Do I need to know about foundation years?
Maybe!
A foundation year (or Year 0) is a great way to get into university if:
- you don’t quite meet the entry requirements,
- you have a few gaps in your education history,
- or you didn’t study the required subjects at A level.
So if this sounds like you - listen up!
What is a foundation year?
A foundation year is basically an extra year stuck onto the front end of your degree course. The goal of a foundation year is to build and solidify the core skills you’ll need to be successful studying for a full degree.
It’ll also introduce you to the subject area of your full degree and you’ll get your first taste of the university teaching style with lectures, seminars, and practical sessions just like any other university course.
Typically, the end of your foundation year will lead straight into your full degree proper and at the same university, however, it is possible to transfer to a different uni or subject once you have completed your foundation year. If you did want to do this, you’d have to reapply with UCAS and use your foundation year as part of your application.
Foundation year vs foundation degree
URGENT: These two things are not the same!
As we’ve mentioned, a foundation year prepares you for degree study, but a foundation degree is actually a qualification all by itself! A foundation degree is the equivalent of the first two years of a typical three-year full degree course.
So don’t get them confused!
Will a foundation year reflect negatively on me?
Absolutely not! A foundation year shows that you are dedicated to improving your skills and education, and shows employers that you have the drive to succeed where others may give up! So don’t ever think a foundation year shows anything other than a fantastic student with fantastic ambitions.
How much do they cost?
Usually, foundation years cost the same as any other year of study at your chosen university. So that would be somewhere in the region of £9,250 for the year depending on your uni of choice.
Does the cost have to come out of my own pocket?
If you are eligible for student finance options, then your foundation year will be covered in the same way as any other year at university! Some universities will also offer special bursaries (where you don’t have to pay any money back) for foundation year students! So make sure you check out what financial support options your uni offers.
Where do I live during the year?
You’ll have exactly the same options as any other university student. So if you want to live in halls - great! If you want to live in private accommodation - that’s great too! Your student maintenance allowance won’t change because you’re studying a foundation year.
What happens at the end of the year?
Once you’ve passed your exams, you’ll simply move into year 1 of your degree!
Congrats, good luck, and go get em!
