Foundation Pathways Programme

The Foundation Pathways Programme offers a distinctive foundation year designed to support students returning to education after a break. It provides an opportunity to build essential knowledge and skills, with each pathway aligned to a specific discipline, enabling students to choose the route that corresponds to their intended degree. The programme is particularly suitable for those restarting their studies, offering structured support to develop study skills necessary for undergraduate success. Tutors provide guidance and encouragement to help students achieve their career aspirations, while the programme also focuses on improving Maths and English skills.

Students follow pathways according to their chosen degree, developing confidence in writing essays and reports, conducting research, analysing data, delivering presentations, managing time effectively, and working collaboratively in teams. The course provides access to extensive library resources, including a large collection of books and journals, areas for group and individual study, and ample IT facilities to support learning.

Successful completion of the Foundation Pathways Programme, alongside any English or Maths requirements undertaken, allows progression to a range of undergraduate degrees at Derby, subject to individual course requirements. The programme is not suitable for progression to NHS-related, Social Work, or Primary Education (BEd) degrees. Additional details on Joint Honours degrees are available via the University’s Joint Honours webpage.

The programme offers a variety of pathways tailored to specific academic interests. The Business Pathway covers Academic Skills, Business, Business Communications, and Law. The Computing Pathway includes Academic Skills, Computing, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology. The Criminology and Law Pathway comprises Academic Skills, Law, Criminology, and Advocacy. The Engineering Pathway focuses on Academic Skills, Physics, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology. The Humanities and Social Science Pathway includes Academic Skills, Level 3 English, History, and Sociology. The Psychology Pathway covers Academic Skills, Psychology, Sociology, and Criminology. The Science Pathway includes Academic Skills, Biology, Biology of Disease and Illness, and Chemistry. The Sports Pathway integrates Academic Skills, Biology, Psychology, and Information Technology.