Cert Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences
2024 entry
Course summary
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 or social sciences. 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.
This course is only open to UK students. If you are an international student, see our International Foundation Programme.
On successful completion of the course, you can progress to a degree in an arts or social sciences subject at Bristol, providing you meet any additional course-specific entry requirements.
The foundation year has two ‘pathways’, which each lead to a different group of degree programmes:
- Arts and Humanities pathway;
- Social Sciences 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.
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 pathway 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.
Course structure
Arts and Humanities pathway
You will take four or five compulsory units and choose one optional unit. From this pathway, you can progress to an Arts, Humanities or Modern Languages degree in the Faculty of Arts.
Social Sciences pathway
You will take four or five compulsory units and choose one optional unit. From this pathway, you can progress to a degree in: Education, Policy Studies, Sociology, Politics and International Studies, Law, or Management.
Please visit the Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences webpages for further information about each pathway.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. Each application will be judged on its own merits. We are looking for applicants who are highly motivated to study on the Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences course and who have the potential to succeed in university study and beyond.
If we receive a high number of applications, priority may be given to applicants without prior experience of higher education and/or who do not hold a qualification at QCA-level 3 (for example A-levels or an Access to HE Diploma) and/or to applicants from one or more of the University's widening participation categories.
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Foundation in Arts and Social Sciences can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2024 entry. The statement for 2025 entry will be available in summer 2024.