Course outline and modules
The Foundation Programme in Social Sciences focuses on the skills needed to be a successful social scientist: independent study, formulating and presenting arguments, evaluating literature and interpreting data. The programme also gives you an opportunity to sample a number of different social science subjects and topics so that you can broaden your perspective and find out where your passion lies. This programme will consolidate and build upon your existing skills and knowledge to facilitate your transition to a higher education.
This programme offers you the chance to develop a solid foundation for an exciting and rewarding graduate career in the social sciences. You will get a taste for many of the subjects we offer, to help you choose which path you’d like to follow.
This programme will give you access to all of the following degrees within the School of Social Sciences and Humanities:
- BA (Hons) English Language
- BA (Hons) English Language and Literature
- BSc (Hons) English and Sociology
- BSc (Hons) History and English
- BSc (Hons) History and International Relations
- BSc (Hons) History and Politics
- BSc (Hons) International Relations and Social Policy
- BSc (Hons) International Relations and Sociology
- BSc (Hons) Politics and Social Policy
- BSc (Hons) Politics and Sociology
- BSc (Hons) Politics with International Relations
- BSc (Hons) Sociology
- BSc (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy
Exploring the world of modern politics, you will study topics including international relations and conflict resolution, learning to analyse and evaluate political events and developments.
You will also have the chance to learn about the sociology of identity and inequality, as well as conduct your own research project.
All the modules included in the course encourage you to develop skills in critical thinking, and independent study. Classes are designed to stimulate new ways of thinking and approaching topics, leaving you fully prepared to join the School of Social Sciences and Humanities on an undergraduate degree programme.
Progression Requirements:
40% in the Foundation Programme to achieve progression onto all programmes – plus prerequisite grades as per entry requirements.
Modules
- Core modules
- The World of Modern Politics
- Introduction to Data Analysis
- Identities and Inequalities
- Social Science Project
- Professional Skills
- Security Challenges in the International System
- Optional modules
- Leadership and Management
- Development Psychology
- Introduction to Accounting and Finance
- E-business
Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.
Entry requirements
Typical offers:
- A Levels
CCC minimum
- IB
27 points overall with grades 4, 4, 4 in 3 higher level subjects.
- BTEC, Access & other
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM
The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.
- T Levels
The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:
- T-Level - Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Grade M
- T-Level - Digital Production, Design and Production Grade M
- T-Level – Education and Childcare Grade M
- T-Level – Onsite Construction Grade M
- T-Level – Building Services Engineering for Construction Grade M
- T-Level – Digital Business Services Grade M
- T-Level – Digital Support Services Grade M
- T-Level – Health Grade M
- T-Level – Healthcare Science Grade M
- T-Level – Science Grade M
- Further requirements
GCSE Maths – grade C/4 minimum
GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4 minimum
- Learn more about admission to this course
View our Admissions Policy.
All applications are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed carefully, including previous and predicted qualifications, experience, reference and your motivation to study the course. Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades that fall below these entry requirements if the application is of a high standard. However, any offer made will not be lower than stated above.
*Click here for details on our Aston Ready contextual offer scheme.
Entry onto our Foundation Programme may be offered as an alternative to the degree course if lower entry grades are achieved. Aston University welcomes applications from students with a wide range of qualifications from the UK and overseas, including combinations of qualifications. If your qualifications are not listed here and you wish to check whether they meet the entry requirements for this course, please contact the university.
International students
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements.
For more information about qualifications view our Aston in your country webpage.
Learning, teaching and assessment
You will have the best of both worlds with the Foundation Programme in Social Sciences at Aston - you will receive plenty of support and guidance from your module tutors, who are also experts in their respective fields of research. You can expect to attend lectures and seminars which support your independent study. You will be assessed by a variety of methods including written coursework, exams and presentations.
Programme Director(s)
Dr Daniel Fitzpatrick
Fees and Scholarships
UK students (2023/24)
Annual tuition fees: £9,250
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as home students. Further information can be found here.
Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
More information on fees and funding
Scholarships
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here.
