Foundation leading to BA/BSc Social Sciences 

Course Overview

This course is intended to cater for those who aspire to enrol on a social science-based Higher National Diploma or Honours degree programme within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences or the School of Education at Cardiff Metropolitan University. It is designed for those who have not achieved the required number of A-level points or for those who have studied A-level subjects (or their equivalent) in areas that do not provide the necessary background within the scientific disciplines required for the chosen programme.

Course Content

The course will, therefore, form an integral part of certain Honours degree programmes delivered within the Cardiff School of Health Sciences or Education and mean that the relevant full-time Honours degree course will take one extra year to complete.

This course is also intended to widen access and participation for 'return to learning' students who wish to embark upon an Honours degree programme.

The course will develop your confidence and competence in acquiring the study skills required to embark upon a social science-based Honours degree, whilst introducing you to a basic bank of knowledge on which you can build, either by the process of self-study or in further programmes of directed study.

The course is modular in structure comprising a set of core modules, combined with a set of further modules specific to your chosen pathway of study.

Core Modules in: 

  • Key Skills in Social Sciences (Numeracy, Research, IT & Study Skills) [40 credits]*

Plus

Programme specific modules for Foundation leading to BA/BSc Social Sciences, worth 40 credits, covering:

  • Introducing the Social Sciences 1 (Psychology) [10 credits]*
  • Introducing the Social Sciences 2 (Youth & Community Work) [10 credits]*
  • Introducing the Social Sciences 3 & 4 (Sociology / Care Work) [20 credits]*

Additionally there is a module entitled "Exploring the Social Sciences" (40 credits) which includes the completion of an independent study in an area related to your chosen progression pathway.

For part timers, all modules marked * are completed in the first year with the remaining modules being completed in the second year; for full timers, all modules are completed within one academic year.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally have five GCSEs including Mathematics, English Language or Welsh First Language plus one of the following:

  • 80 points from at least 2 A-Level qualifications or their equivalent at an appropriate standard for entry into Higher Education at Level 4, but in subject areas which fail to meet the entry requirements for their intended undergraduate degree programme.
  • 80 points from at least 2 A-Level qualifications or their equivalent in subject areas relevant for their intended undergraduate degree programme, but at a standard which fails to meet the entry requirements to Higher Education at Level 4.
  • Prospective students who do not meet the above criteria will be considered on an individual basis and may be called for interview.

For specific information on entry requirements, please refer to the UCAS website.

Key Facts

UCAS Code(s):
The Social Sciences pathway operates as a Year Zero (Level 3) to the following courses and the UCAS code for your chosen course, shown below, should be used on your UCAS application:

115L: HND Health & Social Care

X390: BA (Hons) Youth & Community Work
L510: BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care
C801: BSc (Hons) Psychology

The course may also be considered for entry to other courses within the university. This can be agreed in advance with the relevant Programme Directors of those courses.

Campus: Llandaff

School: Cardiff School of Health Sciences

Course Length: One year full-time or two years part-time

Assessment:
Modules are assessed using a balanced approach of end of module examinations, short tests and assignment coursework.

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at http://www.ucas.com/. Part-time applications should be made direct to the university.

For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

Selection Procedure:
Selection is normally made on the basis your UCAS application. In certain circumstances, applicants may, at the discretion of the programme leader, be requested to attend for interview.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Bursaries & Scholarships:
The university also offers a bursary and scholarship scheme to help students whilst at university. To see if you are eligible, visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships.

Contact Us

For general enquiries please contact the Student Recruitment Team on 029 2041 6044 or email courses@cardiffmet.ac.uk

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Dr Annette Daly:
Email: apdaly@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2041 7011

Come and see us
If you’d like to find out more, then why not come and see us at one of our undergraduate Open Days. To book a place, click here.

See Also:
Cardiff School of Health Sciences Website