Foundation Year for the Visually Impaired - Keele University
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Foundation Year for the Visually Impaired

 

Foundation Year for the Visually Impaired
Y001

 

Many of Keele's Dual Honours combinations and Single Honours programmes can be taken with the Foundation Year for the Visually Impaired.

The course offers

  • A chance to sample subjects at university level and university life in general before making a final choice of Honours courses
  • Opportunity to develop independence in living and studying at university for visually impaired students
  • Intensive modules which provide the requisite background for specific Honours courses for those without the necessary qualifications
  • Access for non-traditionally qualified students to a wide range of courses
  • A broad grounding in academic principles and methods

Entry Requirements

To enter the Foundation Year for the Visually Impaired, students must normally have:

  • at least 160 UCAS tariff points in full level 3 qualifications at merit level or CC at A-level or
  • the equivalent in other qualifications or
  • relevant work experience

AND

  • GCSE English Language at grade C 

AND

  • a Level 2 numeracy qualification

For progression to a numerate discipline after the Foundation Year, GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above is required.

Progression to degree courses

Many degree courses can be entered automatically after successful completion of the Foundation Year for the Visually Impaired.

How to apply

All applications must be made through the UCAS.

Students should apply for the Foundation Year for the Visually Impaired, UCAS code Y001. You can discuss your options with the Foundation Year Course Director before arriving at Keele.

Course content

All students take core skills modules in Orientation and Independent Living, Learning Skills and IT. In addition, modules are taken which are related to each of the degree subjects to be pursued in the remaining three years of the degree programme. The choice of modules is individual to each student and made in consultation with the Foundation Year Course Director.

Orientation and Independent Living
It is expected that students will already possess some skills in living and studying independently.  These two modules will provide additional training in getting around campus and developing confidence in both living and studying independently at university. Students will be required to reflect on their personal experiences and to demonstrate their learning through a competency element of the module.

Learning Skills
All students must be able to communicate efficiently and professionally, using the conventions of their disciplines, to a wide range of specialist and lay audiences. This includes writing documents, giving oral presentations, participating in seminars and interpreting the work of others. Students will take a learning skills module that will provide training in a wide range of forms of communication, laying the foundation for the skills required in future years. This module also provide opportunities for students to consider their learning process as well as relevant information and advice about the process of studying. The programme aims to look at the whole learning experience and individual approaches to studies. By the end, students will have had the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of study processes, consider strengths and weaknesses in relation to their studies, reflect on what influences their learning and consider how to make the best use of the available resources.

Information Technology
Most students take the module in Assistive IT. This is a core module for the Foundation Year programme at Keele, with use of assistive technology available to visually impaired students.

Subject Specific Modules
Students wishing to progress to certain degree programmes will be required to take designated level 3 modules. For example, students wishing to progress to the Law course will take a module in Introductory Law. Further information about required modules can be obtained from the Foundation Year Centre.

Option Modules
A range of other modules are available which provide a broad coverage of a particular subject area. If students have a free choice of modules available after satisfying the relevant prerequisites for their degree courses, then they can choose one or more of these modules to broaden their general knowledge or pursue specific interests.

Further Information

For further information, please contact:

Ms Barbara Western
Foundation Year Course Director
Foundation Year Centre
Keele University
Staffordshire ST5 5BG

Tel: 01782 733509
Email: b.c.western@keele.ac.uk