Ready to elevate your career with a Foundation Year?
Our Foundation Year is the perfect stepping stone if you’re keen to level up in your career or eyeing a change in direction but feel like traditional routes to a degree are out of reach.
Whether you’ve been busy collecting real-world experience or you didn't get the grades you expected in your college courses, our Foundation Year courses are your key to unlocking a full honours degree in the subject area you're passionate about.
Start dates and duration
Study full-time over 4 years or part-time online over 5.5 or 8 years.
Start your studies on any day of the year.
Entry requirements
GCSEs: 3 subjects at a minimum grade of 4 (C) or above, including Maths and English.
Or a minimum of 12 months professional experience.
Tuition fees and scholarships
UK residents can apply for a student tuition fee loan.
Fee reductions of up to 10% for tuition fees paid in advance if you're self-funding.
LIBF has been great. Tutor support is amazing and don’t even get me started on the study materials. 11/10, couldn’t have asked for a better experience. You can tell the tutors and student support, etc, really want you to succeed. Really couldn’t have wished for a better experience, I’ve had my expectations blown out of the water. LIBF is the way to go!
Rachel D
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
Foundation Year Courses at LIBF
Launch your journey towards a full honours degree with a Foundation Year at LIBF, designed to lead you directly into your desired undergraduate pathway. Our foundation years are the key to unlocking your academic and professional future, seamlessly transitioning you from new degree student to successful completion of an undergraduate degree.
What is a Foundation Year?
A Foundation Year is an introductory-level programme designed to prepare you for a full bachelor's degree, especially if you don't currently meet the entry requirements for our full degrees.
In your Foundation Year you'll develop skills needed for degree-level study, including study techniques, academic writing, and subject-specific knowledge, giving you the confidence to succeed in your full degree.
Successful completion of your Foundation Year allows you to progress onto your chosen degree course without delay.
What are the benefits of a Foundation Year?
Bridge the gap
Realise your dreams of achieving a full degree course no matter where you're starting from, while developing the skills to master subject knowledge and study skills.
Build a stronger foundation
Equip yourself with fundamental knowledge and skills in your first year of study, laying a solid foundation for your undergraduate degree, leading to a more confident academic journey.
Experience a smooth transition
Adjust seamlessly to academic life from your integrated Foundation Year with the benefit of an extra year to get ready for degree level study and learning online.
Enhance your skills
Develop critical academic skills, including critical thinking and time management, building your confidence and preparing you for the exciting challenges of higher education.
Get an alternative route to entry
If you don't have the right qualifications to start a full honours degree, our Foundation Year offers you an alternative pathway to your chosen degree through accessible entry requirements.
Broaden your options
With a Foundation Year, you’re exposed to a broader range of subjects than traditional A Levels offer, allowing you the freedom to study a field you're passionate about.
Who is a Foundation Year for?
Ambitious professionals
Looking for promotion or even a new career? Develop the skills and confidence to reach for your dream roles or to make that career switch possible.
Qualification seekers
Eager to pursue a degree but missing traditional entry qualifications? Our Foundation Year courses bridges that gap, making higher education accessible again.
Academic returners
Ready to dive back into studies after time away from the classroom? Re-ignite your academic ambitions with a Foundation Year structured to ease your re-entry into academic life.
Ambitious school leavers
Disappointed by school or college results but still aiming for a degree? Overcome academic hurdles with a Foundation Year that will rebuild your confidence.
Foundation Year entry requirements
Our Foundation Year entry requirements are more accessible than for our degrees, designed to accommodate your unique circumstances and make sure that the path to achieving your degree is open to you.
Option 1: Academic qualifications
GCSEs: Possess at least three GCSEs at a minimum grade of 4 (C) or above, including Maths and English.
Alternative qualifications: Hold 45 credits at Level 2 or an equivalent qualification. If your qualifications are more than three years old, we kindly request the submission of a professional CV.
A levels: Not required.
Option 2: Professional experience
If you have a minimum of 12 months of professional experience, you may be considered for entry.
Experience should be evidenced with a comprehensive CV and a reference from your employer or a professional contact.
You'll be required to submit a motivation letter that outlines your motivations for choosing the course, how it aligns with your career goals, how your work experience has prepared you for study.
English language proficiency
International students and non-native English speakers will be asked to provide proof of English language proficiency:
IELTS Level 6 or above with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent) or TOEFL with minimum 80 points.
You may be accepted if you have previously studied in English at an appropriate level and attended a recognised institution.
Why begin with a Foundation Year course at LIBF?
At LIBF, we understand that not all journeys start the same way. Our approach to Foundation Year education focuses on nurturing key skills such as communication and academic research while providing insight into your chosen degree subject. This preparation paves the way for a seamless transition to our full degrees, where your future opportunities are expanded.
With an emphasis on flexibility, our Foundation Year courses blend accessibility and quality education, ensuring you're well-prepared and confident to tackle degree-level studies. Embrace the chance to build a solid foundation for your academic and professional future with an LIBF Foundation Year.
Find a foundation courseFrequently asked questions about our Foundation Years
Contact us about our online degrees
If you have any queries about how to apply for our online degrees, or anything else, please contact our Study Advisors.
Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm UK time.
Call us
You’ll find everything you need to know about studying an online degree with us in our digital prospectus. To receive your personalised prospectus, please fill out the form below with a valid email address.
Once you've submitted the form, keep an eye on your inbox for your prospectus to arrive via email.