Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA

Course overview

This course is specially designed for mature students, (those who will be over 21 when starting university) who haven't normally studied at this level previously, looking to return to study and wishing to progress to a range of degrees (both full and part-time) in the social sciences, arts and humanities, or healthcare. The Preparation for Higher Education (PHE) foundation year course leads to a variety of courses from across the University, and takes place over one year part-time. Upon completion of the foundation year course, you will then usually go on to study for a further 3 years full time or 4/6 years part-time depending on length of the course you choose.

The course provides a supportive environment to help you prepare for the transition to Level 1 university study and gain the academic knowledge and study skills you’ll need to succeed.

Designed with mature students in mind, this part-time foundation year usually runs on two evenings a week - Wednesdays online and Thursdays face to face on campus. There are on campus sessions 1 Saturday every 3 weeks throughout the year, so you can study whilst balancing your other commitments.

On successful completion of the foundation year, subject to meeting the requirements of your progression, you’ll advance to year one of your chosen degree. Recent students have progressed to a variety of full-time and part-time degrees in social sciences, humanities, and healthcare.

Course details

The Preparation for Higher Education foundation year course provides an introduction to key academic skills, such as how to conduct research using the University library, how to identify relevant academic sources of information, how to read academic texts and produce a range of academic assignments.

You'll be supported to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, reflective thinking, and writing. On the course you will study two core modules and choose one optional module, which will introduce key subject-specific knowledge in either human biology or the social sciences, allowing you to gain expertise in the area of study that you wish to progress into for your undergraduate degree.

On successful completion of the foundation year, subject to meeting any progression requirements, you’ll advance to year one of your chosen degree.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Course structure

This 60 credit course consists of three 20 credit modules.

You’ll complete two 20 credit compulsory modules and one 20 credit optional module.

If you wish to progress to a healthcare degree, you’ll study the Human Biology optional module. If you wish to progress to the arts, humanities and social sciences, you’ll study the People in Society optional module.

The academic year is divided into two semester periods. You’ll complete the Information and Data Literacy module in semester one, alongside the Academic and Personal Development module, which runs across both semesters. The optional module is completed in semester 2.

Compulsory modules

Academic and Personal Development (20 credits) - This module prepares you to progress onto Year 1 of degree level study and become an independent and academic learner. This includes ensuring you have some knowledge of the social, economic, political and ethical issues inherent in contemporary society, and in relation to professional practice and development. You’ll be supported to develop critical, analytical and reflective thinking, and adopt effective strategies for learning. The module also supports the development of academic reading, writing and research skills, and how to use online and blended learning resources effectively.

Information and Data Literacy Skills (20 credits) - This module aims to further support the development of academic skills necessary for degree level study. This includes using the University Library to identify, retrieve, read, interpret and analyse academic information, including statistical information and illustrations, in books, databases, journals, research papers, and other academic publications in print and online. You’ll also be supported to produce an academic literature review and develop the technical skills to create illustrations to represent statistical information, including graphs and charts.

Optional modules (dependant on degree progression pathway)

Human Biology (20 credits) - This module introduces human biology to support healthcare students in their transition into Year 1 (Level 1) of a range of healthcare degree including: adult nursing, child nursing, midwifery, mental health nursing, and dental hygiene. The module explores how the human body works, including different molecules, cell formation and tissue production. It also explores how the main organs and systems of the human body function.

People in Society (20 credits) - This module introduces sociology through an examination of some of the key issues and institutions in contemporary society. This will include using sociological theories and perspectives to identify and examine social problems and challenge fundamental assumptions around race and identity. You’ll also explore the role of some social institutions, including the family, education and the Criminal Justice System. You’ll be supported to develop the knowledge and skills needed to conduct research within a social sciences context and produce an independent research project.

Learning and teaching

The course is delivered through a blended approach, which includes online delivery as well as face-to-face on campus learning. You’ll engage in a mix of lectures, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials. You’ll be supported to use University resources, such as the libraries and skills workshops provided on campus, as well as online tutorials. This will help build the academic skills and knowledge to progress onto a degree at the University. You’ll also learn how to ‘self-assess’ as well as gain regular development and assignment feedback from tutors.

Designed with mature students in mind, the foundation year usually runs on two evenings a week and one Saturday every three weeks, so you can study while balancing your other commitments.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a variety of different assessment methods, which are designed to support the development of your learning, as well as offer an opportunity to practice the type of assessment which will be encountered on the degree. These may include: a multiple-choice exam, a written examination, a group presentation, academic essays, a case study, a literature review, a reflective journal, and a research project.

Entry requirements

GCSE: English and maths at grade C/4 or equivalent. Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or C. Courses requiring a higher grade in GCSE maths or English may not accept Level 2 Functional Skills in its place. Alternative entry available for mature candidates who do not hold formal qualifications - detail below. Please check with the course admissions team before applying.

Other course specific tests:

If you are interested in progressing to the following degree, please note the specific requirements:

• Dental Hygiene: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language, maths and either chemistry and biology, or dual science. Level 2 Functional Skills English and maths at a Pass are accepted as equivalent to GCSE grade C/4. Applicants must also hold a Level 3 Dental Nurse qualification and 1 years post qualified experience.

Health and disclosure and barring screening

Before progressing onto healthcare courses successful applicants may also need to pass health and criminal record screening. For further details please see your relevant progression choice Course Search page.

We give priority to applicants who live permanently in the UK and meet at least two of the following:

• your permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education.
• you attended a school that achieved less than the national average of five A*-C or 9-4 passes (including English and maths) at GCSE or attainment 8 score at GCSE. We use the All England State-funded attainment 8 score, excluding applicants from selective and/or independent schools
• you grew up in public care
• the residual income of your household is less than £25,000
• you will be the first member of your immediate family (excluding older brothers or sisters or your children) to achieve a degree
• your studies have been adversely affected by circumstances in your personal, social or domestic life.

If you are a mature student or want to study part-time, the Lifelong Learning Centre offers a free, confidential, and impartial pre-entry guidance service. Our experienced staff can also talk to you about how you might meet the entry criteria and what support may be available to you.

Alternative entry

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don't have the required GCSE English and maths qualifications you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility for the Scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be a small cost associated with field trips which are part of module study.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Lifelong Learning Centre

Contact us

LLC Interdisciplinary Studies (PHE) Admissions

Email: phe@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 113 3433212

Career opportunities

On successful completion of the Preparation for Higher Education foundation year, you could progress onto a range of degree courses (both full and part-time) in the social sciences, arts, and healthcare.

Recent students have progressed onto a range of degree areas including criminology, professional studies, learning and teaching, child and family studies, sociology, and social policy, nursing and midwifery.

Graduate destinations are varied. Some of the roles our graduates have gone on to do are child and adult social work, nursing, dental therapists and hygienists, prison educators, teachers in schools, managers in the voluntary sector and drug and alcohol support coordinators. Graduates have also gone on to do post graduate study at Leeds and elsewhere.

Careers support

Study abroad and work placements

The study abroad option or the work placement opportunity may be part of the undergraduate degree you progress on to.

For more information about specific opportunities, please check the relevant course information.

The work placement opportunity may be part of the undergraduate degree you progress on to.

For more information about specific opportunities, please check the relevant course information.

Volunteering

There’s a wide range of volunteering opportunities you could get involved in, both on and off campus. Whether you’re passionate about climate change, the cultural sector or supporting vulnerable people, there are volunteering roles to support many causes. No matter how much or little time you have, there are opportunities available to fit around your studies.

Read about our one of mature student’s volunteering placement abroad.