria and how you may be asked to verify your eligibility is available here.

Category 2: Family Characteristics

You will be eligible under this category if you meet one or more of the following:

You are currently eligible for Free School Meals
You have been eligible for Free School Meals at any point in the previous 6 years,
You have a combined household income of £25,000 or less
You or your parent(s)/carer(s) are eligible for Universal Credit.

Further guidance on these criteria and how you may be asked to verify your eligibility is available here.

Category 3: School/College Characteristics

You will be eligible under this category if you meet one or more of the following:

School/College inspection rating

A school or college you attended has performed poorly in an inspection in the past four years.

For schools/colleges in England, you can check your inspection report at https://www.gov.uk/find-ofsted-inspection-report. To qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Requires improvement’, ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Special Measures’.
For schools/colleges in Wales, you can check your inspect report at https://www.estyn.gov.wales. To qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Adequate and needs improvement’ or ‘Unsatisfactory and needs urgent improvement’.
For schools/colleges in Scotland, you can check your inspection report at https://education.gov.scot/education-scotland/inspection-reports. To qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Weak’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’.
For schools/colleges in Northern Ireland, you can check your inspection report at https://www.etini.gov.uk/publications/type/inspectionreports. To qualify, your school/college would be rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Unsatisfactory’.

Further guidance is available here (page 10).

School/college attainment

You have attended a school or college with below-average attainment. Guidance on how to check if this applies is available here (page 11) and applies to schools/colleges in England, Wales and Scotland.

This data is not published for schools/colleges in Northern Ireland. We are working to find a solution so if you believe you would qualify under this measure, please check this page again at a later date. You can get in touch with us about this measure at foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk.

For schools/colleges in England, you can check if your school/college has a below-average Attainment 8 score at https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk. To qualify, your school Attainment 8 score must be below the England average.
For schools/colleges in Wales, you can check if your school/college has a below-average points score at KS4 or Sixth Form at https://mylocalschool.gov.wales. To qualify, your school Capped 9 points score (KS4) or Average Points score (sixth form) must be below the Wales average.
This data is not published for schools/colleges in Scotland and Northern Ireland. We are working to find a solution so if you believe you would qualify under this measure, please check this page again at a later date. You can get in touch with us about this measure at foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk.

School/college post-18 destinations

You attend a school or college with a below-average progression to Higher Education, to Russell Group universities or to Oxford or Cambridge. Guidance on how to check if this applies is available here (page 12) and applies to schools/colleges in England.

For schools/colleges in England, you can check if your school/college has a below-average progression rate at https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk. The detail is under the ’16-18’ tab, then in ‘Student destinations’, ‘Progression into higher education or training’ and ‘Breakdown of destinations’. To qualify your school/college average for ‘Degrees’, ‘Of which Russell Group institutions’ or ‘Of which Oxford or Cambridge’ must be below the average for England.
This data is not published for schools/colleges in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We are working to find a solution so if you believe you would qualify under this measure, please check this page again at a later date. You can get in touch with us about this measure at foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Eligibility will be verified using datasets and other evidence. You may be asked to provide evidence such as letters from your school/college/GP or official government documentation which will be requested during the admissions process.

Further guidance and eligibility verification

To assist you in checking your eligibility, we have produced some further detailed guidelines. Click to view the full eligibility guidelines for applicants to the Cambridge Foundation Year.

That document also outlines what additional information we will need you to provide following your application to verify your eligibility. This is important to ensure the programme is able to support the students is has been designed for. However, it will mean in some circumstances, where we are unable to check publically available datasets, you may be required to provide documentary evidence.

Additional guidance is available for mature students (anyone who will be 21 or older at the point that the course begins) and for those who are Refugees or Asylum Seekers. This aims to assist you in applying the general guidance to your experience.

Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (pre-degree course)

Container

Foundation Year at Cambridge

Progression and further study

Course costs

Additional course costs

Course outline

Working with textual sources

Working with material sources

Working with languages

Working with data

Assessment

Optional extra-curricular language learning

Typical offers and requirements

Suitable qualifications

Other qualifications and factors

Eligibility criteria

Category 1: Individual Characteristics

Category 2: Family Characteristics

Category 3: School/College Characteristics

Foundation Year Film

Foundation Year at Cambridge

Fact File

Cambridge Admissions Office

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Study at Cambridge

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