Social Sciences Foundation

Starting September 2016 | Full-time (1 Year) | City Campus

***Course is subject to validation***

Are you looking to develop a global understanding of society, social dynamics and modern life, skills in research and analysis, and strong decision-making skills?

This foundation year will prepare you for degree level study in a range of social science subjects, introducing you to research theory and practice and giving you the tools to engage with contemporary debates.Additionally, social science enterprise activity, which is at the centre of this programme, will allow you to gain an insight into the wider value and use of social science knowledge and skills.

Through engaging with real world issues, you’ll be prepared for the critical thinking, and communication and transferable skills you need for further study or to enhance your employment prospects.

On successfully completing the foundation year you will qualify to join any of the following degrees:

BSc (Hons) Criminology
BSc (Hons) Sociology
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics
BA (Hons) History and Politics
BA (Hons) Media and Journalism
BA (Hons) Journalism and English Literature
BA (Hons) Mass Communication
BA (Hons) Mass Communication with Advertising
BA (Hons) Mass Communication with Public Relations
BA (Hons) Mass Communication with Business

Learn from the best

Draw on the expertise of our vibrant and dynamic academic team who combine high quality teaching with first class support and strong backgrounds in research led teaching. You will learn from enthusiastic and well-published teachers and researchers from across the UK and Europe.

You’ll be supported to develop the skills to plan, manage and review your work and be offered pastoral support to help with any issues that may impact on your studies.

Teaching and assessment

This course is designed to promote research-rich learning and to be responsive to your needs. You will study core modules aimed at developing your understanding of theory and practice, enabling you to engage with contemporary debates.

You will learn how research is carried out and explore different methodologies within social science disciplines, including collecting and analysing data.

Your tutors will use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, small-group discussions and individual tutorials. These will be supported by regular feedback and consultation during which you can discuss your progress with a personal tutor and ask further questions. We make sure that extensive feedback from tutors and peers is built into the course.

Assessments are designed to support and promote your learning, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you gain.

Learning Environment

You will be part of an exciting, vibrant and dynamic department which has received continued praise for the quality of teaching and learning experience, student support and engagement and the research rich environment it offers students. Our academic team are actively involved in the ‘real issues’ that face the community through their research.

As well as traditional lectures and seminars, we use a range of technology to enhance your learning including Blackboard, TurnitinUK and electronic reading lists. The teaching team are also keen to pioneer new approaches to engage you via smartphones and associated apps and via social media.

Research rich learning

Research excellence is embedded into our teaching. All core modules are designed to develop your understanding of theory and research methods.

As you progress through the course you will learn how to conduct research, critically assess the work of others, investigate and solve problems and to translate findings into intellectual questions and arguments.

Career edge

We place a real emphasis on developing the transferable skills that will open doors to a range of advanced study opportunities and careers. You will develop writing, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, quantitative and qualitative research skills, as well as the ability to work individually and in groups.

Your future

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to transition smoothly to an undergraduate degree course. Having experienced the various sub-disciplines within Social Sciences, you will be more confident about choosing the best course for you in Criminology, Sociology or Politics.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have strong employability as a result of having acquired the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical.

Entry Requirements

Compulsory Requirements

A good GCSE profile is expected including Maths and English Language at minimum grade C or equivalent

Plus one of the following:

GCE and VCE Advanced Level:
200 UCAS tariff points
Edexcel/BTEC National:
Merit, Merit, Pass.
Scottish Highers:
CCCC at Higher level, BC at Advanced Higher.
Irish Highers:
CCCCC
IB Diploma:
25 points
Other QAA-recognised access programme:
Full Access Award. Some units to be achieved at Merit.
International/English Language Requirements:
International applicants are required to have one of the following English language qualifications with grades as shown below.
- A British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 5.5
- Pearson Academic score of 54 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 51
The University also accepts many other English language qualifications and if you have any questions about our English Language requirements please contact the International Admissions Office and we will be glad to assist you.

(Direct entry to the final year of this programme requires students to have IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.