What will I learn?

Developing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to go onto gain a thorough overview of world archaeology.,The Foundation Programme is designed for students from under-represented groups in higher education, who have the potential to achieve the standard for admission to Durham, but who, because of educational disadvantage or disruption, do not have the level of attainment or access to qualifications required for entry to a Durham University course. The Foundation Programme is delivered by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham’s Centre for Academic Development (DCAD). Each year it provides places for 100 students and supports them to progress to Level 1 study in over 33 academic subjects from every academic department in the university. The Foundation Programme supports students to develop the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level. The content focuses on developing epistemological maturity, metacognitive skills, and independent learning, becoming increasingly specialised as the course progresses. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress to the first year of their degree F400 BA Archaeology.The Foundation Programme provides 120 academic credits divided into modules, with 20 hours of taught content and 10 hours of tutorial or small group seminar support for every 15 credits. We also expect our students to engage in a further 100 hours of self-directed study (including assignments and tests) for every 15 credits they study. This is broadly in-line with the majority of academic departments across Durham University, although individual variation does exist between departments.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Concepts, Methods & Theories in Arts & Humanities Scholarship in Higher Education (Extended) Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Arts, Business and Social Sciences

Which department am I in?

Adult and Continuing Education2

Study options

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees

Information not available

Please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Durham City

Palatine Centre,

Durham,

DH1 3HP, Northern England, United Kingdom

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees

Information not available

Please check with institution

Start date

October 2026

Venue

Durham City

Palatine Centre,

Durham,

DH1 3HP, Northern England, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

GCSE requirement – All applicants must have achieved GCSE grades 4 or higher in Maths, English Language, and Science. The Foundation Programme is designed to support UK students (including those with Settled Status) from under-represented groups in Higher Education, who have been unable to achieve their academic potential, to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at Durham University. There are both specific and general eligibility criteria.Specific Eligibility Criteria for All ApplicantsAll applicants must have successful medical and criminal record checks. They must also have a demonstrable interest and involvement in the lives and development of young people.General Eligibility and Academic CriteriaAll applicants need to meet criteria to be considered: Foundation Programme: Student Eligibility for study.Please be aware that Foundation Programme places are in high demand (we usually receive 10 applications for each place we can offer) and all eligible on-time applications are considered in open competition to identify those judged to have the greatest potential to give and receive benefit from a Durham University degree course.Applicants are normally required to provide evidence in support of their applications and to participate in mandatory pre-offer assessment activities as part of the application process; these usually take place between October and March.Application DeadlinesUCAS Deadline for Equal Consideration – 29th January 2025 (18:00 UK time). Alternative qualifications Other UK qualifications EU qualifications International qualificationsInternational students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes. English language requirements Country specific information

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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