Modules

A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).

A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.

In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Education which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Education and English Literature and related subjects.

You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation

In Year 1, the module Studying English Literature increases your awareness of the different ways in which texts can be understood, as you develop skills in critical analysis, research and writing. You can then apply these in World Literature and Intertextuality. These skills are also valuable in Education Studies, where you are invited to explore a broad range of educational themes, concepts, contexts and experiences through the Educators module. Lastly, in the Literacies in Higher Education module, you can finetune those skills while beginning to write ‘the story of you’ at university.

In Year 2, modules such as Education: Social and Political Thought, broaden and deepen your understanding of educational principles and ideas. Next to this, you can choose from a wide range of optional modules including film, culture, technology, fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, older and modern writings. This prepares you to apply your new knowledge to real-life situations and advanced thinking in Year 3.

In your final year, you must complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, which may combine your subject areas. Alongside this, you can continue to explore your specific interests in fiction or non-fiction, prose or poetry, as well as the broad range of educational topics in philosophy, politics, disability and inclusion, early childhood, and more.

Throughout all levels, you are guaranteed to learn from passionate and committed staff who help you produce intellectually satisfying essays and presentations and encourage stimulating group discussions. What’s more, we care about your progress and wellbeing.

Graduates from this course use the many transferable skills they gain to enter educational roles within public services, business, service industries, libraries, museums and charities. They also become teachers, lecturers, journalists, actors, publishers and producers.