What is a foundation year? 

A foundation year at degree level in the UK prepares students for entry into a full undergraduate degree programme. 

Here are some of the ways it can prepare you and help you develop academically. 

Academic Preparation and Skill Development

A Foundation year provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills in your chosen field of study, bridging any educational gaps between A-Level and undergraduate-level study. A-levels are designed to give an overview and a basic level of knowledge in a subject, but a degree will delve much deeper and will cover more complex and specialist subjects. 

It also helps you to develop the essential academic skills and build the strong foundation of knowledge that you will need to complete your degree.

Students are given a lot more freedom in their studies at university, and time management and self-discipline become very useful tools to have in your repertoire. A foundation year will teach you skills that you may not have picked up during your time at secondary school. Critical thinking and analytic abilities, as well as the ability to complete detailed research, are all skills that will be required for undergraduate study but that you may not have relied on heavily during your previous years in education. 

Your lectures, seminars, workshops, or lab time may only account for up to 9 hours a week, but you will be expected to put in at least the same again in private study and wider reading. Self-discipline, time management, and organisational skills will be essential for private study. Taking a foundation year will help you to develop and build upon these skills setting you up for success in your academic pursuits. 

Confidence Building

A foundation year offers a supportive environment where you can gain confidence in your academic abilities and adjust to the demands of university life.

The difference between studying at A-Level and at the undergraduate level can be daunting for some students, especially if you did not achieve your predicted or required grades to accept your first choice university placement. A foundation year will allow you to work on these abilities and increase confidence in yourself as you do so. 

It will allow you to bridge gaps in your knowledge or skill set, meaning that you go into your first year of undergraduate study feeling more prepared, and with the confidence to partake in academic discussions and workshops which are an essential part of your education at university. 

Subject Familiarisation

A foundation year allows you to become familiar with the subjects you will study in greater depth during your degree, ensuring you are well-prepared for advanced coursework.

For example, studying A-level science is worlds away from studying medicine or microbiology. Undergraduate degrees cover much more complex and difficult topics than A-levels and you will need a strong overall knowledge and understanding of the subject before you begin. 

A foundation degree can also assist you in making a final decision about your full degree. Perhaps you know you want to complete a degree in English but aren’t sure if you’d like to add creative writing or history as a joint honours. A foundation degree in the arts can give you the time and knowledge to make an informed decision. 

Flexible Entry Route into University

A foundation year provides an alternative entry route for students who may have non-traditional qualifications or who have taken a break from education.

It can also be useful if you have been out of an academic environment for any amount of time, e.g. Taking a gap year to finance studies, not going to university straight after A-levels but choosing a few years later to attend, or choosing to go back to university ahead of a career change. 

Taking a foundation year can also be useful if you do not meet the standard entry requirements for your course. In fact, some universities may make this a condition of your offer. Don’t see this as a failure but rather a sign they can see your potential and want you to get the best from your education.

It is also a good option if you have changed your mind about your area of study. If you studied Maths and Biology at A-level but have now decided that you’d like to take a degree in History and English, then your A-level results will not be enough to get you into university to study that subject. A foundation year can assist with that, allowing you to make up any knowledge gaps ahead of your course change. 

Or perhaps you didn’t take A-levels but instead opted for a BTEC. This alone is unlikely to get you a university place on a purely academic course, but a foundation degree will act as a go-between and allow you to apply and be accepted. 

Check out the gov.uk website for level equivalents.

Does a foundation year look bad on my academic record?

Not at all. Completing a foundation year shows that you have taken the time to prepare yourself for an undergraduate degree. It means that you value your education and have bridged any gaps in your knowledge or skillset, putting you in a much stronger position to attend the university of your choice. 

Verdict

Overall, a foundation year is designed to ensure that students are fully equipped and ready to tackle the challenges of a full degree programme. It can also be a way to find out if university-level education is really for you and if the university you have chosen or the course you have chosen is the right fit. 

Whether you are being made to take a foundation year as part of your programme or have chosen to do so, it will give you a strong base from which to launch your academic career and equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed at university. It is not essential in all cases but can be invaluable for some students. 

If you want more hints, tips and advice on making that transition to university then take some time to check out our website today!

For more helpful tips for students read this post on How to Navigate a Virtual Open Day.