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The University of Chester welcomes students from all walks of life.

We offer four-year degrees that include a Foundation Year for those that may not have the full entry requirements to start on a three-year degree. This includes mature students (over 21) with no traditional qualifications but with a passion for learning, self-development, and with aspirations to follow a particular career. For mature students there is no minimum requirement. We review applications on a case-by-case basis and recruit through interview, primarily assessing individuals on their life experience, and their commitment to study.

We have over 65 undergraduate degrees that include a foundation year, and have assigned these to six foundation year programme routes, with a number of modules specific to the disciplines across our faculties.

Our Foundation Years are also an excellent option for students under 21 who haven’t met the requirements for their chosen course after sitting their A Levels. We require 72 UCAS points for entry.

Student Experiences

I chose to start my studies at Chester with the Foundation Year because I did not have any A Levels or equivalent qualifications from school. What impressed me about the Foundation Studies team was their dedication to students, and the specific focus on developing skills needed for degree-level study. My concerns about fitting in soon dissipated. Students I met during the Foundation Year have remained close friends, even though we were not on the same four-year degree course. I have achieved a life-long ambition of gaining a degree, and am now studying for a Master’s at Chester. I would encourage anyone who thinks they might not have the right qualifications for a degree to talk to the Foundation Year Team.

— Dennise Shepherd, MSc Sociology of Sport and Exercise

Profile photo of Dennise
Centre for Foundation Studies
Gateway House, 86 Northgate Street
Chester
CH1 2HT
United Kingdom