Why you should consider a Foundation Year

If you're not sure about going to university or you're a mature student considering a return to education, a Foundation Year (FY) gives you the chance to experience studying a university course and gaining a degree.

Going to university is a big step. If you've been out of education for a few years, it can be a daunting prospect. For mature students in particular, there may be the added worry of whether university is really for you - will you have anything in common with your fellow students?

The development of the Foundation Year has opened doors for those who may have previously thought university wasn't an option, whether for academic or personal reasons, from school leavers to busy working parents. It can be seen as a stepping stone into the world of higher education (HE), particularly if you don't have the right qualifications to go straight onto your chosen degree programme.

What is a Foundation Year?

A Foundation Year gives you the opportunity to get an understanding of your field of interest before progressing to the full three-year degree. As well as subject knowledge, you'll get used to the HE environment and gain the skills needed for higher-level study. For example, at the University of Bedfordshire, initial sessions focus on career aspirations and opportunities; existing transferable skills; an introduction to your chosen subject; and developing your essay writing skills.

A variety of subjects can be studied with a Foundation Year and many degrees now offer this as an option. At the University of Bedfordshire, a large number of our courses provide an FY pathway. These include subjects areas such as:

• Business
• Computing
• Creative arts
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Life sciences
• Psychology
• Social sciences
• Sport science and physical activity

If you successfully complete the Foundation Year, you can progress immediately into the first year of a degree.

Who should take a Foundation Year?

A Foundation Year offers a supportive environment if you've been out of education for a few years and are nervous about embarking on a university degree.

For example, as a mature student you may be worried you'll be the only person over 25 in a room full of teenagers but this isn't the case. More mature students are going to university than ever before.

In fact, at the University of Bedfordshire, more than half of the student population is aged 21 or over. This presents you with a fantastic opportunity to mix with people with a shared interest.

Hear from student Tim Wright about how accessing the Foundation Year as a mature student helped build upon his previous experience and the way in which his social sciences team supported him to find his career direction.

What are the entry requirements?

If you're considering doing a Foundation Year, you shouldn't be put off because of a lack of formal qualifications.

Universities will look at your profile if you have work experience and a passion for your subject area, and advise you on whether they can accept you or let you know what else you need to do to start the course.

In terms of finance, students are currently eligible to take out student loans for the full four years of their degree with a Foundation Year. When applying to a university, be sure to ask about their available bursaries.

How will I progress onto my degree?

There are a number of different avenues that you can follow once you’ve completed a Foundation Year. If you have chosen to remain on the course you selected, and have successfully completed the Foundation Year, you will be automatically receive an invitation to enrol on the full degree programme.

Alternatively, you may start on a course but, during the Foundation Year, find yourself gravitating towards a different degree entirely. In this case, you need to discuss this with the course coordinator for the course you are interested in and, if they are happy for you to make the change, complete a course transfer form.

However, in some circumstances, a course transfer will not be sufficient. Anyone looking to move on to a professional course, especially within health care, will need to apply through UCAS once they have completed their Foundation Year.

Hear from Lynne Reynolds, Course Coordinator for Foundation Year in the School of Applied Social Sciences, about the different avenues you can follow once completing your Foundation Year.

What else do I need to know?

The Foundation Year is usually linked to the degree you'll progress on to. It allows you to meet with your peers in the year above so you'll know what to expect when you move onto a degree.

You're typically taught by tutors who will be with you throughout your degree. You also complete the type of assessments you'll be taking in subsequent years, preparing you for what's to come.

You get plenty of support in understanding how the Foundation Year works and what's needed to reach the required standard. What's more, you're a university student from the day you register, benefiting fully from the facilities and opportunities available to all students.