Foundation Courses for Adults: Your Pathway to Success

Are you eager to pursue higher education, but lack the qualifications or UCAS points required for university entry? 

Don't worry, foundation degrees offer a pathway to university for adults in similar situations.

Foundation degrees provide a blend of academic study and practical skills training, empowering students to gain valuable knowledge and experience in their chosen field. 

In this blog, we'll explore the diverse range of foundation degrees available, their entry requirements, further education opportunities and the exciting career opportunities they can lead to.

What foundation degree subjects are available?

Here at UCEN Manchester, we have many exciting foundation degrees available! Explore them all below to find the most suitable one for you and your career goals. 

Business Management

A business management foundation degree teaches basic concepts in areas like finance, marketing, and how organisations work. Students learn about topics such as managing money, making business plans, and working with people. 

This helps them gain skills like decision-making and teamwork, setting them up for jobs in different industries or for further study in business management.

If you're interested in understanding how businesses operate and developing skills in finance, marketing, and management, this course is the ideal choice for you.

Entry requirements

Applicants are advised to have achieved grades A*-C or 9-4 in GCSE English Language and mathematics. Additionally, a minimum of 64 UCAS points in a related subject area are required.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue an undergraduate degree in:

• Finance
• Business management
• Marketing
• Human resource management
• International Business

Career prospects

Future careers in the business management industry include, but aren’t limited to:

• Administrative Assistant
• Customer Service Representative
• Junior Business Analyst
• Retail Supervisor
• Marketing Assistant
• Human Resources Assistant
• Office Manager

Cyber Security (Defensive Threat Detection)

A cyber security foundation degree provides students with essential knowledge and skills in protecting digital systems and data from cyber threats. Students learn about topics such as network security, encryption techniques, incident response, and ethical hacking. 

If you have an interest in technology and computing, you’ll find this course is suitable for you.

Entry requirements

Applicants are encouraged to have achieved grades A*-C or level 9-4 in GCSE English Language and mathematics. Additionally, a minimum of 64 UCAS points are required.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

• Computer science
• Cyber security
• Computing

Career prospects

Future careers upon completing a Cyber Security foundation degree include, but aren’t limited to:

• Cyber Security Analyst
• Information Security Officer
• Network Security Engineer
• Security Consultant
• Penetration Tester
• Security Operations Centre (SOC) Aaalyst
• Digital Forensics Investigator

Software Development

During a software development foundation degree, students will learn all about developing software applications. Students learn programming languages, software development methodologies, and problem-solving techniques. 

If you’re passionate about technology and eager to pursue a career in software development, you’ll enjoy this degree!

Entry requirements:

Applicants are encouraged to have achieved grades A*-C or 9-4 in GCSE English Language and mathematics. Additionally, a minimum of 64 UCAS points are required.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

• Computer science
• Software engineering
• Information technology
• Computer programming
• Web development

Career prospects

Future careers in the software development industry include, but aren’t limited to:

• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Mobile App Developer
• Software Tester
• Database Administrator
• IT Support Analyst
• Computer Programmer

Criminology and Criminal Justice

A criminology and criminal justice foundation degree provides students with a beginner’s understanding of the criminal justice system, crime prevention, and theories of crime and deviance. Students get the chance to learn about topics such as criminal law, policing, corrections and social justice. 

This degree is perfect for those who are passionate about understanding and addressing issues related to crime, law enforcement, and social inequality within society.

Entry requirements

Level 3 qualification or equivalent in a related subject for example Criminology, Social Sciences, Public Services, A Levels etc.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Forensic psychology
• Law
• Policing Studies

Career prospects

Future careers in the criminology and criminal justice industry include, but aren’t limited to:

• Police Officer
• Probation Officer
• Prison Officer
• Victim Support Worker
• Community Safety Officer
• Crime Analyst
• Lawyer

Childhood and Youth Studies

A childhood and youth studies foundation degree offers students a general understanding of child development, education, social policies and issues affecting children and young people. Students explore topics such as developmental psychology, educational theories, safeguarding and youth participation - basically, everything about childhood!

If you want the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with children, young people, and families, this course is perfect for you.

