Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Field trips
This course is designed for talented UK students with an interest in arts and humanities subjects, but whose personal circumstances make achieving our usual entry requirements difficult.
Through a range of engaging modules spanning the arts and humanities, the Foundation Year gives you an opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and digital capability.
Your Foundation Year tutors will support you to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence for undergraduate study.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 6 August 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
Teaching methods
Your six foundation year modules are assessed using a wide variety of methods.
Each module has two assessment points. For example, our Critical Thinking and Reflective Learning module is assessed by an essay (50% of the module mark) and a reflective learning portfolio (50% of the module mark). These modules will prepare you for undergraduate assessment and allow you to develop a broad range of skills.
Assessment methods
Teaching
During your foundation year you’ll have at least 12 hours of timetabled contact a week through lectures, seminars and workshops. Your tutors will also be available outside these times to discuss issues and develop your understanding.
One-to-one tutorials
You will have four general progress tutorials as well as individual module-focused tutorials during your foundation year.
For learning, assessment, contact time and study information after your Foundation Year, see the course page for your progression option.
Evidence shows that students commencing their university study at foundation level achieve the same levels of undergraduate degree as their fellow direct-route students, which in turn leads to the same wide range of career options.
In addition to your study we recommend that you participate in at least some of our CV-enhancing programmes which include:
You will also be able to take advantage of the wide range of services offered by our dedicated Faculty of Arts careers team within the Careers and Employability Service.
More information about subject-related careers opportunities from our Careers and Employability Service.
Average starting salary and career progression
78.8% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Arts secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £23,974.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017 to 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
Despite arriving at Nottingham with less than perfect A-level results I have gone on to achieve first class marks so far during my time at university. The catalyst for that change is not only the support networks, but also the variety of assessment methods. I admit that I hate exams! But I discovered that in essays I perform really well. Because the foundation year has a really wide variety of different assessments, you can find your niche and start to improve yourself.
Calvin Medcalf
American Studies and History BA with Foundation Year graduate
The Faculty of Arts offers over 50 single and joint honours degrees that you can progress to.
These cover a wide range of subjects that explore humankind's past, where we are today and what the future might hold. These include:
Note: some degrees combine these subjects with subjects outside of the Faculty of Arts. These joint honour degrees are not currently available for Arts and Humanities Foundation Year progression.