Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education University Foundation Certificate
Gain the skills and confidence required to join an Edge Hill University degree on a free 7-week course that is ideal if you are returning to study or seeking to enhance your subject knowledge and skills.
Overview
| Course length: | 1 week preparation and 6 weeks full-time |
|---|---|
| Start dates: | June 2026 November 2026 |
| Location: | Edge Hill University |
| Subject(s): | The Foundation Centre |
| Faculty: | Education |
| Department: | The Foundation Centre |
This course is offered free of charge to UK home students.
Fastrack is aimed at students 21 and over ( If you are under the age of 21 please contact us via [email protected] to discuss your options).
Fastrack is a free, intensive, seven-week preparation for higher education programme for adults. Consisting of one week of preparation and six weeks of full-time study, it is designed to enhance your subject knowledge, introducing you to key elements in your chosen degree subject. Fastrack also takes the fear out of academic study by training you in essential skills such as academic reading and writing, note-taking, revision techniques and an introduction to IT.
Successful completion of this Fastrack course will enable you to be considered for a place on a degree in your chosen subject at Edge Hill University, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria for the relevant programme, although places on specific degrees are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
What you'll study
This Fastrack course comprises two strands, one of which is related to your subject choice while the other focuses on study skills training.
The subject you study on Fastrack will have a close link to the degree that you progress onto but may not match it exactly. For example, you can study Biology as your Fastrack subject and progress onto a degree in Biology or related areas such as Biomedical Science, Ecology and Conservation, Genetics, and Plant Science.
Whichever Fastrack subject you choose, you will receive guidance in essay writing, taking and arranging notes, reading effectively, report writing, presentation skills, time management, working in groups, action planning, reflective writing and confidence building.
You will also gain an introduction to ICT covering basic IT awareness, using University systems, word processing and developing visual presentations.
How you'll study
Teaching is through lectures, tutorials, small group work and practical sessions. You will be allocated a personal tutor and have access to a wide range of services and facilities, including the University library, computer hardware and software, ICT/Internet access and media facilities.
You can expect to be in University from 10am until 3pm, Monday to Friday. There will be morning and afternoon sessions with a one-hour break for lunch.
How you'll be assessed
You will be assessed through assignments, projects and coursework. You must also achieve a minimum attendance threshold of 90%.
There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.
Who will be teaching you
The programme is delivered by a team of tutors who are experienced in teaching and supporting adults returning to education.
Entry criteria
Formal entry qualifications are not typically required to join this Fastrack course. However, if you are educated to GCSE standard this would be beneficial. If you can show that you are committed to studying for a degree and demonstrate the skills and potential, for example through relevant work/life experience, then we will offer you a place. An interview forms part of the selection process.
Fastrack is aimed at applicants who have been out of compulsory, full-time education or training for at least three years and do not hold relevant Level 3 academic qualifications but have significant relevant work or voluntary experience (or can demonstrate appropriate transferrable skills). Transferable skills may include but are not limited to: time management, managing people, researching, writing essays/reports, problem solving and worked experience within the chosen field of study. Successful completion of Fastrack will enable you to progress directly onto a range of Level 4, undergraduate degrees at Edge Hill University from the available progression routes.
Applicants who have not been out of compulsory, full-time education or training for at least three years and hold fewer than 54 UCAS points can also be considered for Fastrack. Successful completion of the course would enable these students to progress directly onto a Foundation Year Programme at Edge Hill University.
This Fastrack course is not available to international students who would require a visa to study on their degree course.
To progress onto study the BSc (Hons) Secondary Mathematics Education with QTS degree, an AS Level (or equivalent) in Mathematics is required.
Applicants to Fastrack initial teacher training, Nursing and Operating Department Practice subjects would also benefit from having some experience in a relevant setting, demonstrated through employment, volunteering or observation. In addition to this, you should possess an awareness of your chosen career pathway and have a strong interest in your chosen sector.
Depending on the degree you wish to study on successful completion of Fastrack, additional progression criteria may apply which must be satisfied before a place on your intended degree can be confirmed.
Progression routes and criteria
If you are offered a place on the Fastrack course, you will be classed as holding a conditional offer for the degree you wish to progress onto.
Progression to all available routes will be conditional upon:
- Successful completion of the relevant Fastrack pathway.
- Meeting the 90% attendance criteria for the course. You are expected to attend all timetabled sessions. Students falling below 90% attendance may be asked to leave the Fastrack course.
- Securing a recommendation of progression from your tutors on completion of the Fastrack course. This will take into consideration all aspects of your work, commitment and engagement with the course.
Some potential progression routes will stipulate additional entry requirements which must also be met, such as securing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure or demonstrating physical fitness.
Fastrack progression criteria are listed on a course-by-course basis below. If the degree you will be progressing onto is not listed, no additional requirements currently apply, other than successful completion of the Fastrack course, though this is always subject to possible change. You should disregard the entry criteria listed on the actual course pages if you are progressing to the course via the relevant Fastrack subject.
Where GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics and/or GCSE Science are required, at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent), Edge Hill University offers equivalency programmes, including revision courses and standalone tests, which allow you to demonstrate that you satisfy these additional criteria.
