Foundation Pathways - Arts, Social Sciences, Business and Law

You will take four or five subject-specific modules from the list below plus one of the Academic English & Study Skills modules (or Advanced Academic Skills).

Some modules are compulsory for progression onto certain undergraduate degree programmes. When you receive and accept your offer, you will be advised about your module choices. The modules listed may be shared by the different pathways, so you will be studying alongside students from other disciplines.

Module descriptions

There are a range of Academic English and Study Skills modules, including advance options.

Politics in a Changing World

This module will introduce you to the main issues and debates in contemporary international and global affairs and the changing role and position of nation-states in an increasingly globalised world.

Social Policy, Welfare and Society

This module explores the potential to create the societies in which we would want to live through the development and implementation of policies, which include health, social care, housing and criminal justice.

Business and the Market

This module focuses on the relationship between markets and companies under different competitive conditions. How do markets work and differ, and why do these differences matter?

Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics

While this module has a mathematical foundation, it is not simply about developing your mathematical skills. Rather, the purpose of the module is to show you how you can use these skills to improve your understanding of business problems and to help you make business decisions more effectively.

Learning to Read History

You will explore two contrasting historical periods to develop your analytical skills. First, examine the social, economic and political issues which have shaped Modern Britain. Secondly, analyse the theme of empire, from Ancient Rome to the rise and decline of other empires, while reflecting upon the role of the USA in the modern world.

Learning to Read Literature

How do we read literature critically and reflectively? How do we understand and interpret what we're reading? Understand different approaches to reading through a wide variety of early and contemporary literature, exploring a range of key ideas and concepts such as heroes and monsters, epics and romances, the Gothic, Feminism and Postmodernism.

Understanding Religion

Religion is a significant force in the world. It rebuilds and shapes cultures and nations, but can also be divisive and dangerous - and at the heart of many global conflicts of the last century. You will explore why religion has such influence by exploring the ideas, sacred texts and global practices of different religions, and the political, social and cultural power of these faiths.

Understanding Law

The course will enable students to develop a sound foundational understanding of the structure and practice of key domestic and international law fields. As part of this overall aim, the students will be introduced to core legal skills such as the analysis of statutes, treaties and case-law, critical thinking and problem solving.