What Is a Foundation Year? Foundation Year Courses in London for Adults Returning to Study
A foundation year is a year-long entry course for an undergraduate degree, designed for students who have been out of education for an extended period or have not achieved the grades required to start year one of their programme. The year provides you with an academic and subject-level foundation to ensure you begin year one ready to study at degree level.
We’re the UK College of Business and Computing (UKCBC), an adult learner specialist college in Central London. Below we’ve provided our guide on foundation years, including how foundation year courses in London work for mature students and adult learners.
Who Is a Foundation Year For?
At UKCBC, we’ve seen first-hand how useful a foundation year is for adult learners in London, whether you missed your A-level grades or are returning to education after a significant break. The year allows you to reacclimatise to the challenges of academia. During the year, lecturers support you in developing the skills needed for success, including notetaking, critical thinking, and formal academic writing.
What Will I Study During a Foundation Year?
Although foundation year syllabuses change based on the course they provide entry for, there are a number of core themes that run through each. You can expect to study a personalised learning module that asks you to reflect on your academic skills and address any gaps in your knowledge.
Another core module is study skills, which teaches you how to read critically, present an argument, and evaluate information for use in assignments.
In addition, the foundation year will include modules specific to the subject, such as an Introduction to Business (for a business degree) and an Introduction to Software Development (for a computing degree).
The number of modules studied during the foundation year varies from one institution to another. Our foundation year courses in London include 6 modules over the year, while other institutions have 4.
Foundation Year vs Normal Degree: What’s the Difference?
So what’s the difference between a three-year degree and a degree with a foundation year? A degree with a foundation year in London includes an extra year of study designed to bring you up to speed with degree-level academia, but you finish with the same degree.
The degree with foundation year certificate will be identical to that received by students who complete the three-year degree, with ‘Integrated Foundation Year’ mentioned only on the course transcript.
Foundation Year Progression: What Happens After the Year?
If you successfully complete the foundation year, you will move onto year one of your chosen degree at the start of the next academic year.
Those who do not pass the foundation year will unfortunately not move onto year one of the degree. These students may be able to apply at other institutions and start a new foundation year.
Does a Degree With a Foundation Year Cost More?
If you choose the foundation year entry route, you will have to pay for an extra year of tuition fees, so yes, a degree with a foundation year will cost more. However, tuition fees for foundation year programmes are often less than the full degree (our foundation year tuition fee is £4,000 less than year one of its respective degree). It’s worth remembering that tuition fee loans via Student Finance England can be used for both the foundation year and the three-year degree for students based in England (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have different funding bodies). Further funding via the maintenance loan is also available for the foundation year (along with the three-year degree).
It’s worth noting that there are extra funding channels open for adult learners depending on circumstances. Students with children, and students with adult dependants, can apply for extra funding that often helps lessen the financial strain of studying.
Is a Foundation Year Worth It for Me?
“I chose to study a degree with a foundation year because I wanted to build my confidence, strengthen my academic skills, and prepare myself for university-level study.
The foundation year was really helpful because it gave me a strong starting point and helped me develop skills in research, academic writing, and referencing. It made the transition into my degree much easier and gave me the confidence to continue progressing to my Master’s in MSc International Business Management.
Looking back, I’m really glad I took that route because it helped me build a solid foundation for my education and future career goals.”
Seher, BSc Human Resource Management Graduate
If you’re returning to education after a significant break, then yes, a foundation year is definitely worth considering. It offers a gradual foundation year pathway back into education that may suit those looking to refresh their academic skills before jumping into a degree.
Similarly, if you didn’t achieve the grades for direct entry to year one of a degree, then a foundation year is a great option for entry to a specific course, although alternative access routes are available, including Access to HE Diplomas.
However, if you’ve been out of education for just a few years and have the grades required for direct entry, a foundation year is likely not needed.
Talking to a course or careers advisor about your previous experience of education, what qualifications you’ve achieved, and your future plans can provide the context needed to make the right decision for you. Contact our team today to discuss whether a foundation year might be the right entry option for you.
Foundation Year Entry Requirements
To enrol on a foundation year, you will need to meet a set of minimum requirements that include grades at level 3, as well as minimum grades at GCSE level (or equivalent). Here’s a typical set of foundation year entry requirements:
- 72 UCAS points (D, D, D at A level)
- BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
- Access to HE Diploma
- T-Levels (Pass or higher)
- GCSE English and Maths (grade 9–4 / A*–C) or Level 2 equivalents
Many institutions allow adult learners (21+) without the required qualifications to apply using relevant work experience. These applicants should expect interviews and English language tests to support such applications.
International Qualifications and Foundation Years
Qualifications achieved from outside the UK often use different accreditation frameworks, which can mean such qualifications are not directly equivalent to a UK level 3. In this case, such qualifications cannot be used for direct entry to a degree but can be used for entry to a foundation year.
Foundation Year Courses in London
If you’re interested in studying a degree but don’t have the necessary qualifications for entry, have been away from education for an extended period, or you’re an international student with qualifications that don’t match the UK’s accreditation framework, a foundation year might be the ideal choice for you. At the UK College of Business and Computing (UKCBC), we offer foundation year courses in London from our central campus, with a route into higher education for mature students and anyone returning to study. Contact the UKCBC course advisor team today to discuss your options and your career goals, and to find out if we can help you.