Oxford Humanities Foundation Year
The Oxford Humanities Foundation Year is a free, one-year intensive programme for UK-based students interested in Classics, English, History, or Theology & Religion, but who may not meet the standard entry requirements.
The course is designed to bridge learning gaps by developing study skills, strengthening subject knowledge, and building academic confidence. On completion, students receive a Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) and, if the required standard is met, progress automatically to an Oxford undergraduate degree—without reapplying.
The programme begins with a broad introduction to the Humanities before focusing on your chosen subject. Students also have the option to study a language or mathematics course. In addition, the Preparation for Undergraduate Studies module equips learners with essential skills in:
- Academic writing
- Communication and debate
- Cultural awareness and mentoring
This Foundation Year provides both the knowledge and confidence needed to thrive at Oxford or any leading university.
Course overview
- UCAS code: See course options
- Entrance requirements: BBB
- Course duration: 4/5 years (BA)
Application deadline
- 29 January 2025
Subject requirements
- Required subjects: B in your most relevant subject
- Recommended subjects: Not applicable
- Helpful subjects: Not applicable
Interviews
- March 2025
Written work
- You may be asked to submit a piece of written work.
Admissions statistics
- Places for Astrophoria Foundation Year: Up to 50
- Places for Humanities Foundation: Up to 18
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
A typical week
During the Oxford Humanities Foundation Year, students take part in a variety of academic activities designed to prepare them for undergraduate study. On average, you will attend around five hours of weekly classes, supported by regular tutorials with Oxford tutors who provide feedback, guidance, and academic development. Independent learning plays a central role, with students expected to conduct research and write essays—typically one every two weeks.
Your time is divided between two key areas:
- Subject-focused study within your chosen Humanities discipline.
- The Preparation for Undergraduate Studies course, which develops essential skills for university success.
Each term includes modules directly linked to your future undergraduate pathway. In the final term, you will complete an extended essay project, giving you the opportunity to deepen subject knowledge, demonstrate independent thought, and refine research skills.
Students may also choose to enhance their learning with an additional language or mathematics course, depending on academic goals.
The programme blends different teaching formats for a well-rounded experience:
- Tutorials: Small groups (usually two students and a tutor) for personalised learning.
- Classes: Typically four students per group, with up to 18 in larger sessions.
- Lectures: Delivered to the full Foundation Year cohort of up to 50 students.
Most teaching is provided by expert Oxford tutors, with additional academic support from postgraduate teachers in some cases.
This structured combination of tutorials, classes, and lectures ensures students develop the academic skills, independence, and confidence needed to succeed in their Oxford degree and beyond.
Course Structure
The Oxford Humanities Foundation Year is organised into three academic terms, each with a set of courses and assessments designed to gradually build your knowledge, skills, and confidence for undergraduate study.
Year 1
Courses:
- Foundations in Humanities 1: Fame
- Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (covering General Academic Skills, Communication Skills, and Society & Culture)
Assessment:
Coursework consisting of four essays, which help you practice academic writing, argument development, and research skills.
Year 2
Courses:
- Foundations in Humanities 2: Inequalities
- Methods in Humanities (options will depend on your intended undergraduate degree)
- Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (continuing to build general skills, communication skills, and cultural awareness)
Assessment:
Assessment methods will vary depending on your chosen Humanities pathway, but typically include:
- Written examinations to test your knowledge and critical understanding.
- Coursework, such as a portfolio of essays, oral presentations, and critical commentaries on texts or images.
Year 3
Courses:
- Subject-specific options (you will choose from around 20 modules related to your intended degree pathway)
- Extended Essay (an in-depth independent research project)
- Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (continuing development of core academic and communication skills)
Assessment:
Like in Term 2, assessments vary by subject, but are likely to include:
- Written examinations to demonstrate subject knowledge and analysis.
- Coursework, with a major focus on the Extended Essay—a 5,000-word independent research project that allows you to explore a chosen subject in depth and showcase your ability to study at undergraduate level.
- ✨ This structure ensures a gradual progression: starting with core Humanities foundations, then moving into subject-specific study, and finally culminating in independent research and degree-related preparation.
Academic Requirements
To be considered for the Astrophoria Oxford Humanities Foundation Year, applicants need to meet specific academic entry requirements. These requirements are set to ensure you have the necessary background knowledge and skills, while also recognising a wide range of qualifications.
