What to expect in your foundation year

How foundation years are taught

You will study four 30-credit modules across one academic year. Three of these modules will be related to your chosen subject area and one will be an academic skills module which will support you with the skills needed for university study. You will be taught by subject specialists and have lectures and classes weekly for each module. You can expect to have around 16 hours per week of timetabled classes, which take place on our Colchester campus. As a University student you'll have full access to the University facilities such as our 24 hour library and our Students' Union.

You'll study in small class sizes, so students get to know each other very well during their time with us. We also run community building and social events to build connections within our student body and help you develop both friendships to last a lifetime and a whole host of other transitional skills.

Each module will have several assessments that you need to complete throughout the year. These assessments will support you in developing a range of skills including essay writing, report writing, presentations, test skills, exam skills, referencing.

If you successfully pass all four modules, you will be able to progress to study a related degree.

Support outside of the department

We know the transition to university can be challenging, many students may be living away from home for the first time, you have to make new friends and you have a new course to study.  The university has a range of support services to support you when times get a little tricky.  The good news, is that as an Essex Pathways student you also have access to these services which include:

• Skills for Success
• Support with mental and emotional health
• Careers services