Undergraduate Degrees

Foundation year courses

Our foundation year programmes offer a supportive pathway into undergraduate study if you don’t currently meet the standard entry requirements for a degree. They're designed to help you strengthen your academic skills and develop subject knowledge before progressing onto your chosen course. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress onto a linked undergraduate degree.

We offer foundation year programmes across science and engineering programmes for home students, and a range of subject areas for international students.

Home/UK students International students

Mathematics students studying in a teaching and study space on Streatham Campus.

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155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026.

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Named University of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards 2025 for our commitment to widening participation.

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Dedicated wellbeing and support services covering mental health, disability, religion, childcare, and more.

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Rated Triple Gold for outstanding teaching in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Foundation courses for International students

Improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level you need to begin Year 1 of 150+ undergraduate degrees at the University of Exeter, providing you meet the academic requirements.

The Exeter International Foundation is a guaranteed route to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter, provided you complete the programme and achieve the entry requirements.

Around 60 per cent of the course is devoted to the academic modules for your subject areas of interest. Modules are flexible and can be tailored to your chosen degree. Subject areas include Business, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science,  Engineering, Humanities, Psychology and Social Sciences.

Why choose International Foundation?

  • Bridges the gap between high school and university study.
  • Modules tailored to build the academic knowledge you need for your chosen degree.
  • A wide range of progression options, including business, computer science, engineering, law and psychology.
  • Regular start dates and 2–4 term study lengths to suit different English language levels.

Find out more on our Exeter International Foundation webpage


Foundation courses for Home/UK students

Learn in a friendly, structured environment where you'll be supported academically and personally as you prepare to study an undergraduate degree. In term 1 of your Foundation Year, it is sometimes possible to transfer to a different degree pathway, depending on your attainment and previous qualifications. In the second term, you will specialise in your chosen course.

Who these courses are for

This course is open to UK-domiciled students who: