Overview:
The Astrophoria Foundation Year offers an excellent opportunity for UK students interested in pursuing Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Oxford. These students may not meet the typical entry requirements.
This one-year intensive academic course is entirely free and aims to bridge the gap between school and Oxford’s challenging undergraduate programmes. It also focuses on developing study skills, subject knowledge, and academic confidence. Finally, successful completion leads to a nationally recognised Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). Moreover, if you meet the required standards, you’ll seamlessly transition to Oxford as an undergraduate student without needing reapplication.
The Foundation Year’s curriculum covers the essential aspects of PPE. This includes a ‘Foundations in PPE’ module and two modules for each constituent subject, along with a mathematics for PPE module.
This programme also hones critical thinking, reasoning, writing, and communication skills. In addition to academic subjects, students undertake a Preparation for Undergraduate Studies course. This equips them with essential academic writing, communication, as well as personal development skills.
Whether aspiring to study at Oxford or another university, this foundation year sets a solid academic foundation for future success.
| UCAS Code | L0VF |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – BBB Advanced Highers – BB/BBCIB – 35 (including core points) with 555 at Higher Level 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. Furthermore, all the level 3 credits taken at Merit, and B grades in any A levels taken. Access to HE Diploma: Completion of Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma. |
| Application Deadline for Foundation Year in PPE at Oxford | 31 January 2024 |
| Interviews for Foundation Year in PPE at Oxford | March 2024 |
| Subject Requirements for Foundation Year in PPE at Oxford | Politics, Philosophy or Economics are Essential. Maths is Recommended, and History are advantageous. |
| Extra things tutors look for | Written Work: Colleges may ask you to submit a piece of written work on a topic or topics related to the subject you wish to study. |
| Admission Steps for Foundation Year in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) | 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. PPE with Foundation Year) – February 2024: Submit the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ) March 2024: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview April 2024: Offers sent to candidates May 2024: Respond to offers |
| Duration | 4 years (BA) |
| Admissions Statistics | Places for Astrophoria Foundation Year: Up to 50 Places for Science Foundation: Up to 8 |
| What is Foundation Year in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at Oxford? | The Foundation Year in PPE at Oxford is a tuition-free, one-year programme for UK students interested in studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. It aims to bridge educational gaps, enhance study skills, and boost academic confidence. The curriculum covers foundational PPE modules and critical thinking, writing, and communication training. Successful completion leads to a recognised Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). It also means automatic progression to an Oxford undergraduate programme, eliminating the need for reapplication. |
| Oxford Colleges that offer Foundation Year in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) | Exeter College Keble College Lady Margaret Hall Somerville College St Anne’s College St Hugh’s College Trinity College Wadham College |
| Structure of the Foundation Year in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Course at Oxford | Term 1: Four courses with essays as course work. There is also a written examination Term 2 & 3: Three courses are taken during each term – written examination with a portfolio of submitted essays |
