This foundation programme in Social Sciences is intended to cater for those who aspire to enrol on a social science-based Higher National Diploma (HND) or Honours (Hons) degree programme at Cardiff Metropolitan University. It is designed for those who have not achieved the required number of A-level points (A2 or their equivalent) or for those who have studied A-level subjects (or their equivalent) in areas that do not provide the necessary background in the disciplines of the intended pathways (HND or degree).
This course is also intended to widen access and participation for 'return to learning' students who wish to enter higher education.
Course Content
Learning & Teaching
A variety of teaching strategies will be employed to reflect the requirements of the particular topic, the variety of student learning styles, the existence of professional experience within the group and the level and type of study required over the programme.
Approaches include lectures, small group work, practical sessions, use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), workshops, tutorials and independent learning.
This is a full-time programme and students are expected to engage through regular attendance at teaching/learning sessions and complete and assigned tasks on time. On average there are 10 hours of taught content a week. Additionally, students are expected to engage in 10 – 15 hours of self-study/independent learning each week as this will facilitate the development of their skills, knowledge and understanding as well as enable them to complete their assessments.
Student learning is supported by a personal tutor system which provides students with both academic and pastoral support.
The teaching team are all actively involved in teaching on the various pathways offered by this programme and are able to provide support and advice to students with regards the opportunities available for undergraduate study.
Assessment
Each module that undertaken is assessed in order to demonstrate, and provide evidence for, student’s academic achievement. The aim of the assessments is to ensure students have developed the skills needed for undergraduate study.
Assessments strategies include:
Examinations - These can consist of academic essays, multiple choice questions and short answer questions.
Coursework - This may include academic essays, research reports, class tests, presentations, posters, case studies, reflective assignments and portfolios.
Specific assessments for each module will be outlined in module handbooks and further supported during teaching/learning sessions.
At the beginning of the year, students will be given their assessment timetable. This will provide details as to the nature and format of the assessment along with the submission dates. More detailed information about each assessment, including marking criteria, will be available in the relevant module page on Moodle.
Assessments will be initially introduced and explained during the relevant lecture. Assessment support will be provided by the module leader with additional support available in the group tutorials.
Feedback on coursework assessments will be provided electronically with further feedback provided during taught sessions and in personal tutor meetings.
Employability, Careers & Progression to Further Study
The aim of the Foundation year is, on successful completion, to enable students to progress onto various Degree/HND programmes within the Social Sciences.
As such, this programme provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills for successful undergraduate study which will, ultimately, lead to a career in a chosen field.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Applicants should normally have five GCSEs including English Language (or Welsh First Language) and Mathematics* at grade C or above / grade 4 or above (for applicants holding newly reformed GCSEs in England) plus one of the following:
- 48 points from at least two A level qualifications or their equivalent at an appropriate standard for entry into Higher Education at Level 4, but in subject areas which fail to meet the entry requirements for their intended undergraduate degree programme.
- 48 points from at least two A level qualifications or their equivalent in subject areas relevant for their intended undergraduate degree programme, but at a standard which fails to meet the entry requirements to Higher Education at Level 4.
*For Welsh applicants sitting the reformed Mathematics GCSE, we will accept either GCSE
Mathematics or
Mathematics – Numeracy.
Prospective students who do not meet the above criteria will be considered on an individual basis and may be called for interview.
For specific information on entry requirements or if your qualification isn't listed, please either contact Admissions or refer to the
UCAS Course Search. Further information on our entry requirements, including qualifications from the EU can be found by clicking
here.
Selection Procedure:
Selection is usually on the basis of a completed UCAS application and where relevant an interview.
International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the
International pages on the website.
How to Apply: Full-time applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at www.ucas.com. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at
www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.
Mature students
A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who didn't go to university after school or college. Cardiff Met welcomes applications from mature applicants and further advice and information can be found
here.
Contact Us
For Admissions enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email
askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk
For course specific enquiries,
relating to the foundation year only, please contact the programme leader, Sarah Taylor :
Email: sjtaylor@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2041 5711