WHAT IS A FOUNDATION YEAR?
See what academics and current students have to say about studying the Integrated Foundation Year. Plus, read answers to some commonly asked questions.
A Foundation Year is a year of study prior to the first year of your degree that will equip you with all the skills you need for successful undergraduate study. Our Integrated Foundation Year courses mean that you will be guaranteed a place on your chosen degree programme, provided you successfully meet the specified criteria.
There are many reasons students may choose to complete a Foundation Year, including (but not limited to!):
- You have not studied the A-Level subjects required for the course
- You do not expect to meet the minimum grade requirement for your course
- You have studied qualifications other than A-Levels
- You would like to enhance your academic skills before starting your degree
Yes, absolutely! You will not be treated any differently because you came through the Foundation Year pathway.
The only thing to consider is that with a Foundation Year and either a Master's or year in industry, your total degree time would be at least five years. That said, most students consider any extra time at university a bonus!
Unless you hold a separate offer for your course without a Foundation Year, you will not be able to simply start the first year of your degree, even if you meet the entry requirements.
No! It's a common misconception that the Foundation Year is an easier route onto an undergraduate degree, when the reality is that it's anything but! You will spend the year getting a solid grounding in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, ICT and Academic Skills.
Many students report that the Foundation Year is the hardest year of their degree, but the benefit of this is that they have a head start on university study when they enter first year.