Foundation year at Keele

Studying a foundation year – for whatever reason – offers an alternative route to Keele, a highly-rated university, and provides a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree. That extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge and, perhaps most important of all, build your confidence. 

View the Foundation Year a-z's >

Who studies a foundation year?

There are lots of valid reasons why you may be considering a Keele Foundation Year. If you:

  • Don’t have the grades for direct entry at degree level;
  • Are returning to education following a break;
  • Are returning to education as a mature student;
  • Wish to study a new subject you have no prior knowledge of; or are
  • Simply unsure about whether to commit to three years of full-time study and want to get a feel for what university study and life might be like upfront

Why study a foundation year at Keele?

Consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, we have over 70 years’ experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you’ll study on campus, joining our community from the outset and being taught by our own academics. There are many benefits to studying a foundation year including:

  • The Foundation Year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all *science, humanities, social sciences and business routes. 
  • On meeting the progression requirements of the Foundation Year you will earn a guaranteed place on your chosen degree course of choice at Keele.
  • Excellent preparation for degree-level study and success – you’ll learn the academic and personal skills to help you settle in quickly.
  • You’ll be fully integrated into university life and the student community from day one.
  • For international students, a foundation year will familiarise you with UK culture, our style of education and help you meet the UK qualification levels required to enrol on your desired degree.
  • You’ll receive support from your academic mentor, teaching team and wider University, who will all do their best to ensure you reach your full potential.
  • You’ll experience our beautiful 600-acre campus with its excellent facilities and resources.

*We do not offer a January intake for the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related Foundation Year degrees.

Catherine Dorrian - Student Life Talk

Facts and figures