Overview
Our degrees with a foundation year have been specifically designed to ensure that candidates gain the skills needed to succeed at degree level.
For students who do not meet our standard entry requirements for admission to one of our undergraduate degree courses, ARU London offers the option of a four year degree with foundation year.
Modules help to develop skills in writing assignments, mathematics, computing, public speaking and presenting, whilst developing an understanding of the modern business world. Prospective students should expect to undertake significant amounts of reading and independent study outside of the classroom (approximately 12 hours per week during term time).
This course has particular appeal for candidates who want a change in career and candidates wanting to return to education. Our innovative courses ensure that what you learn can be practically applied to the business world as well as preparing you to tackle the academic workload of a full degree course.
Structure and content
The modules studied during the foundation year are the same for most courses, except for the Health and Social Care course, which includes specialised modules.
Please select the appropriate course and click on each module to view its description.
Health & Socialcare Foundation Year
Critical Thinking and Professional Communication in Health & Social Care
- This module focuses on building students’ critical thinking skills, encouraging them to consider different perspectives in a healthcare context to become more effective listeners and communicators.
- It develops practical communication skills, such as email-writing, specifically within Health and Social Care settings.
- Topics include the importance of accurate, error-free written and verbal communication in Health & Social Care.
- Students will learn about active listening and empathy, motivational interviewing, and basic counselling skills.
- The importance of body language in professional communication is also covered.
Personal and Professional Development in Health & Social Care
- This module has a practical focus on careers in the Health and Social Care sector, aiming to raise students’ awareness and aspirations.
- Students will explore reflective practice using models such as reflective circles and Johari’s Window to assess their strengths and weaknesses and set future goals.
- Half of each session is dedicated to practical employability training within the Health and Social Care sector.
- The module addresses expectations of professionalism, including ethics and values.
- Students will also develop skills in delivering presentations and participating in groupwork.
Data Skills
- This module focuses on building students’ data skills, including numeracy applications relevant to their studies, and basic data analysis such as interpreting charts, graphs, and statistics.
- Students will study functional numerical calculations appropriate to their course, as well as basic data analysis.
- The module develops skills in applying numerical principles to solve everyday problems.
- Students will understand how data is used and applied in their field of study, and how to incorporate it into written work at university.
Research Skills
- This module builds on critical thinking skills developed in the first trimester.
- It focuses on developing practical research and academic writing skills.
- Students will learn to use digital platforms to find sources of information.
- They will develop skills in organising research, academic writing, and argumentation.
- Topics include the purpose and principles of academic research, academic writing structure and style, and accessing online databases including the digital library.
- Basic referencing is taught with opportunities to practise and refine this essential skill.
All other foundation years
Critical Thinking Skills
- This module builds students’ critical thinking skills, encouraging them to consider contemporary issues relevant to their study area from a variety of perspectives in preparation for the criticality required at university study.
- They will develop their skills in reading critically and speaking with confidence in an academic setting.
- The module focuses on understanding current affairs affecting society, as well as the roles of governments, businesses, and individuals in these issues.
- Students will explore different viewpoints, recognise bias, distinguish fact from opinion, and participate in academic and professional discussions.
Data Skills
- This module focuses on building students’ data skills, including numeracy applications relevant to their studies, and basic data analysis such as interpreting charts, graphs, and statistics.
- Students will study functional numerical calculations appropriate to their course, as well as basic data analysis.
- The module develops skills in applying numerical principles to solve everyday problems.
- Students will understand how data is used and applied in their field of study, and how to incorporate it into written work at university.
Professional Development Skills
- University study requires strong self-awareness and a professional persona.
- This module focuses on building students’ professional development skills and their ability to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses.
- Students will explore professional behaviours in their field and develop digital literacy, teamworking, and presentation skills.
- The module includes a focus on professional communication, both verbal and written.
- It also covers the ethical and critical use of artificial intelligence in professional practice.
Research Skills
- This module builds on critical thinking skills developed in the first trimester.
- It focuses on developing practical research and academic writing skills.
- Students will learn to use digital platforms to find sources of information.
- They will develop skills in organising research, academic writing, and argumentation.
- Topics include the purpose and principles of academic research, academic writing structure and style, and accessing online databases including the digital library.
- Basic referencing is taught with opportunities to practise and refine this essential skill.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at grade D, or grade 3, or above including English and maths and evidence of two years post-GCSE study at Level 3. If you have achieved at least grade E in one A level, or equivalent, you are exempt from the two year post-GCSE study requirement, but you still have to meet the GCSE requirements.
If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 5.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
We also welcome applications from mature students who can demonstrate appropriate and relevant work experience.
Teaching and assessment
Students undertake a single trimester long module called Skills for Higher Education worth the full 120 credits, which incorporates seven different subject elements, each of which requires one or more assessments.
Assessments are varied and take the form of written essays, reports, and professional correspondence, as well as tests in mathematics, debates and presentations.
The Pitch Project module is worth twice as much towards the grade awarded at the end of the year, and is assessed by a trimester-long group project ending in delivering a professional pitch. Students should expect to work on written assignments of 1000-3000 words for most modules, due in at the end of the trimester.
Timetable
All of our courses offer standard delivery:
Studying on campus 2 days a week which is Monday - Friday (10:00-17:00)
BSc International Business Managemeng with Foundation Year and BSc Health and Social Care with Foundation Year are also offered on a non standard delivery model:
Our non-standard delivery is on a Tuesday + Thursday evening (18:00 to 21:00) + Saturday (10:00 to 17:00)
Employability
In today’s tough jobs market, graduates need to stand out from the crowd to successfully secure that all important first full-time job after university. We believe your degree from ARU London will definitely enhance your employability.
- Your ARU London lecturers all have first-hand experience of business and some continue to work in business. You are therefore assured that the content of your degree will be directly relevant to the demanding, constantly evolving world of contemporary business. Furthermore, you will study business from a practical as well as from an academic perspective.
- ARU London lecturers have a wealth of contacts too and you will study alongside students from all over the world. All great for networking!
- Our student-friendly timetables will make it easier for you to secure meaningful, part-time work. Part-time work will give you valuable experience outside of the classroom and will boost your credentials with a prospective graduate employer. We are also working with a number of employers to be able to offer part-time work in conjunction with our degrees.
- During your final year there will be additional seminars with the specific objective of enhancing your future employment prospects. These will include CV workshops, interview techniques, career counselling and visits from prospective employers.