Foundation in Humanities

Research Project

This module gives you the chance to do independent research on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll gain the key skills you need to succeed as a university student, as you create, manage and complete your own research project. You’ll have one-to-one guidance  from an expert academic supervisor in your chosen subject area who will support you to shape your research from your initial ideas through to your completed project. 

Nation and Identity

What is a nation? Do nations develop through shared language or the history of a people? Are they about laws and governance, or habits and customs? In this module, you’ll get to grips with core themes from Humanities subjects, including: 

• Philosophy
• Religious Studies
• History
• English Literature 
• English Language.

You’ll develop a strong understanding of the concepts of a nation (including elements such as borders and national identity) and its challenges.

Theatre Styles and Contexts

In this module, you’ll examine theatre in the spotlight - and gain a range of theatrical skills. You’ll question the false difference between performance in practice and performance theory. You’ll explore a range of key performance ideas, including how to stage expressionist theatre or draw on rehearsal techniques for naturalist performance. You’ll gain firm knowledge of theatrical forms and approaches to performance, such as: 

• naturalism
• performing modernist political theatre
• melodrama
• staging and lighting.

You’ll also pay attention to your own actions as you learn, enhancing your knowledge of theatrical skills.  

Eastern Religious Philosophies

What can philosophies and religions teach us about being human? In this module, you’ll immerse yourself in key themes of Eastern religions, including the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. You’ll gain a core understanding of the philosophical foundations of different religious traditions. 

Global Issues

What is ‘global politics’? What do we mean by ‘international relations’? And how do our personal values affect our understanding of politics and historical events? In this module you’ll explore the global challenges we face, and how they are understood by different groups. You’ll examine issues like power structures and global conflict. And you’ll come to understand how these issues impact societies and the environment we live in.

Introduction to International Development

Why do poor people stay poor? Does a country need to industrialise in order to develop? Does population growth help or hinder development? These are the kinds of questions you’ll confront as you explore key issues in the field of international development. You’ll identify the factors that cause poverty in countries defined as ‘less developed’. You’ll look at possible escape routes from poverty and low levels of economic development. We’ll encourage you to draw on your own knowledge and experience where possible in evaluating the policies around development.

Modern British Art

In this module, you’ll dive into art and artists through the century - from the Camden Town Group, to Modernists like Barbara Hepworth and Pop Artists like Peter Blake. You’ll examine paintings, sculptures and films as you discuss how British artists tried to create modern forms of expression. You’ll also investigate the ways they promoted their work, like:

• exhibitions
• manifestos
• books
• little magazines.

You’ll enjoy on-site visits, where you’ll examine works of art firsthand. You’ll also attend exciting lectures and seminars where you’ll explore your ideas and enrich your understanding of modern British art.

Young Children's Outdoor Learning

In this module, you’ll explore how young children learn through play. You’ll also discover how adults plan exploration and play for children in outdoors environments. You’ll get to grips with two key areas: 

• maintaining good provisions and interactions in an early years outdoors area
• teaching and learning through the Forest School approach. 

You’ll look at how children and adults interact in a variety of situations. You’ll also gain core knowledge of health and safety training, as you study issues such as: 

• children as risk-takers
• off-site travel
• maintaining a safe environment.

You’ll develop core analytical skills as you explore how research and the government affect children’s outdoor learning.