UK Foundation Programmes

Preparing students for UK university degrees

Why Foundation Programme?

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UK foundation programmes at designed to prepare international students for bachelor degrees in the UK. They generally range between 6 to 8 months in duration. Studying a foundation programme in the UK is a great way to immerse yourself in a subject you are passionate about. It is an alternative route or a springboard into degree-level study at a world-class university in the UK.

Students generally specialise in the subject area they will study at university. A variety of streams is available in a foundation programme, from social studies and business management to biological science and sports therapy. 

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Access to university facilities

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Most UK foundation programmes are run on UK university campuses, providing students access to state-of-the-art facilities at the universities. Students have access to libraries, sports facilities, lecture theatres and classrooms and accommodation from day 1 like any other university students. It gives them the first-hand experience as a university student. This is also the major difference between studying on a foundation programme and at a sixth-form college. 

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Better Support for International Students

UK foundation programmes are designed specifically for overseas students, and includes English language, culture and study-skills support. The programmes also provide students with university-style teaching to prepare students for their degree. You will get to take part in tutorials, seminar-style classes and larger group lectures.

Time Saving

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Foundation programmes are no doubt the quicker route, with a shorter study duration that could propel you ahead of your A-Level peers by up to 1 year. However, this does translate to more hectic class schedules and shorter semester breaks. Expect to juggle frantically between lectures, assignments and perpetual class tests. 

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The standard duration for a UK foundation programme is approximately 8 months. Students with strong academic achievement can opt to do a shorter 6-month foundation whereas students who need more support in their English language ability can do a longer foundation programme that lasts around 1 year. 

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1-to-1 or 1-to-many Foundation Programme?

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There are two types of Foundation pathway students can choose from: 1-to-1 foundation and 1-to-many foundation.

A 1-to-1 foundation usually prepares students to progress to the specific university in which the foundation programme is being offered. It is a good choice if students know which university they are interested to attend or if they are aiming at a reasonably good ranking university because entry to Year 1 undergraduate degree is guaranteed as long as they meet the progression requirements. 

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One-to-Many foundation programmes cater to students who are wish to keep their options open. Students are able to apply to a broad selection of universities in the UK and Europe with a One-to-Many foundation programme. Examples are INTO London, INTO Manchester, Bellerbys College and CATS.

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Which universities accept and do not accept foundation programme students?

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Most UK universities today accept students from the UK foundation programme if the content of the foundation programme matches the pre-requisites required by the university and undergraduate degree. There are, however, a few exceptions, i.e. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London. University College London and London School of Economics. 

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Explore a good selection of international foundation programmes below to find one that suit your needs. 

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Canterbury