Accepted Qualifications and Minimum Grades:
- A-levels: BBB
- Scottish Advanced Highers: BB or BBC
- International Baccalaureate (IB): 35 points (including core points) with grades of 555 at Higher Level. You must also achieve at least a 5 at Higher Level in the subject most relevant to your chosen course.
- BTECs:
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma: MMM
- Level 3 National Diploma: MM plus a grade B at A-level
- Level 3 National Subsidiary Diploma: M plus BB at A-level
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: Completion of the diploma with all Level 3 credits at Merit, plus B grades in any A-levels taken.
- Other equivalent qualifications: Oxford also considers a wide range of UK and international qualifications.
Wherever possible, your academic results will be considered in the context of your personal and educational background. Oxford uses contextual data to fairly assess achievements, recognising that students may have faced different challenges and opportunities.
If you are eligible for the Astrophoria Foundation Year, you may apply for this course if your predicted or achieved grades:
- Do not meet the standard entry requirements for an Oxford undergraduate course, but
- Do meet or exceed the entry requirements for the Foundation Year.
Subject Requirements
- Essential: Candidates should normally have studied their chosen degree subject at A-level, Advanced Higher, Higher Level in the IB, or an equivalent qualification.
- Exceptions: For Theology and some Classics options, applicants may instead present an essay-based subject at the required level (rather than the subject itself).
✨ In short, the Foundation Year is designed for students who have strong academic potential but may not yet meet Oxford’s usual undergraduate entry grades.
Applying
All applications for the Oxford Humanities Foundation Year must be made through UCAS.
The application deadline is January 2025, which is later than the October 2024 deadline for standard undergraduate courses. This later deadline allows additional time for Foundation Year applicants to prepare.
Written Work
As part of the admissions process, some applicants may be asked to submit a piece of recent written work.
- This should usually be an analytical discussion of a topic related to the subject you want to study.
- The aim is to demonstrate your ability to think critically, develop arguments, and express ideas clearly.
- You will be contacted directly if written work is required in your application.
Admissions Process
The Foundation Year admissions process is broken down into clear steps with specific dates:
Date | Step |
Now | Make sure you are on track to meet the academic entry requirements listed earlier. |
September 2024 | Check that you meet the eligibility criteria for applying. |
January 2025 | Submit your UCAS application. Be sure to apply for your chosen degree course with the Foundation Year option (for example, Theology with Foundation Year). |
February 2025 | Complete and submit the Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ). |
March 2025 | Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. |
April 2025 | Oxford will send offers to successful applicants. |
May 2025 | Applicants must respond to offers and confirm their decision. |
Eligibility Criteria
Admission to Oxford Humanities Foundation Year Astrophoria is based not only on academic suitability but also on whether applicants meet certain eligibility criteria linked to socio-economic and educational disadvantage.
The programme is designed to address the educational attainment gap experienced by students who have faced barriers to learning due to their background or circumstances. By providing tailored support, the Foundation Year helps these students successfully prepare for their chosen undergraduate degree.
Key Points:
- Academic Offers:
The Foundation Year makes offers based specifically on the one year of intensive study. These offers are carefully adjusted to recognise and account for any educational disruption students may have experienced. - Target Group:
The programme is currently open to:- Students who attend or attended a UK state school
- Students who are ordinarily resident in the UK (with home fees status)
- Students who meet both the academic entry requirements and the eligibility criteria
- Purpose:
The Foundation Year provides a structured academic pathway that helps students strengthen their skills, knowledge, and confidence before moving on to full undergraduate study.
Evidence of Eligibility
During the application process, applicants must provide evidence showing that they meet the eligibility requirements. This is done through the:
- Foundation Year Additional Application Questionnaire (FYAAQ), which will be made available on the Foundation Year webpages.
- A full guide will also be provided to help applicants complete the questionnaire accurately and confidently.
Checking Your Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the Astrophoria Foundation Year are currently under review. Any updates will be published before applications open again in September 2024.
To apply, you must:
- Be a state school educated student
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK (with home fees status)
- And usually either:
- Meet the requirements in Categories 1, 2, and 3, or
Meet the requirement in Category 4
Category 1: Socio-Economic Indicators
You must meet at least one of the following:
- Your home postcode falls within POLAR4 Quintile 1 (areas with the lowest progression to higher education).
