Foundation courses

Why choose a foundation course?

If you're worried that you won't get the grades you need to join year one of a degree programme, often resitting exams or taking a gap year can feel like the only option. Choosing a foundation course however allows you to focus on subjects related to your preferred degree, building the necessary knowledge and skills you need to start year one. In short, it gets you into university and studying straight away.

As a foundation-year student you can still apply for student finance to support your through university and there are also a number of bursaries that you may be eligible for:

• Essex Pathways Bursary
• Care Experienced Bursary
• Essex Preparation Programme Bursary
• University of Essex Bursary
• Refugee Bursary
• and many more

You are also guaranteed on-campus student accommodation as long as you apply by our deadline. 

All of our foundation courses are based on our Colchester Campus. You may be based at our Southend Campus for years 1, 2 and 3 if your chosen undergraduate degree is based in Southend.

Explore our foundation years by course

Subject pathways

If you are interested in a certain field of study but aren't quite sure exactly which course you want to join for year one, our subject pathways could be the best option for you. You’ll study a broad range of modules connected to your preferred subject area and then at the end of your foundation year you can choose which related course you want to progress to for year one.