Combined Honours in Social Sciences with Foundation,BA

The Foundation Programme is designed for students from under-represented groups in higher education, who have the potential to achieve the standard for admission to Durham, but who, because of educational disadvantage or disruption, do not have the level of attainment or access to qualifications required for entry to a Durham University course. The Foundation Programme is delivered by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham’s Centre for Academic Development (DCAD). Each year it provides places for 100 students and supports them to progress to Level 1 study in over 33 academic subjects from every academic department in the university.

The Foundation Programme supports students to develop the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level. The content focuses on developing epistemological maturity, metacognitive skills, and independent learning, becoming increasingly specialised as the course progresses. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress to the first year of their degree. LMV0 Combined Honours in Social Sciences.

Developing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to build a bespoke degree that will broaden your interests and develop your strengths across multiple areas.

The Foundation Programme is designed to support UK students (including those with Settled Status) from under-represented groups in Higher Education, who have been unable to achieve their academic potential, to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at Durham University. There are both specific and general eligibility criteria.

Specific Eligibility Criteria

Essential Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years)

Essential entry requirements for this route are dependent on the combination of subjects to be studied. Applicants must contact the Foundation Programme to discuss these before an application is made.

Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years)

Applicants over 21 are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects.

Essential Criteria for Younger Applicants (under 21 years)

Essential entry requirements for this route are dependent on the combination of subjects to be studied. Applicants must contact the Foundation Programme to discuss these before an application is made. Applicants under 21 must also have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in English Language and Maths.

General Eligibility and Academic Criteria

All applicants need to meet criteria to be considered: Foundation Programme: Student Eligibility for study.

Please be aware that Foundation Programme places are in high demand (we usually receive 10 applications for each place we can offer) and all eligible on-time applications are considered in open competition to identify those judged to have the greatest potential to give and receive benefit from a Durham University degree course.

Applicants are normally required to provide evidence in support of their applications and to participate in mandatory pre-offer assessment activities as part of the application process; these usually take place between October and March.

Application Deadlines

UCAS Deadline for Equal Consideration – 29^th January 2025 (18:00 UK time).

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

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