- Your home postcode falls into ACORN Category 4, 5, or 6 (areas identified as facing socio-economic disadvantage).
- You have been eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years (also called Ever 6 FSM).
Category 2: School/College Characteristics
You must meet the following:
- You attended non-selective, state-funded UK secondary schools/colleges for your compulsory education (usually ages 11–18).
Category 3: Individual Experience
You must meet at least one of the following, which indicate socio-economic disadvantage or significant disruption to education:
- Eligible for FSM in the last six years (Ever 6 FSM)
- Refugee status or humanitarian protection
- On a child in need register or with a child protection plan
- Having significant care responsibilities over a sustained period
- Experiencing pregnancy or parental responsibilities while in education
- A medical or health condition leading to long absences from school/college (more than six months)
- Being from a Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman, or Boater background
- Child of a military family
- Being a service leaver or veteran
- Coming from a household with an income below £25,000
- Experiencing bereavement of a close family member during secondary education
- Being an estranged student (no contact with family)
- Becoming homeless while in education
- Having experienced over one year out of education during secondary school or college
- Receiving a late diagnosis of Special Educational Needs (within the past two years)
Category 4: Care Experience
If you meet this category, you are automatically eligible.
- You have spent any length of time in local authority care and attended UK state schools.
Applicants with care experience do not need to meet Categories 1, 2, or 3. However, they may still provide information in those categories so that Oxford has a full understanding of their educational background and experiences.
Further Details
For a full explanation of the eligibility criteria and how they are verified:
- You can view the 2024 Eligibility Guide for Applicants, which provides detailed information for the 2024 entry.
- A new 2025 Eligibility Guide for Applicants will be published once the criteria have been reviewed. This guide will be available before applications open in September 2024, ensuring that applicants have up-to-date information before submitting.
Fees and Funding for the Foundation Year
One of the key benefits of Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year is that it is completely free of charge.
- No tuition fees are required.
- Accommodation costs are fully covered by the University of Oxford.
- In addition, students receive a bursary to help with everyday living costs.
Because of this generous financial support, most students will not need to take out student finance during their Foundation Year. However, if you progress onto an undergraduate degree after completing the Foundation Year, you will need to apply for student finance at that stage.
Some students may be encouraged to apply for a student loan of £0 during their Foundation Year. This arrangement allows them to access additional financial support, such as the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), without having to reapply once they begin their undergraduate degree. Applicants who may qualify for the DSA will be contacted directly by the Foundation Year Team to discuss the process.
Fees and Funding for the Undergraduate Course
If you continue your studies at Oxford by progressing onto a full undergraduate degree, the standard rules on tuition fees and living costs will apply. In most cases, these costs are covered through the UK student loan system.
For detailed and up-to-date information about undergraduate fees, living expenses, and funding opportunities, you can visit:
- The undergraduate course pages (for subject-specific details)
- The University’s fees and funding webpages
College Life
Oxford’s colleges are central to its identity and are a key part of what makes the University one of the best in the world.
At Oxford, every student is a member of both:
- Their college (a smaller academic community), and
- Their subject department(s) within the wider University.
This dual membership gives you the best of both worlds: the resources and reputation of a world-class university, combined with the close-knit support of a smaller, friendly college community.
Accommodation
- All Foundation Year students and first-year undergraduates are guaranteed college accommodation. This is usually on the main college site or in a nearby annexe.
- Living alongside other freshers means you will be surrounded by fellow students who are also new to Oxford.
- Accommodation is organised for you before you arrive, so you don’t need to worry about arranging housing in advance.
Beyond the first year:
- All colleges guarantee at least one additional year of accommodation, and some can provide housing for your entire degree.
- You may choose to continue living in college or arrange your own housing after the first year—for example, sharing with friends from other colleges.
Support in Colleges
Colleges are more than just a place to live and study—they provide strong academic and personal support:
- Academic tutors focus mainly on your academic development, but you can also turn to them for advice on other matters.
- Welfare officers and support staff are available to help with practical, personal, or health-related concerns.
- Student support networks are strong. Many current students mentor or support newer students, sometimes as part of a college “family” system, or as peer supporters trained by the University’s Counselling Service.