Foundation Pathways

Are you thinking about changing your career? Not been in education for a while? Do you have a dream that you wish to fulfil?  If so at BLC, we have a fantastic range of diplomas for you to choose from. The course is aimed at mature students that are 19 years or above, that do not currently have relevant Level 3 qualifications to process onto a degree.

The course then gives students the skills and qualifications to apply to the university, and progress onto their chosen career path.  If you have not been in education for a long time, we fully understand that you may be lacking in confidence. However, we have a great team that can guide you through your studies, and to help you gain a place on your undergraduate course. The support you will receive during the course helps to raise your aspirations and provide the foundation needed to further your knowledge and skills. 

We make sure that our learning environment will give you the tools to be a success and help you secure that dream career that you aspire to. There is no barrier to learning here at BLC. 

Students will be placed in one of the following pathways dependant on their choice of degree/progression route: 

• Business Pathway –

Studying Business, Psychology and Law. This has guaranteed progression to – BA Business Management (with pathways of Technology, Enterprise, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing and Supply Chain and Logistics), BA Marketing, BA Economics, BA Economics and Finance, BA Hospitality Management, BA Events Management, BA Tourism Management, BA International Business Management (with pathways of Economics, Finance, International Relations, Supply Chain and Logistics, and Business Technology).

• ICT Pathway  (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite) –

Studying Computing, Level 3 Maths and IT. This has guaranteed progression to BSc Computer Science, BSc Computer Networks or BSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Security.

• Criminology and Law Pathway –

Studying Criminology, Law and Psychology. This has guaranteed progression to LLB (Hons), BSc Criminology, LLB (Hons) with Criminology, BA (Hons) Professional Policing, BA (Hons) Professional Policing – Accelerated or BA (Hons) Policing and Investigations.

• Engineering Pathway (GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C) needed as a pre-requisite –

Studying Physics, Level 3 Maths and IT. This has guaranteed progression to BEng Mechanical Engineering, BSc Architectural and Technology Practice, BA Interior Architecture, BSc Construction Management, BSc Civil Engineering or BSc Quantity Surveying.

• Humanities and Social Science Pathway –

Studying Level 3 English, History and Sociology. This has guaranteed progression to BA English, BA History, BA Creative Writing and Publishing, BA Sociology or BA Global Affairs and Politics.

• Psychology Pathway –

Studying Psychology, Sociology and Criminology. This has guaranteed progression to BSc Psychology, BSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Principles and Practices or BSc Forensic and Criminal Psychology.

• Science Pathway – GCSE Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite –

Studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This has guaranteed progression to BSc Biology, BSc Forensic Science (with pathways), BSc Human Biology, BSc Environmental Sustainability, BSc Zoology. 

• Sports Pathway – (GCSE English or Maths 9-4/A-C needed as a pre-requisite)–

Studying Biology, Psychology and IT. This has guaranteed progression to BSc Sport and Exercise Science, BA Sport and Education, BA Sports Coaching and Development, BSc Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation, BSc Performance Analysis and Coaching Science, BSc Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health.

Plus additional Academic Skills will be studied:

English Level 2 – if you do not already hold GCSE A-C (9-4) English 

Maths Level 2 – if you do not already hold GCSE A-C (9-4) Maths 

Foundation Pathways programme Certificate

The students’ choice of degree/progression route depending on what they study.

You will be assessed through a range of different assessments that include essay writing, presentations, writing and academic posters. Assessments are explained within each unit and support is offered to scaffold your progress throughout the course. These are all designed to apply the knowledge, skills and behaviours from sessions (and wider reading/experiences) into areas of interest within education.  

For the Computing, Engineering and Science pathways you will need evidence of GCSE A-C (9-4) Maths.

For the Sports pathway, you will need evidence of either GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language or Maths.

For Business, Humanities and Social Science, Psychology or the Law and Criminology pathways we would prefer applicants to hold GCSE A-C (9-4) English Language and Maths or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths. If you do not already hold these qualifications you will be required to take a literacy and numeracy assessment before we can offer you a place to check your suitability for the course.