WHAT did you dream of becoming when you were younger? A singer, or a race-car driver? Or maybe a lawyer, police officer, or filmmaker?If you didn’t get the grades you wanted in high school or college, it’s highly likely that you may have settled for a career that wasn’t your first choice. What you may not realise, is that you really can achieve your career goals if you follow an alternative study route. At University of Cumbria we’re huge advocates of Integrated Foundation Degrees. They offer a life-changing opportunity to achieve the career you’ve always wanted, but not been able to reach.

What is an Integrated Foundation Year?

Very simply, it’s a four-year course on which you spend the first year building up your academic skills and basic knowledge of the subject, so that you are ready to jump straight into your three-year honours degree.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

You may have missed the grades required for direct entry onto a degree, or you may be looking to embark upon a new career path, therefore have no related qualifications at all. Our Integrated Foundation Year entry requirements vary, dependant on the course (or courses) you’re interested in. You may be asked to interview, or to write a short essay to demonstrate your life and work experience.

What courses can I take through this route?

We have a range of courses that you can pursue including (but not limited to):

There are plenty more choices too,

https://ub.cumbria.ac.uk/campaigns/ify/

Is this really an option for me?

It’s up to you to take that first step, and give us a call. Matt Wardle talked to us about his experience in deciding to take an Integrated Foundation Year:

“Growing up, I didn’t really see myself as an academic. My secondary grades weren’t great, nobody in my family had attended university. I went straight from secondary school to bar and restaurant work. Eventually, I decided that I would challenge myself and push for more, I decided that I was going to study Law.” He continued, “I was reluctant at first because my understanding was that entry requirements were strict, and that without A-levels and great GCSEs, I’d have no chance. I finally made the decision to get in touch with Ann Thanaraj, Head of Law, who met me and told me that, as I didn’t have the entry requirements necessary, I could prove my ability by writing an essay and, if successful, complete a foundation year. I was given the chance to prove my ability, so I did just that.” Matt graduated in July with a First-Class degree, and now works for a solicitor as a legal adviser.

If you’d like to talk to someone about an Integrated Foundation Year call us on our Clearing Hotline on 03722 912 992 or visithttps://ub.cumbria.ac.uk/campaigns/ify/

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