Entry requirements

• Diploma in Childcare, CACHE, BTEC, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification.
• 64 UCAS points obtained from a relevant full Level 3 diploma in the subject area.
• GCSE English Language and mathematics grades A* to C, or 9 to 4.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

• Psychology
• Social work
• Education studies
• Youth work
• Family support
• Childhood studies

Career prospects:

Future careers in the childhood and youth industry include, but aren’t limited to:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Youth Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Play Therapist
• Primary School Teaching Assistant
• Social Services Assistant
• Community Outreach Worker

Professional Practice in Health and Social Care

During a professional practice in health and social care foundation degree, students will learn about:

• Healthcare systems
• Social care policies
• Professional practices
• Health promotion
• Patient care
• Ethics
• Safeguarding vulnerable individuals

This course is perfect for those who are passionate about making a difference in peoples’ lives, promoting health and well-being and addressing the complex challenges within the healthcare and social care sectors.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have obtained 48 UCAS points and must have GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills at Level 2 or equivalent.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

• Nursing
• Social work
• Healthcare management
• Public health
• Counselling
• Healthcare leadership

Career prospects

Future careers in the health and social care industry include, but aren’t limited to:

• Healthcare Assistant
• Social Care Worker
• Community Support Worker
• Care Coordinator
• Public Health Officer
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Healthcare Administrator

Make-Up Artistry

This exciting foundation degree in makeup artistry gives students the opportunity to learn makeup techniques and understand the world of skincare, beauty products, and beauty industry standards. 

Students are provided with training on makeup application for various occasions, special effects makeup, colour theory, and client consultation skills - preparing them to work with different types of clients with various needs.

If you possess a creative flair, have a passion for the beauty and cosmetics industry, and aspire to enhance people's appearances while boosting their confidence, then this course is the perfect fit for you.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS Tariff Points are required for admission, alongside a full Level 3 qualification. If English is not the applicant's first language, they must attain an IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or its equivalent. 

Additionally, it’s highly recommended that all applicants hold GCSE English Language and mathematics grades A*-C or 9-4.

Further education prospects:

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

• Fashion and editorial Makeup
• Special effects makeup
• Beauty therapy
• Cosmetic science

Career prospects

Future careers in the makeup artistry industry include, but aren’t limited to:

• Makeup artist for film, TV, or theatre
• Freelance Makeup Artist
• Cosmetic Retail Manager
• Beauty Influencer
• Makeup artist for fashion show/ shoots
• Beauty salon owner or manager

Special Effects Make-up Artistry

During a special effects make-up artistry foundation degree, students will gain a thorough understanding of:

• Special effects techniques
• Prosthetics creation
• Mould-making
• Creature design
• Makeup application

If you possess a creative and artistic flair, coupled with a passion for makeup that extends beyond beauty, then this course could be the catalyst to begin your dream career!

Entry requirements

Applicants require 64 UCAS Tariff Points and a full Level 3 qualification. For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or its equivalent, is necessary. 

Additionally, we highly recommend that all applicants hold GCSE English Language and mathematics grades A*-C or 9-4.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

• Advanced special effects make-up techniques
• Film and television production
• Prosthetics and creature design
• Digital effects and animation
• Art and design

Career prospects

Career paths within the special effects makeup industry, include, but aren’t limited to:

• Special effects makeup artist for film, TV, or theatre
• Prosthetics Technician
• Creature Designer
• Special Effects Supervisor
• Digital Effects Artist
• Makeup department head

Sport Coaching

A sports coaching foundation degree offers students a comprehensive understanding of:

• Coaching techniques
• Sports psychology
• Athlete development
• Sports industry standards
• Coaching methodologies
• Athlete performance analysis
• Sports nutrition
• Injury prevention

Entry requirements

• 64 UCAS Tariff Points
• Level 3 qualification or equivalent in a related subject (e.g., Public Services, Health and Social Care, A Levels)
• GCSE English Language and Mathematics grades A*-C or 9-4 are strongly recommended.
• Two A Levels or a BTEC Level 3 in a related area, with an A Level in PE being advantageous.
• Vocational qualifications like the Certificate/Diploma in Personal Training with relevant work experience are welcomed.
• Recognition of prior learning/experience will be considered according to university policies.

Further education prospects

Upon completion, participants can pursue further education or qualifications in:

●    Advanced sports coaching techniques
●    Sports science
●    Strength and conditioning
●    Sports psychology
●    Physical education

Career prospects

Career paths within the sports coaching industry, include, but aren’t limited to:

●    Sports coach for professional teams or clubs
●    Athletic Development Coach
●    Sports Psychology Consultant
●    Strength and Conditioning Coach
●    PE teacher
●    Sports Development Officer

Why choose UCEN Manchester for your foundation degree in the UK?

Foundation degrees serve as an exciting way to start your undergraduate degree journey.

When considering where to study your foundation degree, UCEN Manchester stands out as an excellent choice.

At UCEN Manchester, you’ll benefit from smaller class sizes for personalised learning and more tutor interaction. Our expert tutors ensure your success with dedicated support, while our cutting-edge facilities enhance your educational journey. 

Enrol on to one of our foundation degrees now and start on your path to success!