What is a foundation year

A foundation year is a preparatory year that some universities place before the degree. There is no single model. At one institution it may be tied to a particular degree. At another it is broader.

What it is for

People consider it when they want to change subject, when earlier study does not map directly, or when they want a year in which to rebuild a base. It can be a gentler start. It is not an automatic shortcut.

What it is not

It does not guarantee that you progress onto the degree. The university sets the progression rules: grades, attendance, modules. It also does not replace other routes, such as an Access to Higher Education course, where that exists and fits you.

What to ask

Ask what happens if you complete the year, what the progression conditions are, and whether the year fits your goal, not only whether it is available. Exact conditions differ between programmes.

If you want to compare types of route, the how it works page sets them out, without saying which one fits you.