Please note that satisfying the competency in written English requirement to join the Fastrack course does not replace the need for GCSE English Language if it is stipulated for progression onto your chosen degree below.
We reserve the right to request a reference in some instances. For example, where an applicant is studying on another course, still eligible for compulsory education, or an additional reference is required for professional courses.
BSc (Hons) Accounting
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Biology
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Biotechnology
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
BSc (Hons) Computing
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
BA (Hons) Creative Writing
- Following your application, a small portfolio of writing will be required.
BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
- GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Games Development
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
BA (Hons) Geography
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Geography
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Geology with Physical Geography
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
BSc (Hons) Global Infectious Disease
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
FdSC Nursing Associate
- GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
- Fitness to Practice: Medical Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
- GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
- Fitness to Practice: Medical Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disabilities)
- GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
- Fitness to Practice: Medical Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
- GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
- Fitness to Practice: Medical Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Health
-
Experience in a relevant Science area.
BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice
- GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
- Fitness to Practice: Medical Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
BA (Hons) Primary Early Years Education with QTS (3-7)
- GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics.
- Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (5-11)
- GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics.
- Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (SEND)
- GCSE English Language, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics.
- Fitness to Teach: Declaration of Health Questionnaire.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure (if not obtained prior to joining, or while studying, the Fastrack course).
BSc (Hons) Psychology
- GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical and Health Perspectives
- GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Educational Perspectives
- GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sport and Exercise Perspectives
- GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Perspectives
- GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy).
BA (Hons) Social Work
- GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent, including Level 2 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy);
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure.
- Fitness to Practice: Medical Questionnaire.
BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
- GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Please note, for the purposes of admission to Department of Computer Science programmes, a Level 2 Numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.
Next Steps
To meet any offer conditions for progression from Fastrack to a degree, other than successful completion of the Fastrack course, a brief summary of the next steps is provided below.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure – we will contact you before the start of your degree with details of how to apply for the police clearance which is required for all courses that involve working with children or vulnerable adults.
- GCSEs – if you have not already provided your GCSE (or equivalent) certificates to demonstrate you meet the stipulated requirements, you should send the original certificates to the Admissions Office immediately. If you don’t have the required qualifications, you can complete an equivalency programme. We recommend booking onto and sitting the equivalency test(s) prior to Fastrack where possible.
- Fitness to Teach or Practice – in line with the requirements of the relevant professional body in respect of physical and mental fitness, we will send you a medical questionnaire which you should complete and return to our Occupational Health provider.
All offer conditions must be met by 31 August, prior to a course starting in September, or it may not be possible for you to fully enrol and could impact on your eligibility to receive student finance.
How to apply
Please visit our Fastrack pre-application page for further information on how to apply.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
Discover our accommodation
Facilities
Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Edge Hill University campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment.
Everything you could want is on one site, from fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise, more than 2,300 rooms in halls of residence, and 60 acres of sport and leisure facilities.
There is also a University library which stocks around 200,000 items, including books, journals, e-resources and multimedia. In addition, you can access PCs, laptops, software and assistive technologies. Dedicated support is available for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD).
Finance
Tuition fees
UK Full-Time
Free of charge
for the course
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may also be eligible to join the Fastrack course free of charge.
Financial support
We may be able to assist you with funding, which you will not need to pay back, while you are enrolled on the Fastrack course.
This includes financial contributions towards travel expenses, childcare costs and/or accommodation fees (if you live some distance from the University and wish to stay in our halls of residence, subject to availability). Eligibility criteria apply.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
Preparation for Higher Education scholarship
Upon successful completion of Fastrack, you may be eligible to apply for the Preparation for Higher Education Scholarship before progressing onto your chosen degree (from the progression route list).
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support.
Your degree progression
Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education is designed to equip you, in just seven weeks, with the skills and knowledge required to study on an Edge Hill University degree or foundation degree in a selected subject area. The specific programme(s) you may be eligible to progress onto will be determined by the Fastrack subject you choose.
There are range of foundation year routes available following completion of the Fastrack programme. For full details, please visit STEM Foundation Year and Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Foundation Year.
Progression for Fastrack students onto either an undergraduate degree or the Foundation Year programme may be subject to review by the programme team. You will be directed to the most appropriate progression pathway based on individual achievement on Fastrack.
Depending on the degree you wish to apply for, additional progression criteria may also apply. Some potential progression routes, for example, including initial teacher training programmes and Psychology degrees, stipulate that you must have GCSE English, GCSE Mathematics and/or GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). If you do not already have these GCSEs, Edge Hill University offers equivalency tests.
Some degrees will also require you to undergo DBS Enhanced Disclosure prior to progressing onto the course. For other subjects, DBS Enhanced Disclosure is not required in order to undertake the Fastrack course but may be required to progress to your preferred degree. Further information will be supplied to you at the relevant time.
You can view the standard entry criteria for each degree, which includes details of DBS Enhanced Disclosure where required, by consulting our A-Z of courses.
You should also be aware that this Fastrack course is designed to enable progression onto a degree at Edge Hill University and may not be accepted by other institutions.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
