This course is subject to change for 2026 entry. Full details will be advertised here, and on our webpages before September 1st 2025.
The Foundation Programme is designed for students from under-represented groups in higher education, who have the potential to achieve but who, because of educational disadvantage or disruption, do not have the level of attainment or access to qualifications required for standard entry to a Durham University course. Please note there are eligibility criteria.
What we do Our Foundation Programmes are delivered by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham’s Centre for Academic Development. Each year it provides places for 100 students and supports them to progress to Level 1 study in various academic subjects from most academic department in the university. The contentfocuses on developing an understanding of how knowledge isconstructed within the degree programme, metacognitive skills, and independent learning, becoming increasingly specialised as the course progresses. We support students to develop the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level.
On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress to the first year of their degree. L370 BA Criminology
Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years)
Applicants over 21 are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 4 in Maths and English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects.
Essential Criteria for Younger Applicants (under 21 years)
Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in Maths and English Language.
The Foundation Programme is designed to support UK students (including those with Settled Status) from under-represented groups in Higher Education, who have been unable to achieve their academic potential, to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at Durham University. There are both specific and general eligibility criteria.
Please be aware that Foundation Programme places are in high demand (we usually receive 10 applications for each place we can offer) and all eligible on-time applications are considered in open competition to identify those judged to have the greatest potential to give and receive benefit from a Durham University degree course.
Applicants are normally required to provide evidence in support of their applications and to participate in mandatory pre-offer assessment activities as part of the application process; these usually take place between October and March.
Application Deadlines
UCAS Deadline for Equal Consideration – 14th January 2026 (18:00 UK time).
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.
The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full-time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase expected to rise throughout the programme of study.
We have impressive graduate prospects, and strongly emphasise employability and career development. Many Durham graduates secure positions in top companies across various industries, reflecting our strong reputation among employers. Additionally, Durham’s global alumni network offers valuable connections and opportunities for recent graduates.
Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:
87%
in work or further study.
Of those in employment:
92%
in high and medium skilled employment
£30,000
is the average salary.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Foundation
Our Foundation Programme has been delivering high-quality academic preparation for undergraduate study since 1992.
Our staff, from the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), are experts in teaching foundation level courses and are engaged in a wide range of scholarship activities, adding to the body of knowledge within their respective discipline areas and in the field of learning and teaching.
In your Foundation Year (Year 0), you will study modules that add up to 120 ‘credits’, learning both core general academic skills and subject-specific content that will enable you to enter and thrive in Year 1 of your degree subject. Our courses are fully integrated elements of Durham University degree programmes and students are full members of the University, which means you become a member of a college and enjoy full access to the extensive extracurricular opportunities at the University from day one. If you successfully reach the progression standard by the end of your Year 0 you will automatically gain entry to Year 1 of your registered degree course without the need for a further UCAS application.
We are committed to making our degrees accessible and inclusive. Our programme is designed to support UK students (including those with Settled Status in the UK) from some under-represented groups in Higher Education to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at our University. If you are a talented individual, who has not been able to achieve your academic potential and is therefore unable to meet the standard direct entry offer, and you meet our entry criteria, we welcome an application from you.
Rankings
90%
of Durham courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025.
65th
in the world for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Facilities
Durham University’s departments and services are spread across the historic city. As a Foundation student, you will have access to a wide range of facilities across the University.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
L372
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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