Alternative Entry Routes

Opening Up Degree Level Study

At Lincoln we understand that our applicants often have a wide range of qualifications and experience. To help them progress into higher education and achieve their goals, we offer a number of different entry routes to degree level study. Through our Foundation Year programmes and Certificates of Higher Education, we are opening pathways to those who may not meet the standard entry requirements for a degree.

Arts Foundation Year

The Arts Foundation Year at Lincoln is the first year of an integrated four-year degree programme which provides an alternative entry route on to a wide range of degree courses within the College of Arts, including Animation and Visual Effects; Architecture; Creative Advertising; Design for Event, Exhibition and Performance; Fashion; Fine Art; Graphic Design; Illustration; Interior Architecture and Design; Photography; and Product Design.

This programme of study adopts a dynamic interdisciplinary approach to learning, where all students follow the same curriculum and studying alongside one another, regardless of their degree specialism. It has been designed to enable students who perhaps need more time to adjust to degree-level study, are not sure which subject they want to pursue, achieved lower than expected grades, or are returning to education.

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Students at Lincoln

Foundation Degrees and Top-ups

The University of Lincoln offers a range of Foundation Degrees which combine academic study with work-based learning. Students who complete a Foundation Degree (FdSc or FdA) or Higher National Diploma (HND) qualification might then choose to continue with their studies through a Top-up degree.

Science Foundation Year

Our Science Foundation Year aims to prepare students for degree-level study, by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in science, healthcare, or engineering related subjects. The course is designed to open up an exciting world of opportunities within these disciplines for students who do not meet our standard entry requirements.

The course provides an alternative integrated entry route onto a wide range of degree-level programmes in the College of Science in the areas of Chemistry, Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physics, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. Students study a combination of core and subject specific modules as part of an integrated degree programme. The combination of modules studied is tailored to the needs of the degree programme that students wish to progress onto after successful completion of the foundation year.

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Certificate of Higher Education

As part of the University of Lincoln's commitment to widening participation, our Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) programmes offer an alternative route for applicants who have not quite achieved the requirements for direct entry onto their chosen degree programme.

Applicants successfully admitted onto a CertHE programme follow an identical curriculum to students enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate degree programme and have access to study skills support and a personal tutor.

Our CertHEs can be studied as a stand-alone award, although the majority of students who successfully pass the programme usually progress to a full degree programme.

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Media students undertaking group work

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree Apprenticeships combine working with studying part-time at university. Apprentices are employed throughout the programme, and spend part of their time at university and the rest with their employer. They offer an alternative to traditional degrees and have been developed in collaboration with employers and professional bodies to ensure they meet the specific needs of industry.

Contact Us

To discuss if your qualifications or experience might be suitable, or to enquire about an alternative form of entry, please contact our friendly Admissions Team.

Admissions Team: T: +44 (0)1522 886097 E: admissions@lincoln.ac.uk