Extended Degrees
WHAT IS AN EXTENDED DEGREE?
Foundation Years at Northumbria are changing from September 2026, becoming ‘Extended Degrees’.
Every 3 or 4 year undergraduate course will have a corresponding Extended Degree, which includes an additional year of preparatory study.
This first year is designed to build your academic skills, subject knowledge, and confidence, setting you up for success.
With lower entry tariff points, Extended Degrees offer a more accessible and inclusive route into higher education.
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WHY STUDY AN EXTENDED DEGREE?
- Bridge the gap. Extended Degrees are ideal if your qualifications don’t directly match your chosen subject - they build the skills you need to progress.
- Build confidence. Gain the academic knowledge and experience to thrive from day one.
- Access Success. With lower entry requirements, Extended Degrees offer a more accessible route for UK and international applicants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The process of applying for an extended degree is largely the same as applying for a non-extended degree.
There may be additional requirements for some courses, such as portfolio guides or interviews, but these details are all outline on our course pages.
For information and guidance on how to apply to study with us, visit our UK Application Guide or our International Application Guide.
Our Extended Degree webpages will outline the entry requirements for each course.
Northumbria University accepts many qualifications types which can count towards your UCAS tariff points. View the UCAS Tariff Calculator to see if this includes your qualifications.
We are committed to supporting and welcoming high-quality students to study with us, from all backgrounds, therefore we use a range of flexible offer types to support students to access study at Northumbria. This may include a lower offer than our standard entry requirements and include: Contextual Offers, Aspirational Offers, Dual Offers, and Alternative programmes.
For as long as you study with us, you will have access to the on- and off-campus facilities here in Newcastle.
This includes:
- 24/7 Library
- Student Support Services
- Career Support Services
- Online learning resources
- Sports Facilities
- Students’ Union and Societies
… and much more.
Extended Degrees can be anywhere from 4 to 6 years long, depending on what course you study and whether you wish to take a placement/study abroad year. Each year you study with us will require a fee set by the Government for that academic year.
At Northumbria, we also offer financial support services and guidance for students on managing their money – from how to choose a student bank account, to navigating the cost of living.
Once you have progressed from your Level 3 studies, you may then be eligible to apply for one of our scholarships.
INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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