Foundation Year Degrees
Some foundation years also start in January, if you need a route into Year 1.
Foundation year guideJanuary Intake 2027
January Intake 2027 Start University in January at a Partner University
You do not have to wait until September to start a degree. Some of our partner universities and colleges also start courses in January and February. If you have decided to go to university this year, or you missed the September deadlines, a January start could save you most of a year. Applications for the January/February 2027 intake are open now.
- Applications open now
- Partner universities and colleges
- Free to students
- London, Birmingham or WhatsApp
The Basics
Can You Start University in January?
Yes, on courses that offer it. Most UK undergraduate courses start in September, but some universities and colleges run a second intake in January or February. People often call it the January intake or the winter intake.
Is it the same degree?
Yes. You study the same course, are taught to the same standard and graduate with the same award as students who started in September. What changes is the calendar. Some January courses teach through the summer so you keep pace, while others finish a few months later than a September start. We tell you which applies before you apply.
Fewer courses, so plan early
Fewer courses start in January than in September, and the ones that do can fill before their deadline. Your advisor checks which courses on your shortlist run the 2027 intake.
How you apply
Many January courses take applications directly through the university or college rather than through UCAS. That can make the process quicker, but each institution has its own form and deadline, so it helps to have someone keep track of them with you.
Worth knowing We only help with applications to our partner universities and colleges, so we will always tell you which January courses we can support.
Is It Right for You?
Who a January Start Suits
A January start works well for some people. For others, waiting until September gives more choice.
A January Start Often Suits You If
- You decided to go to university after the September deadlines had passed
- You want to start this academic year rather than wait
- You are changing career and want to begin as soon as you can
- You need a few more months to sort out work or childcare before you start
- You would rather apply directly than through UCAS
September May Suit You Better If
- The course you want only starts in September
- You want the widest choice of universities and subjects
- You still need time to get the documents or qualifications you need
- You would prefer to start with the largest group of new students
Not sure which intake to aim for?
Tell us what you want to study and when you could start. We will check which partner courses run in January 2027 and whether a September start would give you better options.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Step by Step
How to Apply for the January 2027 Intake
The same advisor works with you from the first conversation until you enrol.
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Free consultation
Talk to an advisor in Wood Green, in Birmingham, by phone or on WhatsApp about what you want to study and when you can start.
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Shortlist January courses
We find the partner courses that start in January or February 2027 and fit your subject, location and timetable.
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Check entry requirements
We go through what each course asks for, including GCSE English and maths, and whether a foundation year would suit you better.
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Prepare your application
We help you write your personal statement, choose a referee and gather your certificates, ID and proof of status.
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Apply and follow up
You submit your application with our support. We help you prepare for any interview or admissions conversation and keep track of replies.
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Offer and enrolment
Once you have an offer, we help you accept it, finish enrolment and get ready for your first day.
Timing
When to Apply for a January Start
Each partner university and college sets its own deadline for January 2027, and popular courses can close early once they are full. The safest plan is to speak to us in the autumn, which leaves time to gather documents and write your personal statement without rushing.
What to have ready
- Your qualification certificates, or details of where they came from if you cannot find them
- Photo ID, and proof of your immigration status if it applies to you
- The name of someone who could act as your referee, such as an employer or tutor
- A rough idea of the subject you want to study
If a deadline is too close for a good application, we will say so and help you plan for the next intake instead.
Our promise Your advisor confirms the exact dates for each course you apply to.
Related Guidance
More Help Before You Apply
Mature Learner Pathways
Starting university at 21 or over, with or without A-Levels.
Mature student guideDomestic Student Advisory
How home fee status works, and which documents prove it.
Home student guideUniversity Applications
UCAS or direct entry, personal statements and references.
Application guideJanuary Intake Questions
What people ask us most about starting university in January.
Yes, on courses that offer a January or February start. There are fewer of them than September courses, so it is worth checking early. We can tell you which of our partner courses run the January 2027 intake.
Yes. You study the same course and graduate with the same award. Only the timetable is different.
Usually not. Many January courses take applications directly through the university or college. A few use UCAS. We confirm the route for each course on your shortlist.
Each university and college sets its own, and some courses close early once they are full. Speak to us as soon as you can and we will give you the dates for the courses you are interested in.
It depends on the course. Some January courses teach through the summer so you finish alongside the September group. Others finish a few months later. We check this before you apply.
Yes, on some courses. If you do not have the qualifications for Year 1, ask us which January foundation years are available.
Some partner programmes teach on set days or offer evening or weekend sessions. It varies by course, so tell us about your week and we will look for options that fit.
Thinking About a January Start?
Tell us what you want to study and we will check which partner courses start in January 2027. The advice is free.
Prefer to call? 0752 0653 470