The first year of this programme is spent with the Foundation Centre developing the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress to the first year of their degree programme. The Foundation Year contains a number of compulsory and discipline-specific modules. Compulsory modules are designed to develop higher level learning skills and familiarise students with studying and assessment at degree level. Discipline-specific modules help lay a foundation of knowledge that students will build upon as they progress to their chosen degree programmes.

Students successfully completing a Foundation Year course will progress directly to their chosen degree programme at Durham University. Our graduates enter a wide range of occupational areas both in the public and private sector, including science, teaching, business and finance. Durham has an excellent graduate employment record, and the skills acquired during study serve as a valuable preparation for life after university. We have been expanding the range of progression routes to other Durham degrees for Foundation Year students and provide routes into all Durham University departments.