Sometimes things don’t go according to plan in life. College applications, papers, studying – months of anticipation and preparation. But what do you do if you find that your final exams didn’t go as you expected?
The foundation year, or ‘foundation year’, is an additional year of study at the beginning of a course of study for applicants who, for various reasons, do not qualify for direct entry into a bachelor‘s degree programme . It enables the student to acquire the specialised knowledge and skills required for higher education. From day one, the student is recognised as a full member of the community and has access to the university’s library and facilities. During this alternative route to university, foreign students also have the opportunity to improve their language skills. After completing such a year, it is possible to enter university in the normal way, without having to revise the baccalaureate.
The entry requirements at most universities are usually not difficult to meet. Usually, the required results are a few percent (5-10%) lower than those required for admission to a standard course. Very often, however, it is sufficient simply to have passed the baccalaureate or to have good grades on the school-leaving certificate.
Basic language skills are also required for entry into the Foundation year – depending on the requirements of the university, this may be supported by an IELTS or other certificate, or an English baccalaureate.
During Foundation Year you usually study at the university where you later gain your degree. You apply for a course of study that includes this year, e.g. “Engineering with Foundation Year”. You then do a 4-year course of study at a single university.
In some cases – e.g. arts-related courses – the study often takes place at a separate school, and you then have to apply for admission to university.
During Foundation year, you study subjects directly related to your chosen field of study, introductory university courses and English language. Most universities also provide subjects related to the development of critical thinking, reflective learning and effective study skills. Examples of classes in the preparatory year for business-related courses are: Introduction to Studying, Introduction to Accounting and Business Mathematics.
People who are unsure whether they want to go to university can use the zero year to gain an understanding of their area of interest and get used to the higher education mode.
The zero year differs from the standard academic year in terms of the number of classes, as more hours are needed to fill in the gaps in knowledge. During the standard academic year, approximately 15 hours per week are spent at the university, while during the zero year approximately 15-20 hours are spent.
The assessment system during the zero year is similar to that during the standard academic year and includes examinations, presentations, projects, essays and other written work. In order to successfully complete the Foundation year and transfer to a Bachelor’s degree programme, you will normally need to pass all modules and achieve the minimum required grade point average (this varies from university to university).
Successful completion of the zero year at the university ensures a place in the first year of the selected undergraduate courses. It is required to achieve a certain grade point average in credits and final examinations, usually 50-60%. For students with experience of the Polish education system, achieving this level is usually not difficult.
If the Foundation year is part of a degree programme (4-year course), tuition fees are paid. A student loan covers this year on the same basis as the other years of study. Some universities charge less for the zero year or offer additional scholarships. As a rule of thumb, Foundation year costs between £4,000 and £9,000.
Remember that a Foundation year is not the same as a Foundation Degree. A zero year allows you to start a standard undergraduate degree, whereas a Foundation Degree is a stand-alone qualification equivalent to a two-year diploma.
Increased chances of admission. Completion of Year Zero will give you a full qualification for entry to the university of your choice. The programme will provide you with a specific set of skills and the necessary knowledge, which will also make studying much easier.
The foundation degree for foreigners always includes language courses to help you communicate during your studies and in everyday life. This allows you to develop your skills enough to meet the requirements for admission to university.
Year zero allows you to get to know your chosen university directly and see if it is the right place for you. Unlike your gap year, which you will use to study at home and improve your matriculation, during Foundation you can get to know the lecturers and students, which will help you decide on your next steps.
Many international students, despite meeting the requirements for university admission, opt for a zero year to better prepare themselves for the start of their studies. This is a preparatory period in which you get to know the campus, the university, the lecturers and other students. It also helps to reduce the culture shock of starting your studies proper and allows you to then focus solely on your studies.
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Our specialists are there for you at every stage of the recruitment process – from choosing your course of study, to completing applications, to pre-departure organisational issues. Whether you need help with the UCAS platform, completing documents or have questions about student life in England, with PL Recruitment the whole application process will be easier and less stressful.
Contact PL Recruitment, and we’ll help you make your dream of studying abroad a reality!