Foundation Year

Programme structure

2025/26 academic year

The modules you will take will help build your maths and statistics skills, your organisational problem-solving skills, such as creativity, leadership and teamwork, and give you a chance to work on academic practices like research, critical thinking, and university level writing. They will also develop your knowledge on general areas of business, like marketing, operations management, accounting and finance, and help you conduct research to solve real organisational problems. 

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will follow the same course of study as direct-entry students and progress to the first year of either:

Academic Practice

Academic Practice aims to help you understand the role of University and how you can engage meaningfully with University life in order to make the most of your experience.

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Advanced Mathematics

This module is compulsory if you wish to study BSc Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year).

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Foundations of Business

By the end of the module, you will understand the nature, format, organisational structure, aims and objectives of a range of business entities.

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Intermediate Mathematics

This module is compulsory if you wish to study BSc Management (with Foundation Year).

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Statistics

You will develop statistical knowledge and skills necessary for successful subsequent degree-level study.

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Accounting & Finance

Accounting & Finance is a new module designed to provide you with an introduction to a subject which may be completely new to you.

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Business Consulting

During this module you will work in a group on a research based ‘consulting project’.

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Management of Global Risks

This module will provide you with the experience of studying a Year One module in our lecture theatres alongside a broad and diverse cohort of first year students.

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Problem Solving in Organisations

In this module we aim to equip students with the capacity to effectively communicate, solve problems and be creative and innovative in their work, learning and other daily tasks.

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Business Consulting

During this module you will work in a group on a research based ‘consulting project’.

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Problem Solving in Organisations

In this module we aim to equip you with the capacity to effectively communicate, solve problems and be creative and innovative in your work, learning and other daily tasks.

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Teaching methods

Classes are very interactive and you will be expected to participate from day one. Most modules include lectures as well as interactive activities and discussions. Learning in a small group provides you with the perfect opportunity to ask questions of the lecturers, collaborate with fellow students, and contribute to class discussions. You will be assessed in class by a range of methods including group participation and presentations. 

In addition to learning in your modules, you will receive academic writing support, be able to access a reading group, learn skills from our WBS CareersPlus team, and have the opportunity to sit in on sessions with our Year 1 students to see what to expect from your future classes. We also use online tools where you will be asked to engage with your lecturers and classmates and reflect on your learning throughout the year. 

All academics have student support and feedback hours so you will have plenty of opportunities to speak to lecturers about the subject matter to increase your understanding. Alongside your lecturers, you will have a Personal Tutor during your Foundation Year, who will provide you with individual help, support, and advice, as necessary. We work hard to create an incredibly supportive environment where you will have the opportunity to flourish and be ready to progress onto courses where you will study with students from many different countries across the world. 

How will I be assessed?

For the Foundation Year will work mainly in seminar-style classes with around 25 students for at least 12 hours per week, which will equip you with the skills, knowledge and depth of understanding that you will need to continue learning independently between sessions. You will be assessed by a mix of examinations, presentations, group-work and coursework which are intended to give you diverse preparation for the types of assessments you will be given in your first year and beyond. 

Your support network

We take the wellbeing of our students very seriously. You will be allocated a personal tutor to support you throughout your degree with both academic and pastoral concerns. All faculty have student support and feedback hours when they can be approached to help if you wish to understand a topic better, or just want to discuss what you have learned. 

You could also get involved in The Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC). The SSLC are forums in which students can voice their opinions about their time at the University of Warwick and WBS, make suggestions for improvement in areas such as teaching and feedback, and work with WBS to enhance the experiences for the whole student body. Each course elects Course Representatives at the beginning of the academic year. You will be informed via my.wbs of how to get involved in the SSLC. You can find out more about the SSLC by reading our student blog.