While A Levels are seen as the traditional route to university for British students, this is not the only option. A foundation year can open the door to higher education for British students who may not possess the strong academic background required to succeed at A Level, or for those who have taken a short break from education for personal reasons.

Why should you choose a foundation year over A Level?

A foundation programme such as the UFP provides a supportive environment and acts as a stepping stone that bridges the gap between your GCSEs and university. While it is recognised as an A Level equivalent, a foundation year is a faster alternative route to university, that eases you back into an academic environment while providing access to a wide range of degree courses at over 90 universities.

Instead of committing to 2 years of study, a foundation programme is a one-year course. This is ideal for British students who may be disappointed with their A/AS Level results but are reluctant to repeat another 2 years studying.

What can you study?
On a foundation programme, you can choose to study a particular pathway that relates directly to your area of interest and desired degree subject. The pathway you will study will equip you with the fundamental knowledge required for your first year at university by providing a thorough introduction to each subject and allowing you to gain essential skills.

For example, if you’re a budding entrepreneur hoping to study an undergraduate degree in Business Management, you would embark on the Business and Finance pathway. If your goal is to become a pharmacist in the future, you would opt for the Science and Pharmacy pathway. Each pathway is clearly linked to university degree courses, so you can be reassured that you are studying relevant topics that will fully prepare you for your first year. See our full list of pathways here.

What qualifications do you need to join a foundation programme?
To join the UFP, you will need to have completed 5 GCSEs and achieved A-C in each. See the list of entry requirements here.