Keele University - Confused about Foundation Year entry requirements.

I am wondering why are the entry requirements for Keele University's foundation year so high (120 UCAS tariff points)?

When researching other universities, their entry requirements are nowhere near 120 UCAS tariff points for foundation year entry.

It states on their website, their foundation year is suited for the following:

- You have non-traditional qualifications.
- Don’t have the grades for direct entry at degree level.
- Are returning to education following a break.
- Are returning to education as a mature student.
- Wish to study a new subject you have no prior knowledge of; or are
Simply unsure about whether to commit to three years of full-time study and want to get a feel for what university study and life might be like upfront.

I am a mature student. I was shortlisted for an interview. I had the interview and the next day I received an offer for my degree starting at foundation year, however, it was a conditional one - 120 UCAS tariff points.
I put all my current grades on my application, and explained in the interview I am a mature student and not awaiting any results for 2024 September start.

I have contacted the university's admissions team and they are investigating it. Perhaps it was just an admin error, however if I do not get a place now I am very confused. I passed the interview (minus the 120 UCAS tariff points condition), explained my situation in the interview, and I fit the category of ''mature student without the grades for direct entry at degree level.''

For reference I do have 8 GCSE grades including:
GCSE Mathematics: B
GCSE Double Award Science: B/C
GCSE English: C

Also:
72 UCAS tariff points from A Levels in 2012 in Environmental Studies, Geography, Mathematics (My uni course needs a Science subject).

My grades were predicted a lot higher for both GCSE and A Level, however due to serious personal circumstances these were not attained.

I am slightly worried as if it is an admin error - that doesn't look too good for the university. Conversely, I am also worried if I now do not get a place, their foundation year entry requirements contradicts what the foundation stage is for.

Sorry for the long-winded question / explanation 🙂

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 1

McGinger

Email Keele admissions, or better still, go to their Uni Open Day and ask them
- Undergraduate open days - Keele University

Reply 2

Saraa B

Original post by McGinger

Email Keele admissions, or better still, go to their Uni Open Day and ask them
- Undergraduate open days - Keele University

I am waiting for the admissions team to get back to me, but wondered if anyone on here had a similar experience / know why the entry requirements for foundation entry is so high.