Mathematics (with a Foundation Year) Lancaster University

Our UK Foundation Years offer the opportunity for Home students who don’t meet our standard entry grades to prepare for a STEM degree at Lancaster University.

You’ll study your Foundation Year at the Lancaster University School of Mathematics, based at our delivery partner, Cardinal Newman College in Preston. However, with accommodation on Lancaster University’s campus and access to all our facilities, you’ll still be fully involved in university life.

Our Foundation Years will follow the same semester dates as Lancaster University, with taught sessions taking place at Cardinal Newman College on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays will not carry any formal teaching hours, but might be utilised for project or practical work on site at Lancaster University or remotely.

The teaching day will run from 10am to 4pm, with free transport from our Lancaster campus to Cardinal Newman College provided four days a week during term time. Foundation Year students travel from the Lancaster University campus to the Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM), located at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, four days a week during their first year. After successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress onto their chosen degree pathway with all study then taking place on the Lancaster University campus.

A free coach service is provided for students, departing from the Lancaster campus and travelling directly to LUSoM. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes each way.

Students travel independently (unsupervised) on this service, similar to how many university students commute to placements or partner institutions. The coach is organised specifically for Lancaster students attending LUSoM, making the journey straightforward and reliable.

Timetables and pick-up details are shared with students at the start of the academic year so they can plan their day easily.

Timetabled sessions for Foundation Year students will be structured to incorporate elements of university-style learning, to include a combination of taught sessions, group work, problem-based learning and project work.

You will study three modules linked to your chosen degree during the year. Your timetable will include a combination of compulsory and optional STEM based modules, which will reflect your chosen degree pathway.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

CCC. This should include Mathematics and one other science from: Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to meet the subject requirements.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

Only accepted alongside A levels in relevant subjects

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade C plus BTEC(s) at MM, or A levels at grade CC plus BTEC at M, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements.

International Baccalaureate

26 points overall with 14 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 4 in Mathematics HL, and 4 in either HL Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Only accepted alongside A levels in relevant subjects

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.