Foundation Pathways

This programme is designed for adults, over 18-years-old who may be looking for a career change, or to upskill, but do not currently have the relevant A-Levels or Level 3 qualifications to access a university degree course.

The aim of the Foundation Pathways Programme is to provide you with skills and qualifications needed to apply to university, and then progress onto your chosen career path. The pathways available are:

• Business Pathway – Academic Skills, Business, Business Communications and Law
• Computing Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Computing, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology
• Criminology and Law Pathway – Academic Skills, Law, Criminology and Advocacy
• Engineering Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Physics, Level 3 Maths, and Information Technology
• Humanities and Social Science Pathway – Academic Skills, Level 3 English, History and Sociology
• Psychology Pathway – Academic Skills, Psychology, Sociology and Criminology
• Science Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Biology of Disease and Illness, and Chemistry
• Sports Pathway (GCSE English or Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) Academic Skills, Biology, Psychology, and Information Technology​

In addition, if you do not already hold GCSE A-C (9-4), you will study Level 2 Functional Skills in English and/or Maths.

This course will be delivered face-to-face on the Derby Campus where you will have access to the University of Derby’s library and on-site facilities for Further Education students. You will learn through a combination of theory-based lectures, group-work and independent research, and investigation. In addition, BLC offers an enhanced student experience with visits from guest speakers who provide knowledge based on personal experience and offer invaluable advice on the industry.

We understand that coming back to college can be a daunting experience, but we have a great team that can guide and support you through your studies. We make sure that our learning environment will give you the tools to be a success and help you secure that dream career that you aspire to. There is no barrier to learning here at BLC.

Foundation Pathways Programme Certificate

You could progress on to your chosen degree course.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including presentations, reports, essay writing and academic posters.

You must will need to be at least 18-years-old and, depending on your chosen pathway, the following qualification requirements:

Computing, Engineering and Science pathways: GCSE A-C (9-4) Maths.

Sports pathway: GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language or Maths.

Business, Humanities and Social Science, Psychology or the Law and Criminology pathways: GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language and Maths, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths.

If you do not already hold these qualifications you will be required to take a literacy and numeracy assessment to check your suitability before we can offer you a place for the course.