Law Foundation Year

Our one-year, full-time Law Foundation Year equips you with essential legal knowledge, preparing you to progress onto a degree in one of our law programmes.

What you will study

Students in library

Please note: the course content is currently under review for entry from 2026 onwards, with the review expected to be completed by April 2026.

The Law Foundation Year provides an interdisciplinary introduction to:

  • Law
  • Criminology
  • International Relations. 

Designed to give you a strong grounding in key concepts and frameworks, the course equips you with the skills to apply knowledge to real-world legal and social challenges.

You’ll explore contemporary issues such as inequality, power, and identity through case studies, fieldwork, and collaborative projects, connecting theory to practice. The programme also focuses on developing career-ready skills, including critical thinking, research, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while fostering resilience and reflective practice.

By the end of the year, you will be prepared for advanced study and ready to engage confidently with complex legal, social, and global issues.

All foundation year modules can be viewed on your degree page under ‘Course Structure’.

The foundation year created an environment where I really felt I belonged at university. I had always struggled to find my footing and feel ‘good enough’ in academic settings, and I’m not sure how well I would have performed in my undergraduate studies without it. The foundation year helped ease me into university life, and I’m extremely grateful for the strong start it gave me. Law with Foundation Year student

Teaching and learning

The Foundation Year combines formative learning with real-world application. Through group discussions, quizzes, peer reviews, and interdisciplinary projects, you will build confidence while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Tutorials provide additional support in professional skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and time management.

Taught by a team of expert lecturers, you will gain essential academic skills – including written and oral communication, referencing, and data analysis – while applying legal knowledge to practical challenges. This hands-on approach prepares you for academic success and equips you for a future career in law and related fields.

The Law Foundation Year teaching team are:

All foundation students are assigned a personal tutor to support you while you study.   

Day-to-day learning 

Your learning on the Law Foundation Year is interactive, engaging, and practical, designed to help you develop both knowledge and essential skills:

  • Active learning: Take the initiative in exploring questions, building research skills, and refining your abilities in presentation and self-reflection.
  • Innovative teaching: Experience subjects through debates, simulations, and client interview roleplay. You’ll engage in lectures, group tutorials, projects, and external visits, applying theory to real-world challenges.
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Work on group projects to develop leadership, communication, and analytical skills while collaborating with peers in a supportive environment.

This hands-on approach ensures you gain a deep understanding of the subject while building the practical skills needed to succeed academically and professionally.  

Assessment

Our assessments are designed to help you apply knowledge to real-world challenges while developing critical thinking, communication, and practical skills. Through tutorials, peer reviews, class discussions, and real-world simulations, you’ll receive continuous feedback to refine your work, build confidence, and enhance research and presentation abilities.

Structured progressively, assessments link theory to practice and emphasise assessment for learning, preparing you for advanced study and future professional success in a supportive, reflective environment.

The course has been fantastic! It’s obvious how much effort has gone into making it both supportive and engaging, helping students settle into university and really enjoy learning. You’re doing an amazing job - thank you! Law with Foundation Year student
University of Surrey students looking at devices
My foundation year equipped me with the confidence and skills I needed to succeed in my undergraduate studies. Foundation years are often misunderstood as being for those who struggle academically, but people pursue them for many different reasons. For me, it was about building confidence in my abilities – and that experience gave me the boost I needed to perform at my best during my degree. Law with Foundation Year student

Explore our courses

Visit our course pages for more information on the Law with Foundation Year, including: 

  • Module details
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees and funding
  • How to apply.

Contact us