Popular new course will put University of Leicester on the map as an institution for inclusive education

An exciting and innovative Leicester course has proven instantly popular with students from the Midlands and beyond, bucking national trends in further education.

The new College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) Foundation Year course covers academic skills, including writing and criticality, plus core concepts, such as the notion of culture, use of sources and the research cycle, and applies these to a wide range of topics within the Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE) disciplines. Students also have a series of taster seminars in each of the subject areas in the CSSAH, after which they reflect on the various transferable skills and careers opportunities with colleagues from the Careers and Employability Service. This prepares them for their undergraduate studies and their life after university.

Dr Jenny Kemp, CSSAH Foundation Year Programme Co-Director, said: “We’ve had a really positive start to the programme, with 60 students from diverse backgrounds applying to join. A few are from Leicester, including students from WQE next door, but the majority have come from across the Midlands and from London. They include students who have chosen to do the Foundation Year at Leicester, rather than accept an undergraduate offer at another university, because they want to study here.

“Aspirants who, for one reason or another, did not quite get the grades they wanted, were offered the Foundation Year through Clearing. But there are also some who have changed their minds about what they want to study, or remain uncertain. This course will give them the opportunity to reflect on their strengths and explore their options. 

“The cohort are great – highly motivated and keen to learn. It shows that Gen Z post-Millennials do see the value of SHAPE disciplines.” 

Detailing the course, Dr Sarah Graham, CSSAH Foundation Year Programme Co-Director, said: “The taster modules – Historical, Political and Legal Studies plus Languages, Culture and Society – are taught by colleagues from across the College, with every School involved in provision. There is a fantastic range of topics in these modules: students will explore big questions: Is democracy a thing of the past? Is a crime ever justified? Why are there wars? What impact is social media having on our lives? – and gain insights into the value and significance of the subjects offered in our College. 

“Developing a Foundation Year for the College has been exciting, rewarding and, at times, challenging. It has taken a huge amount of effort and commitment from everyone involved. As a programme team, we share a belief that higher education should be available to all students with potential, regardless of their educational experiences so far or the obstacles they have faced. It is brilliant to see the goal of widening access to our degrees realised this year with 60 students joining us. We are looking forward to helping them to thrive and achieve their ambitions. This will undoubtedly be the first of many great years for the programme.” 

Professor Chris Wilkins, Head of the School of Education, said: “We in the School of Education are delighted to support this innovative new programme, allowing students from a diverse range of backgrounds and previous educational experiences to explore the many opportunities that the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities offer, and to help shape their lives and careers in new and exciting ways.” 

Professor Teela Sanders, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of College for CSSAH, concluded: “I am very excited to be welcoming our first cohort of Foundation Year students into a range of subjects across Social Science, Arts and Humanities disciplines. This is a real testament to the teamwork that has brought this programme to life in a very short amount of time. We are also very pleased to be using our education programmes to focus on widening participation and living our principles of inclusion in CSSAH. I am confident our first cohort will receive first class education which will support them into the full degree and put the University on the map as an institution for inclusive education.”