Overview:
The Foundation Year at Oxford offers an alternative pathway for UK students keen on pursuing studies in Classics, English, History, or Theology & Religion.
The course starts with a comprehensive introduction to the Humanities. This allows students to explore commonalities and distinctions among subjects before delving into more specialised studies. This approach offers a clear understanding of what studying the chosen subject entails at the undergraduate level.
Additionally, participants can opt for either a language or math course. Beyond subject-specific content, the program includes a “Preparation for Undergraduate Studies” component. This fosters essential skills such as academic writing and effective communication for verbal discussions. Furthermore, this holistic approach extends to personal growth, incorporating a society and culture course along with academic mentoring.
In summary, the Foundation Year serves as a tailored route for UK students interested in Classics, English, History, or Theology & Religion at Oxford but facing grade challenges. This intensive programme bolsters academic skills, subject knowledge, and confidence, granting a CertHE upon completion.
Finally, successful candidates gain direct entry to an undergraduate programme at Oxford, facilitated by a thorough introduction to the Humanities and vital academic skill development.
Foundation Year in Humanities: Entrance Requirements
| UCAS Code | See course options |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – BBB Advanced Highers – BB/BBC IB – 35 (including core points) with 555 at Higher Level, with at least a 5 at Higher Level in the most relevant subject(s) to chosen course. BTECs: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MMM BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: MM plus B at A level. BTEC Level 3 National Subsidiary Diploma: M plus BB at A level. Access to HE Diploma:Completion of Access to HE Diploma with all the level 3 credits taken at Merit, and B grades in any A levels taken. |
| Application Deadline for Foundation Year in Humanities at Oxford | 31 January 2024 |
| Interviews for Foundation Year in Humanities at Oxford | March 2024 |
| Subject Requirements for Foundation Year in Humanities at Oxford | B in your most relevant subject. |
| Extra things tutors look for | Written work: You may be asked to submit a piece of written work. This should be an analytical discussion of a topic or topics related to the subject you wish to study. |
| Admission Steps for Foundation Year in Humanities | Now: Check you are on track to meet the academic entry requirements above September 2023: Check if you are eligible to apply Jan 2024: Submit your UCAS application – apply for your chosen degree course with a foundation year (e.g. Humanities with Foundation Year) – February 2024: Submit the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ) March 2024: Admissions tutors invite shortlisted applicants for interview April 2024: Offers sent to candidates May 2024: Respond to offers |
| Duration | 4/5 years (BA) |
| Admissions Statistics | Places for Astrophoria Foundation Year: Up to 50 Places for Science Foundation: Up to 18 |
| What is Foundation Year in Humanities at Oxford? | The Foundation Year in Humanities at Oxford is a free, one-year intensive academic course designed for UK students interested in subjects like Classics, English, History, or Theology & Religion. It offers an alternative pathway for those unlikely to meet typical Oxford grade requirements. Moreover, the course helps students bridge gaps between school and challenging undergraduate studies. It also enhances study skills, subject knowledge, and academic confidence. Finally, successful completion leads to a nationally recognised CertHE qualification and automatic admission to an Oxford undergraduate programme without reapplying. |
| Oxford Colleges that offer Foundation Year in Humanities | Exeter College Jesus College Keble College Lady Margaret Hall Mansfield College Somerville College St Anne’s College St Hugh’s College Trinity College Wadham College |
| Structure of the Foundation Year in Humanities Course at Oxford | Term 1 Three courses and Four Essays Term 2 Four courses are taken with written examination & Portfolio of submitted essays, presentations, commentaries on text or images. Term 3 Four courses are also taken with written papers & an extended project of 5,000 words. |
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