Foundation year

It's the first year of a 4 year integrated undergraduate degree. It is designed to improve your academic skills and subject-specific knowledge, and fully prepare you for undergraduate study and life at university. 

It's for UK or EU students who want to go to university but don’t currently have the entry requirements to do so. A foundation year allows you to go to university by preparing you academically. Your foundation year is also known as ‘Year 0’. If you successfully complete your foundation year, you are guaranteed a place on your chosen degree. 

If you haven’t quite met the entry requirements or aren’t predicted the grades for your chosen three year undergraduate degree, we may offer you a place on our foundation degree. A foundation year is the first year of an integrated 4 year degree. Once you successfully pass the foundation year (Year 0), you will move into Year 1 automatically.

Focus on the subject that thrills you

On a foundation year, you'll study topics related to your chosen degree helping you to build your understanding of the subject before moving into year one. Alongside this we work hard to make sure you make the most of your time at Essex academically, by having modules specifically designed to enhance your academic skills. You'll be ready to hit year one running.

Build relationships 

University isn't just about studying, it's about finding lifelong support networks and nurturing your passions, whether that be sport, culture, art, politics - whatever sparks your interest! Why put that off for a year?

Start working towards your dream career

We start developing your employability skills from day one and you'll have access to professionals to support and guide you in your career choices - keep your life plans on track.

An additional year of results

Completing your foundation year will give you results to reference when applying for work experience placements in the summer prior to starting your undergraduate degree, rather than the summer after. This will give you a huge advantage at the end of your studies when applying for jobs that require previous experience. 

Apply for one or the other. We will consider you for both the foundation degree and the three year degree regardless of which one you apply for.

Yes. If your degree includes a foundation year, you can still apply for student finance.

At 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.  

You will study topics related to your chosen degree, so that you have a basic understanding of the subject before beginning year 1. You also complete some academic study modules which aim to improve and develop your academic skills. 

Upon successful completion of your foundation year, you will automatically progress to year 1 of your chosen undergraduate degree.

Completing a foundation year at Essex won't provide you with a qualification. Successful completion allows you to continue onto year 1 of your chosen undergraduate degree.

Yes. Students are guaranteed accommodation for their first year, in this case Year 0. For the remainder of your studies you should seek accommodation in the private sector. 

The Students’ Union offers a property finding service called SU Homes. Their mission is to help students secure local, private accommodation. All the properties they work with in Colchester are accredited by Colchester Borough Council.

We offer a lot of support for students. You can find out more by visiting our support pages.