The Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences (CertHE) is a one-year introductory course that is designed to prepare you for an undergraduate degree in either the arts, social sciences, or economics and finance. You do not need to have any prior qualifications to apply, and you will be introduced to a range of study skills that are essential for studying these subjects at undergraduate level.

On successful completion of the course, you can progress to a degree in an arts, social sciences or economics and finance subject at Bristol, providing you meet any additional course-specific entry requirements.

The foundation year has three ‘pathways’, which each lead to a different group of degree programmes:

• Arts and Humanities pathway;
• Social Sciences pathway;
• Economics and Finance pathway.

On the Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences pathways, by examining specifically what it means to be human, now and in the past, you will explore how the society we inhabit and the culture we share have been shaped by ideas, historical events, political and social movements, and works of art.

The Economics and Finance pathway will introduce you to the analytical and quantitative tools that economists use to study some of the biggest problems faced by society today, including inequality, poverty, healthcare, and climate change. By learning how to analyse the choices made by individuals, policies made by governments, and strategies implemented by businesses, you can begin to better understand how to change the world we live in.

Students on all pathways complete an Individual Project – a piece of research on any subject, often related to the degree subject you would like to study. Students on the Social Sciences and Economics and Finance pathways also work together on a collaborative research project for the unit Global Bristol.

You do not have to commit to a pathway when you fill out the application form, but during the application process, you will be asked to indicate which pathway you prefer. You can include more than one pathway in your application if you are undecided. All the pathways share some units in common.

Applications are made directly to the University. You can find information about making an application on our how to apply page and advice about fees and funding from our Student Funding Office. If you have questions about the foundation year or the application process, please contact choosebristol-ug@bristol.ac.uk.